Success in construction isn't built overnight. It is shaped through years of hard work, learning from setbacks, and continually adapting to change. For Marek Przechodzki, founder of Convert Construction, the journey has been about far more than delivering exceptional homes, it has been about building a resilient business with a clear vision for the future.
In a recent conversation on The Polish Business Podcast with host Bart, Marek reflected on nearly three decades in the UK, the evolution of his company, and why systems, people, and long-term thinking are now at the heart of his business.
Marek's story began in Lublin, Poland, where opportunities during the post-communist era were limited.
Seeking a better future, he made the decision to move to the UK in the late 1990s. Originally arriving while studying at university, he quickly realised that London offered the lifestyle and opportunities he had been searching for.
"I wanted adventure and wanted a bit more in life. Of course, to make more money, see places, and that was always the drive."
What began as carpentry work on prestigious rooftop penthouse developments across Central London eventually became the foundation for his own construction company.
Like many entrepreneurs, Marek started by selling his own skills. However, it didn't take long to recognise the limitations of working alone.
As demand for larger residential projects increased, he expanded the business, initially specialising in loft conversions before evolving into the high-end residential refurbishment company now known as Convert Construction. One of the biggest lessons came early.
"You cannot multiply yourself."
Growing meant building a team, developing trust, and learning how to lead others.
While construction often focuses on technical expertise, Marek believes the greatest challenge has always been people.
Recruitment, team culture, and surrounding the business with the right individuals have consistently required the most attention.
"The biggest hurdles for me in business were always people. I understand people and I know how to help them, but finding the right people has always been challenging."
It is a lesson familiar to many business owners—success depends as much on the people behind the projects as the projects themselves.
Having spent more than twenty years in London's construction sector, Marek has witnessed dramatic changes.
From the boom in large-scale residential developments to today's more cautious market, he believes economic conditions have reshaped both commercial and domestic construction.
Higher borrowing costs, rising material prices, and global events have all contributed to slower market activity. Despite these challenges, Convert Construction continued investing in its team.
"We managed to keep the team together. We came through it, and I'm very proud of that."
Rather than reacting with short-term thinking, the company focused on strengthening its foundations.
Among the many projects completed over the years, one stands out.
A complex refurbishment in Belsize Park required significant logistical planning, structural engineering, and careful coordination. Yet what made the project memorable wasn't simply its technical complexity—it was the relationship built with the clients.
Even long after completion, the family continues to stay in touch with Marek and his team.
For Convert Construction, delivering an exceptional home means creating trust that lasts well beyond the final handover.
Perhaps the most significant shift in Marek's entrepreneurial journey has been his focus on systems.
Following one of the toughest trading years in the company's history, he recognised that relying solely on the owner is not a sustainable business model.
Instead, Convert Construction embraced the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to introduce greater structure, accountability, and clarity throughout the business.
As Marek explains:
"Any company without systems is only one person—and that's the owner."
The implementation of EOS has transformed not only daily operations but also the company's long-term direction.
Every successful business needs a destination. As part of its strategic planning, Convert Construction developed a ten-year vision that now guides every major decision.
Marek's vision is both ambitious and measurable:
"By March 31st, 2036, Convert Construction is a £20 million debt-free family-owned business with three London divisions, recognised as London's most trusted high-end residential refurbishment brand."
Rather than focusing solely on revenue, the vision reflects sustainable growth, operational excellence, and building a lasting reputation.
Throughout the conversation, one message remained consistent: never stop learning.
Marek credits books, networking groups, mentors, and structured business systems for helping him continue to grow as a leader.
His advice is simple:
"Find something that really resonates with you—a book, a process, an organisation—and commit to it."
By learning from those who have already solved the challenges ahead, business owners can accelerate their own growth instead of starting from scratch.
Convert Construction's story is about much more than high-end refurbishments.
It is a story of resilience, continuous improvement, and having the courage to evolve when circumstances demand it. From arriving in the UK with little more than ambition to leading a growing business with a clear long-term vision, Marek's journey demonstrates that sustainable success is built through people, systems, and purpose.
As the company works towards its vision, one thing is already clear: Convert Construction is building far more than exceptional homes it is building a business designed to last.
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