“Discipline over motivation” – how Marcin Stradowski became a Partner at Foodcom S.A.

The decision to change industries was a step into the unknown for Marcin. He had no experience in sales or trading raw materials. In his new role, he had to learn everything from scratch—the products, sales techniques, and above all, how to talk to customers who had never heard of him before. Cold calling, building relationships without a prior network of contacts, and the daily struggle for market attention were all new to him.

– “It was an intense start. Every day I learned something new, tested it, made mistakes, and tried again,” recalls Marcin.

It was a time when you not only had to work hard, but also understand that results would come with time. Success did not come immediately, but it was precisely this patience and consistency that began to build the foundation for his further development.

There were no shortcuts at Foodcom S.A. Like every trader, Marcin went through successive stages – from a junior position, through mid-level, to a managerial role. Each stage brought new responsibilities, but also greater awareness of the market and processes. Over the years, the company changed dynamically, and Marcin grew with it, learning not only the technical side of the business, but also what it means to be part of a larger whole.

The turning point came at one of the industry conferences. Marcin noticed a clear trend – growing interest in the plant-based segment. Inspired by conversations and market observations, he returned to the company with a specific proposal to open up to new product categories.

This marked the beginning of a new phase in his career. The development of plant-based products within Foodcom S.A. not only brought new sources of revenue to the company, but also strengthened Marcin’s position as a leader. He supported the development of the segment with determination, combining his commercial intuition with an analytical view of the market.

Over time, his contribution to the company’s development was noticed and appreciated. In 2022, Marcin became a Partner at Foodcom S.A. It was a symbolic moment when his commitment, responsibility, and results were officially recognized.

“Becoming a partner was a big moment for me. I felt that it was no longer just a job, but something that I was helping to create,”

Marcin Stradowski

His impact on the company’s development is visible not only in strategic activities, but also in concrete figures. For several years, he has consistently maintained one of the highest sales results in the entire organization, regularly ranking second. This is a real contribution to Foodcom’s revenue and development that cannot be overestimated.

The new role also brought new responsibilities, from mentoring and team support to solving the daily challenges faced by sales representatives. Today, his workday rarely looks the same. Meetings, consultations, and technical support are part of his everyday life, where his experience becomes an asset not only for the company but also for the entire team.

Marcin does not build relationships based on quantity, but on quality. His approach to customers is based on attentiveness—understanding their needs, communication style, and rhythm of cooperation. “I have been working with some clients for years. These are relationships that have developed naturally through trust, not by chance,” he says.

His work style is the opposite of mass service. Instead, he builds deep, long-lasting relationships with business partners that bring stability and long-term results.

For Marcin, work is more than just daily duties. It is a space where he can fulfill himself as a salesman, strategist, and leader. “Of course, we do it for the results, but also because it gives us satisfaction. When I feel that there is a need in the market and I find a way to meet it, it gives me energy to act.”

His approach is best summed up by the words: discipline over motivation. “You can have motivation or you can’t. But if you have discipline, you act even when you don’t want to. And that’s what makes the difference.”

For those who want to follow a similar path, Marcin has one simple piece of advice:

“Build your discipline. Learn the market. Be patient. There are no quick winners in this profession, but if you are consistent, there will eventually come a moment when you know you are in the right place.”

Marcin Stradowski

Dyrektor Handlowy i Partner w Foodcom S.A.