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Ivan Gotovac
Episode · #574

POSLOVNI ĐIR Ivan Gotovac

Guest Ivan GotovacHosted by Bojana KoharevićMay 3, 2026
About this episode
What you'll hear in this conversation

The world of traditional crafts often evokes images of fading industries, struggling to find relevance in a modern economy. But for Ivan Gotovac, a stone mason from Kaštela with decades of experience, the reality is quite different. He runs Gotovac Stone Masonry, a business thriving on the demanding, physical work of shaping stone, and he also serves as the president of the Split-Dalmatia County Chamber of Trades and Crafts. His dual perspective offers a rare look at an industry that, despite its challenges, finds itself in a period of surprising demand and renewed interest. This conversation reveals how deep-rooted manual skills, when combined with a practical approach to education and policy, can not only endure but flourish, forcing a re-evaluation of what it means for a traditional craft to succeed today.

Insights from the conversation
What to take from this episode
01
Despite stone masonry being demanding physical work, Ivan Gotovac observes that demand for their services has consistently been strong, even increasing during economic downturns. This suggests that essential, manual crafts often possess a surprising resilience, thriving when other, less fundamental sectors might falter.
02
In Kaštela alone, the number of stone masonry businesses has grown from just a few to at least ten, with over 250 registered in the wider county. This expansion, despite the inherent difficulties of the trade, points to a strong, if quiet, growth in the sector.
03
Architects and designers are increasingly specifying local Dalmatian stone, recognizing its superior quality and cost-effectiveness compared to imported granites. This shift in preference demonstrates how a renewed appreciation for local materials can give a traditional industry a significant market advantage.
04
The Pučišća school for stone carving actively recruits young people by illustrating the real-world lifestyle and economic independence of a craftsman, rather than just teaching the trade. Attracting the next generation requires showing the tangible benefits and social standing of the profession.
05
The Pučišća School of Stone Carving is regarded as one of Europe's strongest, evidenced by its success at international fairs in Germany and Italy. This highlights how specialized local institutions can achieve world-class recognition, becoming a national asset for traditional crafts.
06
Croatian master craftsman diplomas are fully recognized across the European Union, with qualification tests comparable to those in Austria, Italy, and Germany. This ensures high standards and provides significant professional mobility for local artisans.
07
Despite abundant high-quality stone reserves and strong international demand, poor national strategy and insufficient local support hinder the full exploitation of these resources and limit export potential. The bottleneck is often policy, not geology.
08
Many individuals who open new businesses with startup grants ultimately fail, often after merely withdrawing the funds, which then draws trained workers away from existing, stable enterprises. This highlights how poorly targeted subsidies can inadvertently create churn and instability in the labor market.
09
Craftsmen do not want to be passive recipients of aid; they want to contribute their practical experience and knowledge to policy discussions that serve the broader community. Effective public policy, especially for traditional trades, requires genuine collaboration and input from practitioners.
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