Dear Aleksandar, what inspired you to pursue a career in project management within the construction industry?

After gaining hands-on experience on construction sites and in production, I wanted a role that combines technical expertise, process management, and sales within the construction sector. I have always been interested in product development and structured workflows. Being naturally curious with a broad range of interests, I realized that Xella Croatia offers the perfect environment to stay connected with industry trends, innovative building technologies, and to collaborate with all key stakeholders.

Why did you choose Xella? What were your experiences before, and how do they benefit you today?

My relationship with Xella Croatia developed gradually, growing stronger as I advanced within the company and gained knowledge and experience through daily work.

Before joining, I knew very little about autoclaved aerated concrete or Xella’s operations in the local and regional markets. However, as I delved deeper into the subject after starting, I discovered the breadth of opportunities and realized this was the right path for me. With the support of colleagues and managers, I continued to grow professionally. From seeing my personal effort reflected in company results to gaining real-world experience working with diverse teams, expanding technical knowledge, learning on-site, attending additional training, speaking at public events, and collaborating with organizations that promote sustainable construction.

You’ve been involved in many aspects of construction projects from client solutions to technical support. Which part of your work do you enjoy the most?

What I enjoy most is the continuous interaction with investors and architects who value our expertise and want to leverage it. The most rewarding part is seeing the entire process unfold, from the initial contact with the investor to the signing of the contract and the successful completion of the construction. Nothing compares to receiving a message of appreciation from a satisfied client after they’ve moved into their new home.

How do you stay motivated when managing complex projects with many moving parts?

My motivation comes from a strong desire for progress and excellence. I never settle for average. Growing up with a background in competitive individual sports, where wins and losses were part of daily life, taught me resilience and the importance of personal effort. If I don’t fully commit to what I’m focused on, the result will be average at best and I’ve never been satisfied with average.

That’s why I approach every challenge with the same determination to give my best, regardless of the outcome.

What personal qualities do you think help you succeed in your role at Xella?

There is no secret formula for success in work or life that isn’t already known. It all comes down to personal integrity, a strong work ethic, ambition, and gratitude.

What has been the most rewarding project you’ve worked on so far?

Several projects stand out in my Ytong career, but one in particular was especially rewarding. Recently, an investor from our very first construction service project reached out after successfully passing the technical inspection and obtaining the occupancy permit. He thanked us for the excellent cooperation and well-executed work, adding that we were a pleasant surprise throughout the entire construction process and that he would like to stay in touch.
Receiving such feedback after two years of guiding the investor gives us strength and confirms that we are doing a great job.
 
Also, every positive reaction from a client or the satisfaction that comes directly from the work we’ve done gives me a boost and motivates me to perform even better and with greater dedication. These kinds of responses happen almost daily, and they are what keep me moving forward.

How do you balance the technical and client-facing sides of your job?

The key is to explain the technical aspects of what we offer in a way that is clear and understandable to the client. This is the essence of technical sales. During a meeting or phone call, I quickly assess the client’s level of technical knowledge and their needs, then adapt the conversation accordingly to present exactly what they are looking for and close the deal.

Can you characterize your role in Construction Services? What are the main challenges in this area and how do you see its development in your local market?

When we launched construction services in Croatia, I was involved in setting up and implementing the processes, with the freedom to shape and guide them in the right direction. From the start, we sought a model that would best fit our market and local construction practices. The first projects brought the most challenges, requiring adjustments in how we worked with contractors compared to previous approaches.
The project I mentioned earlier was completed successfully despite initial hurdles, exceeding expectations and leaving the investor satisfied. Since then, we’ve had both successful and less successful projects, but each one taught us something and helped us refine our processes.
Today, two years later, our processes are stable, we know the path we want to follow, and we are continuing to grow positively. My current role focuses more on offering Xella solutions and contracting construction services, while my colleague takes over site management and coordination until completion.
As the first distributor of building materials in the market to offer construction services, our goal is to further develop and improve our processes, build a large network of subcontractors to cover the entire market, and strengthen marketing efforts so more clients become aware of our services—ultimately increasing the number of contracted and completed projects.

What drives you personally when it comes to continuous learning and following industry trends?

Curiosity. I’ve always been curious. From an early age, I was taking things apart and putting them back together, much to my parents’ frustration. Whatever sparked my interest, I studied in detail—and that’s exactly what happened with autoclaved aerated concrete.
My master’s thesis focused on autoclaved aerated concrete and the use of Ytong construction systems in high-rise buildings, specifically a student dormitory in Zadar that was under construction at the time. I had access to fresh information from site coordination meetings we attended.
Since Xella solutions intertwine with all aspects of the construction industry, I continuously expand my knowledge and competencies through daily interactions with clients.

Outside of work, what activities or hobbies do you enjoy most?

Outside of work, my top priority is spending time with my family—my wife and our five-year-old son. We love traveling and trying new experiences together.
I’ve always been active and value a healthy lifestyle. For nearly 15 years, I have seriously practiced wrestling-based sports, including grappling, no-gi jiu-jitsu, and sambo, achieving notable amateur results. Injuries led me to mountain biking, which I now enjoy whenever I can—uphill for endurance, downhill for pure fun.
I’ve also ridden motorcycles since my younger days, traveling extensively on two wheels. To me, they offer a sense of freedom just short of flying—perfect since I’m afraid of heights. Lately, I’ve been learning to ski and aim to become proficient in this winter sport.