Sustainable success is not built only with good products, but with respect for people

Introduce yourself with what you are currently doing and at what position…

My name is Kiril Hristov and I am the commercial director of "Valchev" OOD – a Bulgarian company with 25 years of history in the production of dairy products. I am responsible for the development of our commercial partnerships in the country and abroad, as well as for the positioning of our products in an increasingly competitive market.

Which is the company you would like to highlight as a good workplace, in which industry is it and what is its product/service?

The company I would like to highlight is precisely the company I am currently working for – because I believe it is a good example of a modern Bulgarian company with stable values. We are part of the food industry and produce high-quality dairy products – from traditional cream cheese, cream cheese with high protein content and probiotics to butter, processed cheeses, and katak. Our motto is "True to good taste" – and this is not just a slogan, but a leading mission and philosophy, which we have been following for a quarter of a century.

Is there something specific that you learned or felt as an attitude in this company that continues to serve you in your professional life?

In this company, I learned that sustainable success is not built only with good products, but with respect for people – employees, partners, and clients. Our daily communication is direct, open, and always focused on the solution, not on the problem. This helps me to be calmer and more effective in critical moments.

What good practices from this employer would you like to see more often in other organizations?

First of all – transparency. When the company is open with its employees – both about successes and difficulties – it creates trust and cohesion. Secondly – the freedom to make decisions and take responsibility for them. This is extremely motivating. And last but not least – the human attitude. Behind every system and process are people.

If today someone asks you whether it is worth applying to this company – what would you answer and why?

I would say categorically "Yes". Because this is a place where a person can develop, to be heard and valued. The working atmosphere is professional, but also warm – something rarely found in the corporate world. Anyone who wants to work with a cause will feel welcome.

Is there a person or situationthat has left a lasting positive impression on you – something that you would share as an example of good leadership or collegiality?

Yes – the way the owners of the company manage the company. They give full freedom of action, without unnecessary micromanagement, and support any innovative proposals, regardless of which employee suggested them. This builds a culture of trust, initiative, and respect for every team member – an example of true leadership.