Jurica Protić
Episode · #430
VRIJEME JE ZA GOSPODARSTVO Jurica Protić
Guest Jurica ProtićHosted by Darko BukovićMay 3, 2026
Jurica Protić
About this episode
What you'll hear in this conversation
Running a catering business is demanding, but imagine starting one in 1994, during wartime, with no prior experience in hospitality. That's exactly what Đurđica, a bank executive, and Ivan, a meat industry CEO, did when they founded Catering Avantura. Their son, Jurica Protić, now director of Zvona Catering, took over the family business that serves 1,800 events annually, sometimes five a day. He admits that even after decades of growth, the question "Did I really need this?" still comes to mind multiple times a year. Protić shares what it takes to not just survive, but to build an enduring enterprise across generations, even as the landscape of work itself shifts dramatically.
Insights from the conversation
What to take from this episode
01
Đurđica, a bank executive, and Ivan, a meat industry CEO, started Catering Avantura in 1994 without any hospitality experience. The conventional wisdom is to start a business in a field you know; their story shows that courage and recognizing opportunity can be more important than direct industry background.
02
Jurica's sister, Lorenka, worked in auditing and a large food company before joining the family business, experience Jurica calls a "corrective" for their internal perspective. Stepping away from the family firm for a few years isn't a detour; it's often the best preparation for bringing new insights back in.
03
Jurica describes the family business as "a way of life" — he dreams about it, and family lunches always turn into business discussions, much to the kids' chagrin. For true family entrepreneurs, the business isn't separate; it's interwoven with life itself, making every family gathering a potential strategy session.
04
As directors, Jurica and Lorenka divided responsibilities based on their distinct strengths: Jurica handles external relations, HR, sales, and operations, while Lorenka manages purchasing and finance. They consult on strategy, but "in my segment, it's my final say; where it's hers, I can suggest, but she decides." Clear decision-making domains prevent conflict and ensure accountability, even among family.
05
Jurica notes that society often pushes people to become entrepreneurs, yet only about 8% of any population are naturally inclined to it. This highlights that while entrepreneurial spirit is vital, a functioning society also relies on a robust workforce across all roles, not just founders.
06
Jurica recalls the old saying, "If you don't study, you'll be a craftsman," which was once a perceived threat. Today, those same crafts are highly sought after and provide lucrative careers. The market often corrects societal biases, eventually valuing essential skills that were once overlooked.
07
Jurica illustrates Croatia's labor crisis with stark demographic data: the birth rate has plummeted from 65,000 in 1984 to 36,000 today, compounded by emigration. The challenge isn't just about wages; "it's no longer about not being able to pay workers, but simply not having them." Demographic shifts can create a labor vacuum that no amount of competitive pay can fill.
08
Jurica admits he long resisted importing labor but now faces the reality of needing to for entry-level positions. Even strong cultural or personal preferences eventually yield to demographic and market realities.