POSLOVNI ĐIR Stipe Režić

Guest Stipe RežićHosted by Mojana KoharevićMay 3, 2026

Stipe Režić

About this episode

What you'll hear in this conversation

Stipe Režić's path into entrepreneurship was not a calculated career move but a deeply personal one, sparked by his father's serious health issues. A former basketball player and an engineer by training, Režić found himself researching medicinal mushrooms, first as a solution for his father, and then as the foundation for Mushroom Cups, a company producing coffee infused with these fungi. His story is a testament to how an unexpected personal crisis can open an entirely new professional chapter, leading to a business that not only thrives but also improves lives. His company, Mushroom Cups, which produces coffee with medicinal mushrooms, grew out of a situation where, as he puts it, he became 'an advocate for mushrooms.' This conversation explores how that personal mission translated into a commercial venture, the challenges of entering an unfamiliar industry, and the crucial role of family support.

Insights from the conversation

What to take from this episode

Stipe Režić’s father faced serious health problems, prompting Stipe to research medicinal mushrooms as a potential solution. What began as a desperate search for a cure quickly became the unexpected genesis of Mushroom Cups. The most compelling businesses often emerge not from market analysis, but from deeply personal challenges that demand a solution.

Ten years after his health crisis, Stipe's 76-year-old father is active, playing bocce, and gardening, a dramatic turnaround from his previous state. This personal health transformation is the most potent validation for Mushroom Cups’ products. The strongest proof of concept isn't a sales chart; it's seeing your original, most critical user thrive.

Režić explicitly states he had no background in the food industry, digital marketing, or food production when he started, describing his path as 'not the right one.' While conventional wisdom suggests starting with expertise, some ventures succeed precisely because their founders are outsiders, bringing a fresh perspective unburdened by industry norms.

Režić notes the cultural difference between Croatia and the US regarding discussing business failures, stating that 'people don't like to talk about it' in Croatia. Yet, he insists that bad experiences are crucial for learning what *not* to do, making it less likely to repeat mistakes. Don't just learn from success; actively seek and share lessons from what didn't work.

When faced with rising coffee prices due to climate change and global instability, Mushroom Cups secured low-interest government and EU loans to buy raw materials in bulk. This allowed them to absorb costs and keep customer prices stable, with only minor increases. Proactive financial planning, especially through favorable credit, can buffer customers from market volatility and build long-term trust.

Režić recounts openly approaching city, county, and tax authorities with his company's problems and always receiving help, describing his experience as '10 out of 10 positive.' Don't assume public institutions are adversaries; they can be willing partners for entrepreneurs, particularly when approached transparently with specific needs.

Mushroom Cups operates with a core team of four employees, actively supported by seven people daily. This lean structure allows for agility while tapping into a wider network of collaborators. You don't need a large payroll to drive significant growth; a focused core team augmented by strategic partnerships can be more effective.

With two young sons (aged 4 and 1.5), Režić underscores the constant energy drain and credits his wife and parents for their 'irreplaceable' support in enabling his entrepreneurial ambition. Sustaining a high-growth business often demands a strong, often invisible, support system at home that shoulders daily responsibilities.

Despite a successful basketball career, Režić acknowledges that he sometimes misses the sport but has consciously 'closed that chapter' to focus on his business. True commitment to a new venture often requires a deliberate decision to shed previous identities, even cherished ones, to fully embrace the present.

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ScenariosBusiness challenges CardsEducational cards TimelineTopic evolution