CROMA Entrepreneur of the Year 2025

In manufacturing, success is often measured in numbers — revenue, export volume, market share. But numbers rarely tell the full story.

What truly defines sustainable growth in the architectural lighting industry? Is it speed and scale, or something less visible — discipline, responsibility, and the strength of a team?

In 2025, Nikola and Marko Jurman, founders and directors of Filix Lighting, were named Entrepreneurs of the Year in the Small Business category by CROMA – the Croatian Managers’ and Entrepreneurs’ Association. The recognition places Filix among the most respected Croatian companies and highlights a leadership approach built on long-term thinking.

While the award formally carries individual names, it represents something broader: the people, structure, and culture behind Filix Lighting’s international development.

The Significance of the CROMA Award

CROMA is one of Croatia’s leading business associations, bringing together managers and entrepreneurs across industries. Its Entrepreneur of the Year award evaluates more than financial results. It considers:
    •    Leadership quality
    •    Innovation and product development
    •    Sustainable growth
    •    Export performance
    •    Management discipline

This distinction acknowledges not only what has been achieved, but how it has been achieved.

For Filix Lighting, recognition by CROMA confirms that its growth model — structured, engineering-led, and export-oriented — is built on solid foundations.

Leadership Built on Consistency

Recognition rarely stems from a single year. It is usually the result of steady decisions made over time.

From the beginning, Filix Lighting chose a deliberate path:
    •    Investing in product development before rapid expansion
    •    Building strong in-house engineering capabilities
    •    Prioritizing durability and long service life
    •    Maintaining control over manufacturing quality

In a competitive market, focusing on volume or short-term gains can be tempting. Filix chose instead to concentrate on precision, reliability, and steady expansion.

That approach requires patience and confidence in long-term strategy. It also requires leadership willing to take responsibility for growth at every stage.

The Team Behind the Recognition

Although the CROMA award recognizes Nikola and Marko Jurman, this achievement would not be possible without the dedicated team behind Filix Lighting.

Nikola and Marko would like to sincerely thank the engineers, production specialists, project managers, sales teams, and international partners who contribute every day to the company’s development. Their expertise, professionalism, and commitment are the foundation of Filix’s international growth.

Today, Filix Lighting operates as a structured European LED lighting manufacturer with a strong international presence. That position is supported by:
    •    Engineers developing and refining lighting systems
    •    Production teams maintaining quality standards
    •    Project managers coordinating international deliveries
    •    Sales and partner networks across Europe, the United States, and the Middle East

International lighting projects demand coordination across departments. Product development must align with production realities. Export logistics must meet regulatory standards. Communication must remain clear across markets.

Manufacturing excellence is never the result of individual effort alone. It is built through collaboration and shared accountability.

The recognition by CROMA reflects that collective strength.

Growing Internationally With Responsibility

Filix Lighting has grown into an export-driven architectural lighting manufacturer serving projects across multiple regions. International expansion brings opportunity — but also responsibility.

Operating globally requires:
    •    Adapting to different standards and regulations
    •    Managing complex project timelines
    •    Coordinating cross-border logistics
    •    Representing the company’s reputation abroad

Participation in large-scale international projects demonstrates the ability to deliver consistently under demanding conditions. In such environments, reliability is essential.

International credibility is built gradually, project by project.

Filix Lighting’s expansion into EU, USA, and Middle Eastern markets shows that growth can be achieved without compromising identity. The company continues to compete internationally while remaining grounded in its core values.

Culture as a Competitive Advantage

Technical expertise is essential in the premium lighting industry. Yet culture determines how that expertise is applied.

At Filix Lighting, growth has been supported by shared principles:
    •    Precision in development
    •    Accountability in production
    •    Long-term thinking in strategy
    •    Alignment across teams

Sustainability in lighting extends beyond energy efficiency. It includes durability, serviceability, and responsible manufacturing. Building products designed to last also requires building an organization capable of maintaining high standards as demand increases.

Recognition by CROMA validates not only leadership, but the culture that supports it.

A Milestone — and a Continuation

The Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 award marks an important milestone for Filix Lighting. It confirms that structured leadership, disciplined growth, and team development create lasting impact.

But milestones are not destinations.

The architectural lighting industry continues to evolve. Technologies advance. Markets shift. Expectations grow.

Filix Lighting remains focused on:
    •    Strengthening engineering capabilities
    •    Supporting international partnerships
    •    Expanding responsibly
    •    Investing in people

Awards recognize progress. Long-term success depends on consistency.

For partners, clients, and industry peers, this recognition offers insight into how sustainable growth is built — through people, structure, and steady commitment.

Consistency builds trust. And trust builds lasting partnerships.