Introducing the Commercial Director: Mr. Milan Slašťan

After the successful introductory article, in which we introduced the founder of our company and his inspiring journey, we continue our series of interviews with the people who are an integral part of VUMZ Group. Each one brings a unique perspective, energy, and know-how that helps our company move forward.
Today, we will focus on the person behind the business success of our company – Mr. Milan Slašťan, the Commercial Director. With his strategic thinking, acumen, and ability to build relationships with partners both domestically and internationally, he contributes to the growth and stability of our company.

In this article, we will reveal what motivates him, how he got to his current position, and what his visions for the future are. We will take a look into his daily work and also his private life.


1. What role do you play in the company? What are your main responsibilities that make up the majority of your work time?
I oversee sales and purchasing in the company. I am also responsible for project management, and in the absence of the CEO, I am entrusted with representing him. Although, to be honest, he is almost always at work.


2. What brought you to VUMZ? What was your journey before you became part of the company?
I met Mr. Procházka, the owner and CEO of VUMZ, at my previous workplace. When I was leaving there, he asked me if we could collaborate further, but this time within his company. Based on our mutual agreement, I conducted an audit of VUMZ, and following this, we quickly agreed on our future cooperation. I saw great potential in VUMZ, and I was impressed by the fact that it was a growing company with great opportunities and without foreign capital. So, I became part of it in November 2016.

And my journey before that? Very interesting and diverse. Since finishing college, I have worked in the engineering industry and held various management positions. It was a great experience for me. However, it’s a separate chapter, and it would take too long to explain. Nevertheless, it motivated me to expand my education in economics and management.

3. How would you describe your typical workday? What is the most interesting or challenging part of it?
I wake up just after 4 a.m. The commute to work takes me an hour, and it’s always a time for me to think about what awaits me and consider ways to address things. Of course, it’s also my time for my morning coffee. I am from Kremnica, and I drink it all the way to Nová Baňa :).
As soon as I arrive at work, I try to handle the most important and urgent tasks first. I know that if I don’t finish them by 8:30, they are at risk because operational matters and solving various situations, meetings, and appointments come next. I am aware that if I don’t manage something right in the morning, I will have time to deal with it later, once things calm down – typically after 2:30 p.m. I always try to work in a way that I complete things fully, so there’s no need to revisit them. For example, I mostly handle phone calls to business partners on my drive home. However, this doesn’t always work out if I leave late from Černík. But that’s just the normal workday life.

What I find interesting about my workday is its diversity. The most challenging part is managing and making sound decisions across various projects and issues. Often, I need to react quickly to different customers’ requests under time pressure. That’s the most difficult part. Acting efficiently and with foresight, so both the customer and our company come out victorious in the end.


4. How do you perceive the company culture at VUMZ, and what do you consider to be the company’s strengths? What areas do you think need improvement?
I have been part of the company culture for 8 years now, and I influence and shape it as well. What I find very positive is the relationships, which are very close and family-like. People know each other and are close to one another. I am also impressed by the mutual respect within the company, no one puts themselves above others. I consider it one of our strengths that we are not afraid to tackle new things, and we always see them as a challenge. Another very strong point is our approach to service. Of course, the customer should evaluate it, but we respond and take action toward repairs and interventions within hours. I know from customers directly that for others, it takes several days, and typically even several weeks. I believe that our work and strong communication with the customer begins after the project handover when the sorting line starts operating.

As for what needs improvement? I think it’s the order and cleanliness in the workplace. Do you know what the difference is between a German and a Slovak? Both can make perfect order. The only difference is that the German knows how to maintain it. 🙂 And in our case, this applies 100%. The guys can get really motivated when asked, but it’s not in their nature, and the effect is always short-lived. This is an area I believe we need to work on, as all the visitors who come to us see it, and we have a lot of visitors. Sometimes, I feel very uncomfortable when showing them around.

5. Is there any project or order that is particularly memorable for you? What makes it exceptional?
Every large order has been special in its own way, and I always remember the things we learned the most from. We’ve already completed a large number of different sorting lines, and it’s very fulfilling for me that in all areas (quality, design, technical solutions, time, planning, etc.), we are always moving forward and constantly improving.
New potential customers, whom we guided through our references, have confirmed this. Thanks to all our past projects, VUMZ has matured. Not only have we passed our final exam, but we now hold a university degree, which I am very proud of.

6. If you could choose one work activity that is part of your work process and dedicate yourself to it and improve it for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Being maximally productive. Simply put, achieving the maximum with the least amount of time and effort. Being maximally efficient in achieving goals. Managing my time wisely and purposefully.

7. What are your expectations or wishes for the future in your career or at VUMZ? What would you like to experience or achieve?
I am at an age where my expectations and efforts are focused on those around me, to teach them everything I feel good at and to warn them about the mistakes I made. I am surrounded by a very strong, talented, and passionate group of people.
We understand each other very well, and I’m happy that we overcome even the most challenging tasks together.

8. Is there any book, movie, or music genre that inspires you or always recharges your energy?
As for authors, I like Jo Nesbo. However, on my last vacation, I read two books by Gabo Žifčák, and I must admit I had a great time. As for action movies, I relax with them, often even late at night, and I don’t mind watching my favorites more than once. Old-school actors like Bruce Willis, Tom Cruise, and Daniel Craig are my favorites. As for music, I always listen to it in the car. I like Linkin Park, but I also enjoy folk music.

9. How do you spend your free time? Do you have any favorite activities or hobbies that you engage in after work?
In the summer, it’s gardening and various work around the house. Year-round, I ride my e-bike, and I tend to rack up the most kilometers during the winter months.

10. What moment from the past year outside of your work life stands out to you, made you happy, or brings a smile to your face when you think of it? What made it exceptional?
For sure, it’s the birth of my granddaughter and then my grandson. I am overjoyed with my grandchildren.

11. If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Work effectively, and you will master your time.

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