Patryk Cąbrowski

Meet Patryk, who transitioned from a Team Manager position on projects to working in the office as a Key Account Engineer in the Project Management Department. We asked him a few questions. 

Tell us about your professional journey at Eryk. You started 18 years ago, shortly after the company was founded, working as a technician. This year, you joined the project management department as a Key Account Engineer. What motivated you to take this step?

I started my journey with Eryk, BIC Electric at the time, in March 2007. To this day, I wonder what drove me to take a job at a company that was just starting out. There were only a few people working there, and no one knew in which direction things would go. Those were the days of border queues and checks, when no one used GPS, and we travelled with a paper map.

Over the years, I gradually gained knowledge and experience. Thanks to my dedication and ambition, I managed to successfully complete increasingly complex projects, which also led to promotions to higher positions. I watched the company grow, and I grew with it. During that time, I visited many countries and countless towns and cities. I worked in various conditions – from freezing cold storage rooms to the heat of Arkansas. From small, cramped spaces in industrial tanks to vast areas on oil platforms.

Two things pushed me to make the change: family and the need for growth. After 18 years of working on assignments abroad, I wanted to better support my wife in raising our son. Secondly, I felt I had experienced just about everything in the field. I sensed there was little more to learn, and I had already reached the highest project-level position.

What was your biggest challenge and the most difficult project you’ve faced in the field?

I think the most difficult were the early projects, back in 2007 when we were just starting. We didn’t have established rules or procedures, and we lacked experience working abroad for different customers. No one in the company had done this before, so there was no one we could turn to for advice. Along with a few colleagues, we were forerunners. Over the years, it gradually became easier.

From more recent projects, the most challenging for me was a large project in Germany in the biogas factory. I managed a team of over 60 people. On top of that, the Project Manager on the customer’s side was one of the most difficult people I’ve encountered in my entire career – both in terms of personality and work style. I really had to demonstrate a lot of patience and composure. It was difficult, but the most important thing for me was the customer’s satisfaction, and through that, I learned how to handle very demanding situations.

For several months now, you’ve been working in the office as a Key Account Engineer. How do you feel in your new role?

Very good. I’m doing something I genuinely enjoy. I see that my experience from project work translates well into my current role. I’m referring, among other things, to customer communication and conversations with technicians. After so many years, I understand the challenges our people face on projects and how to support them.

It’s a demanding job and certainly not for everyone. It would definitely be tough for someone who hasn’t previously worked in our company. I know I still have a lot to learn, and this is just the new beginning for me.

Since moving to the office, has anything surprised you? What differed from your expectations?

Previously, I thought the KAD (Key Account Department) only handled assigning people to projects and solving daily issues. It turned out that’s just a small part of the responsibilities. I wasn’t aware that my colleagues also deal with contracts, calculations, and many other tasks. I didn’t expect so much responsibility.

Another thing that surprised me – now I have significantly more time for my family. I see them every day, and we spend every weekend together. On the other hand, I have less time for myself. On projects, evenings and weekends could be dedicated to rest or hobbies. Now that I’m home in Poland, there’s always something that needs to be done😉.

How do you balance your professional and personal life? Do you have any hobbies?

While working on projects, the balance came naturally. When abroad, I could fully focus on work, and once back home, I spent 100% of my time on my family and passions. 

Now it’s a bit different. Even after hours or on weekends, work-related thoughts linger in the back of my mind. Plus, the technicians on projects don’t let me forget about them, even during holidays 😊. Work-life balance is something I’m still learning and actively working on. My colleagues from KAD remind me that when I’m on vacation – I should relax and not think about work. 

Sports are my way of switching off and mentally recharging.