King of not only cooking

I met Pavel many years ago, but it is true that his concepts with premium to luxury products were not fitting the regional shopping centre ́s positioning at the time. Our work together started with Kotva department store, and I still remember our first meeting – Pavel has amazing energy, is very passionate about all he does, knows what he wants, but is open-minded at the same time. He is solution oriented and listens. I admire him and his business partner, Miloš, for their ability to transform vision into great reality, constantly seeking new ways how to improve what they do, their attitude to business partners, and actually all stakeholders. Both of them are the leaders who walk their talk!

How did we meet?

On the meeting regarding the ambitious project of department store Kotva.

Would you introduce yourself, Pavle?

I am a Czech guy, born in Prague, and for over 27 years I am doing what I like and love.

What made you to decide opening your own business, Potten&Pannen concept, which is well established on the market over 25 years now?

The main impulse came from finding, that there weren't any quality cookware products in the 90’s in Czech Republic. I had a chance to travel and see all the amazing brands, get to know the people behind them and I fell in love with the world of cooking and food preparation immediately. In 1992 I met my business partner Miloš and we've opened our first store in Vodičkova street in center of Prague with a little money we had together. I was mainly travelling, looking for new goods and interesting brands to introduce to Czech costumers, and Milos was testing the products in front of them at our store. For that time, it was a modern concept which doesn’t have any competition, and to be honest, with our premium portfolio of brands we represent, we don’t have any even now. Luxury brands, design stores in Czech Republic and Slovakia and costumer friendly e-commerce makes us unique. We are a whole package for everybody who loves to cook in style, as well we are closely connected to our customers bringing them the newest cookware products and inspiration from all over the world.

What makes you motivated to constantly improving the concept?

I seek inspiration from anything and everyone, from artists, designers to other business owners. Lately I partnered with Unicorn Attacks, the brand makers who are progressive and helping me with new ways to bring company to even higher level. My employees inspire me as well as I listen to their ideas during regularly meetings.

It is not only Potten&Pannen, you are behind other concepts too. Which ones?

Potten & Pannen is my main business, but as a pet lover we couldn’t forget to bring great quality products to dogs and cats too. I’ve opened second store of Hunter store in Prague last year on Vinohradská street. The quality of these German-made goods is breathtaking, offering the best for your four-legged friends. As well we have a Thai restaurant called NOI for almost 7 years in old town of Prague.

Based on your experience, what do you think is important in retail?

To be up to the game with latest trends in design and technologies. Now we are in process of digitalizing the company in as many ways possible, meaning to fully modernize it from within to offer customers the best shopping experience in the stores or online. Focusing on the customer's needs is our priority. Happiness of our employees is a key as well. We are one big family in P&P and everybody have open doors to my office when they need me.

What is your main focus now? What keeps you busy?

My favorite part of the business is to work on marketing strategies and project for my businesses. Unfortunately, it is not always possible and I have to deal on daily bases with many different things.

What books are you now reading, and would recommend us?

I like to read history books or stories based on true life events. If I had a really busy day, I like to relax with latest issue of Monocle magazine, which focuses on businesses, fashion and design from all over the world.

How do you keep the balance between work, and your private time?

Work is a joy for me for most of the time. It’s my passion. I’m building the company for almost 30 years now and I have a great team of people taking care of every day operations now. So, balancing it with a private time is easier for me now.

Who inspires you, and why?

I take inspiration from my dad and my granddad. My dad was an army pilot. His bravery and strength motivate me and I think of him every day. And my grandpa, my mother’s father, was a successful Prague business man. His story of overcoming tough life moments and being such a great hard-working persona is my inspiration.

What would be an advice you want to share with us?

Do what you love and try to balance your life between business and pleasure. This will help you to be more productive and creative.

Is there any question you want me to ask you?

No just yet☺