Suzana Dubajić, general manager of Kärcher in Serbia: Experience that drives innovation is the recipe for 90 years of successful business

- The key to our longevity is actually simple - the ability to adapt. During these 90 years, the market and people`s needs have changed drastically, and we have always managed to offer a solution that was needed at that moment. The founder`s legacy means only one thing for us today: we must not rest on our past successes.

- Our philosophy is based on decentralization and trust. Even though we are a big system, we consciously try to avoid the sluggishness and bureaucracy characteristic of large corporations. Our employees are not mere executors of orders, but are encouraged to think entrepreneurially and take responsibility for their results.

It is this freedom in decision-making, along with clear goals, that allows us to be fast and efficient in local markets, while at the same time using the power of the global network. The success of 50,000 centers is not accidental, but the result of a clear system in which each individual knows exactly his role and contribution to the company.

Before any new device hits the market, it goes through durability tests that are often more stringent than real-life conditions of use. In this way, the customer gets modern technology - be it robotics or batteries - but with the reliability that is a given for Kärcher.

On the other hand, direct selling is crucial for our professional sector. Our advisers are in the field every day, in factories and logistics centers, where they offer concrete solutions for specific client problems. The combination of physical presence through stores and active work in the field has proven to be the best path for growth in Serbia.

As for expertise, education is a must. Technology is changing rapidly, so our service technicians regularly undergo training and certification. They must know the machines very well in order to quickly solve the problem, because they are the ones who maintain Kärcher`s reputation as a reliable partner.

- In the household sector, the focus is on complete freedom of movement. We continue to expand our battery platform where a single battery powers everything - from a lawnmower to a vacuum cleaner. The goal is to save the user`s time, so the emphasis will be on smart robots that take on daily cleaning duties with minimal human assistance.

Strategically, we will focus on three pillars: First, expanding availability - we want to be physically closer to customers in all regions of Serbia, not only in Belgrade. Second, the strengthening of the after-sales ecosystem. Sales are just the beginning. We aim to raise service support standards to a level that the competition cannot match. And thirdly, market education. We want to show the business that investing in quality cleaning equipment is not an expense, but a way to extend the life of their assets and reduce maintenance costs.