Born To Lead TAF
TAF has been an important part of Jakub Rozboril’s life - from his teenage years, through college, and currently, to the top position in the company as General Manager. In the following interview, we speak with Jakub about growing up with TAF, the various positions he’s held with the company over the years, his current role as GM and a look at what the future holds for the TAF brand.
1. Can you tell us about your early years and what memories you have with TAF being in the background as the family business?
I literally grew up with the company and personally experienced all of its important milestones, such as the move to its current location. I was also there for the opening of TAF USA. I've attended many trade shows over the years, such as the MIR exhibition in Rimini, Italy. From a young age, I've always wanted to work for the company.
2. Did the presence of TAF in your life influence your educational choices or other activities you participated in as you got older?
Not at first. I majored in aerospace at college, since I was fascinated with this field, and aviation in general. Before getting my Bachelor's degree, I agreed with my father that I would start working full-time for the company as a buyer. Subsequently, I changed the major for my master's degree - focusing on economics and management.
3. When did you start getting involved with TAF business operations? What positions did you hold over the years?
Since the age of 15, I worked as a part-time employee every summer. In 2009, I started as a buyer. I later became the purchasing manager and held that position for 10 years. During this time, I learned almost everything about the operation of our company. I was appointed General Manager in 2019, which I held together with the position of Purchasing Manager. My current job responsibilities are 80% management and 20% purchasing.
4. How would you describe a normal day as General Manager at TAF Headquarters in Olomouc? What are your responsibilities?
One of my main activities is digitalization of the company, where I have implemented electronic tracking of our goals and tasks. I have an online overview of everything that happens in the company. We also use enterprise software for management of the company, which provides me with an up-to-date overview of production and sales.
During a normal workday, I deal with almost everything - from HR, production, and new product development, to marketing, trade shows, and sales. And, last but not least, activities within the technical department. But it must be said that I work together with extremely talented and experienced colleagues across all departments, with whom I find solutions for our wide range of activities. My role involves coordination, making important decisions and coming up with ideas for further development throughout all areas of the company.
5. What are some standout moments since you’ve been leading the TAF team?
I would first like to mention the launch of the first fully automatic, robotic welding workplace in industry, which is right here in the TAF factory.
The digitalization of the company is also very important. We have made huge progress in this area over the last 5 years. Our marketing activities and presentation of the TAF brand to the world has also undergone a major change.
I would like to highlight as well many of the great projects we’ve delivered over the years - Soho Garden in Dubai, projects in California and lots of other custom projects all around the world.
6. How do you see TAF’s growth going forward?
We have big plans for the TAF brand. We redesigned our logo immediately following the 25th anniversary of the company, which was a big change that marked the start of a new strategy for the TAF brand.
We are looking to expand our network of distributors that will sell TAF branded products directly to end-users. In fact, we just opened our TAF UK office yesterday, on 13th February 2024. Within one to two years, we are going to build a new hall on company grounds for shipments and storage. We are also planning to expand our product portfolio.
7. What are your hobbies and other activities outside the office?
For the past few years, my biggest hobby has been riding motorbikes. I have an Enduro motorbike and take it on longer trips abroad whenever I can. I have already been to Albania, Romania, Croatia, and Italy, together with a few other countries in and around Europe.
I also golf from time to time, but don't have much time for it these days, since I have a very active 4-year-old son. I try to spend as much time with him as possible, so my hobbies are taking a back seat at the moment.
