VRIJEME JE ZA GOSPODARSTVO Franšizni panel

Guest Franšizni panelHosted by Darko BukovićMay 3, 2026

Franšizni panel

About this episode

What you'll hear in this conversation

Croatia's franchising landscape is in a period of rapid evolution, transforming from a niche business model into a significant economic driver. This panel brings together a diverse group of leaders—from the enduring presence of Diners, a franchise operating since 1969, to the dynamic international growth of Carwiz, and the innovative educational concepts of a children's escape room. They explore the practicalities of scaling a brand, the often-overlooked financial and emotional investments required, and what it truly takes to build a lasting franchise in a maturing market. Readers will gain insight into the strategic decisions that separate fleeting trends from sustainable business models, grounded in the realities of building and expanding a brand.

Insights from the conversation

What to take from this episode

Carwiz International's experience at the Frankfurt franchise fair, following their 'best export franchise' award, shows that external validation and quality contacts don't always lead to immediate sales. Instead, the real value lies in enhanced credibility and the opportunity to meticulously select the right long-term partners, a process that inherently requires time and patience.

Andrija Čolak's report on the state of Croatia's franchise industry highlights an exponential growth in domestic brands since 2019, with many new franchises selling multiple units in their first year. This isn't just a market trend; it's the foundation for building an entirely new industry in Croatia, aiming for a significant contribution to GDP within a decade.

Diners has operated as a franchise in Croatia since 1969, initially established through tourist agencies like Atlas and General Touristic. This long history demonstrates that even financial services can be effectively franchised, driven by an early recognition of the need for plastic payment solutions to facilitate tourist spending and economic growth.

Mladenka Tomić observes that many new businesses, while meticulously planning finances and operations, often treat branding as an afterthought, relegating it to 'the neighbor's kid.' This approach misses a critical point: in a crowded market, a well-defined brand strategy and a clear book of standards are essential for distinction, not just an aesthetic add-on.

Mladenka Tomić's personal postulate of 'decision, responsibility, and reward' extends to branding: it's better to have 50 ardent fans who understand and champion your brand, even if 50 others dislike it, than 100 lukewarm supporters. Bold, decisive brand choices, even polarizing ones, create true engagement and loyalty.

Krunoslava Josimović points out that while technology and transportation have vastly changed in 30 years, classrooms largely remain the same. This stagnation in traditional education creates a clear demand for supplementary, engaging learning experiences, making educational franchises like her escape room concept vital for children's development.

The children's escape room focuses on teaching critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving through play, rather than rote memorization. This approach highlights that effective education, especially for younger learners, moves beyond strict academic settings to foster skills that empower children to find solutions collaboratively and develop self-worth.

Explore further

ScenariosBusiness challenges CardsEducational cards TimelineTopic evolution