·
All episodes
Ivica i Fran Fiolić
Episode · #418

POSLOVNA ŠPICA Ivica i Fran Fiolić

Guest Ivica i Fran FiolićHosted by Saša PetarMay 3, 2026
About this episode
What you'll hear in this conversation

For over three decades, while many businesses chased quick profits, Ivica and Fran Fiolić built a different kind of company. Fiv, their family business in wholesale office supplies and promotional materials, celebrated its 30th anniversary by staying true to a philosophy that often feels out of step with today's market: unwavering commitment to quality, reliability, and honest relationships. Ivica and his wife Renata founded Fiv in 1992, navigating a competitive landscape with hundreds of players. Their son, Fran, joined six years ago, stepping into a culture where, as Ivica puts it, 'success overnight comes after twenty years of hard work.' This conversation explores the quiet discipline required to build a lasting enterprise, the daily choices that forge decades-long customer loyalty, and the deliberate transmission of those values to the next generation. You'll hear why, in a market often driven by the lowest price, a focus on 'value for money' isn't just a slogan, but the bedrock of an enduring business.

Insights from the conversation
What to take from this episode
01
Fiv's 30-year journey, started by Ivica and Renata Fiolić, resisted the common temptation of rapid expansion. Their mantra, 'success overnight comes after twenty years of hard work,' points to a deliberate choice: longevity in business isn't about rapid growth, but consistent, disciplined effort over decades.
02
When Fiv began, the market for office supplies had over 400 competitors – what Ivica describes as 'a small pond with many crocodiles.' Instead of competing on the lowest price, they focused on solving customer problems and delivering 'value for money,' showing that differentiation isn't just about product; it's about a consistent value proposition that solves customer problems beyond price.
03
Fran Fiolić, joining the business after college, witnessed firsthand why his parents often stayed late on Fridays: to solve urgent customer needs. The most effective way to transmit a business culture to the next generation isn't through abstract rules, but by demonstrating the tangible impact of dedication.
04
Ivica explains that beyond delivering what's promised, long-term customer relationships require additional effort, like 'five extra minutes of pleasant conversation' or staying late to resolve a critical issue. Prioritizing customer problem-solving over immediate profit builds a deeper trust that insulates you from price wars.
05
When Fran, as a child, pushed his father to buy a 'better car,' Ivica countered by explaining that sacrificing a good home for a luxury vehicle wasn't a smart trade-off. True business success isn't measured by outward displays of wealth, but by a balanced life and a solid foundation built on prudent choices.
06
Fran acknowledges that many in his generation look for 'quick ways' to success, yet he adheres to his parents' long-term principles. Resisting the societal pressure for fleeting gains and sticking to proven, long-term principles is a distinct advantage in a market chasing trends.
Explore further
ScenariosBusiness challengesCardsEducational cardsTimelineTopic evolution