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Kristijan Cinotti
Episode · #522

VRIJEME JE ZA GOSPODARSTVO Kristijan Cinotti

Guest Kristijan CinottiHosted by Darko BukovićMay 3, 2026
About this episode
What you'll hear in this conversation

Kristijan Cinotti, managing partner and director of Mazars Cinotti, an accounting and audit firm, built his business on a principle that sounds simple: honest, hard work. But the path from a small local firm to an international player with 200 employees across three countries reveals a more nuanced story. He started his own company in 2005 with the hope of gaining more time for his family, only to find that entrepreneurship often demands more hours, not fewer. The real prize, he discovered, was control over his decisions and the ability to choose his clients. Cinotti's journey from serving small and medium businesses that larger firms overlooked, to strategically partnering with a global network like Mazars, speaks to the evolving demands of growth. He also led the Croatian Society of Valuers, transforming a nascent professional body into a robust platform for expertise. This conversation explores how fundamental values, strategic partnerships, and a deep understanding of financial mechanisms — from valuing a brand to structuring an acquisition — underpin sustainable business success.

Insights from the conversation
What to take from this episode
01
Kristijan Cinotti started his firm in 2005 by targeting small and medium businesses, a segment largely ignored by larger audit companies. The insight is that significant opportunities often exist where established players see only marginal returns, rewarding those willing to offer an 'extra mile' of service.
02
When Cinotti launched his business, his primary motivation was to gain more time for his family. He quickly learned that entrepreneurship often means working more, not less, but the real benefit was the control he gained over his time and the choices he made. The freedom to decide who to work with, or not to work with, is the actual premium, rather than a reduction in hours.
03
Cinotti's firm partnered with Mazars in 2013 not for an upfront payment, but for access to an international brand, specialized knowledge, and a client base they couldn't reach alone. This shows that when scaling, the most valuable currency in a partnership can be market access and expertise, rather than direct financial investment.
04
Kristijan Cinotti explains that the true value of a brand, like an Apple phone case costing three or four times more than an unbranded one, is not just emotional recognition. It's the measurable premium customers are willing to pay, which must ultimately be reflected in a company's financial statements through increased revenue or margins. If it doesn't create money, it's not a brand.
05
As president, Kristijan Cinotti grew the Croatian Society of Valuers from 30 members with no funds to 200 members with quality education and tools. Even in complex fields prone to negative perceptions, a sustained effort to build professional standards and foster knowledge exchange can establish a respected and impactful community.
06
Cinotti's 'life experience' is that working honestly and diligently in Croatia leads to great results, even though he admits to getting tired along the way. This suggests that fundamental principles of integrity and consistent effort remain the most reliable, albeit demanding, path to business success.
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