The Polish Business Podcast inspires driven Polish entrepreneurs in the UK and beyond. In this episode, hear the fascinating story of Alex Landowski and how he achieved success by selling one of his businesses for £12M.
Arriving in the UK: A New Beginning for a Polish Entrepreneur
Alex Landowski’s journey as a Polish entrepreneur began with a bold move – arriving in the bustling city of London with just £200 in his pocket. Leaving behind his home in Poland, Alex faced the daunting task of starting anew in a foreign land. The decision to move was driven by a need to repay debts from a failed business venture back home. Despite the challenges, Alex was determined to turn his life around and seize the opportunities that London had to offer.
Facing Language Barriers and Early Struggles
One of the first hurdles Alex encountered was the language barrier. Speaking little English, he found it difficult to express himself and often felt out of place. This struggle was compounded by the cultural differences and the sheer scale of London, a city of over 10 million people. To improve his English, Alex took on a job as a bicycle courier, which not only helped him learn the language but also allowed him to navigate the city and understand its dynamics.
From Bicycle Courier to Business Owner
After three years of working as a bicycle courier, Alex’s entrepreneurial spirit reignited. He was determined not to remain at the bottom and saw every step forward as an improvement. His first major break came when he transitioned from courier work to an office job, thanks to the belief and support of a former boss. This opportunity was crucial in building his confidence and skills, setting the stage for his future ventures.
Building and Growing a Medical Logistics Business
Alex’s entrepreneurial journey took a significant leap when he founded a medical logistics business. Starting from scratch, he meticulously built the company, focusing on providing reliable and efficient services. The business grew steadily, with Alex facing and overcoming numerous challenges along the way. His competitive nature and obsession with achieving his goals drove him to push the business to new heights, eventually reaching a turnover of over £1 million.
The Emotional and Mental Challenges of Entrepreneurship
The path to success was not without its emotional and mental challenges. Alex describes the journey as both exhilarating and exhausting. The pressure to succeed and the fear of failure were constant companions. His competitive nature meant he could not rest until his goals were achieved. This relentless drive, while a key factor in his success, also took a toll on his mental health, necessitating periods of rest and recovery.
Achieving a £12 Million Exit: A Dream Come True
After years of hard work, Alex achieved what many entrepreneurs aspire to – a successful business exit. Selling his company for over £12 million was a dream come true and a validation of his efforts. The process of selling the business was long and complex, involving legal negotiations and multiple instalments. Despite the challenges, the successful exit provided Alex with a sense of relief and accomplishment, allowing him to take a much-needed break.
Hiring Mistakes - Alex Landowski Lesson
Embracing New Ventures: From Business to YouTube
Post-exit, Alex took some time off to recharge before embarking on new ventures. He explored various business ideas, some of which did not pan out. Eventually, he found a new passion in YouTube, where he began sharing his experiences and insights as an entrepreneur.
➡️ Visit his Channel: Non Native Entrepreneur
Building his channel from scratch, Alex applied the same principles of business development, treating it as a startup. His content resonated with many, and he successfully monetised the channel, finding a new sense of purpose and excitement.
Alex’s Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Drawing from his journey, Alex offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. He emphasises the importance of resilience, motivation, and a willingness to learn from failures. Alex advocates for building a supportive network and being cautious when hiring, stressing that business relationships should be professional rather than overly friendly.
His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the potential for success, even when starting with limited resources and facing significant challenges.
