Interview with Tomasz Tarkowski, Founder and Partner of TarCo Sp. z o.o., Who Has Been in the Concrete Pumping and Transport Machinery Industry for Over 20 Years
What were the key stages in your career that led to the establishment of TarCo?
My journey to founding TarCo is the result of a consistently implemented growth strategy based on innovation and strong business partnerships. In 2005, I took on the challenge of introducing the CIFA brand to the Polish market by establishing the first authorized dealership in Kraków. This step allowed me to gain unique industry experience and build the foundation for future ventures. In 2016, I founded TarCo Sp. z o.o. in Kotórz Mały with a vision to create a company that not only delivers top-quality machines but also provides comprehensive support and service to customers. Today, thanks to hard work and continuous process optimization, TarCo is the leader in the Polish market, holding a 75% share in CIFA machine sales.
What makes TarCo stand out from the competition?
TarCo’s success is built on three key pillars: tradition, technology, and trust. We are a family-owned company, but at the same time, we operate with full professionalism, implementing modern solutions and the highest service standards. Our competitive advantage lies in combining experience with innovation—we collaborate with the best suppliers to offer our customers not just equipment but real added value. Building long-term relationships based on partnership and trust is our priority. That is why our clients see us not as a typical supplier but as a strategic partner who supports their business growth.
What do you consider the company’s greatest achievements?
Without a doubt, the greatest achievement of TarCo is our relationships with customers—they are the foundation of our growth and stable market position. Among the successes that confirm our effectiveness are prestigious industry awards. In 2017, we received the “Best Performing Dealer Aftersales” award for the highest level of after-sales service. In 2021 and 2022, we joined the elite group of “Gazele Biznesu,” recognizing our rapid growth in the small and medium-sized enterprise sector. At the beginning of 2023, we were honored with the “Forbes Diamonds” title, ranking 10th in the region, and in 2024, we won this award again for our dynamic development. Each of these awards is not only recognition but also motivation for further growth and setting new industry standards.
What are your future plans for yourself and TarCo?
We plan to continue expanding our product range, introducing new technologies, and strengthening our business partnerships. Our mission remains to deliver the highest quality machines and services while ensuring customer satisfaction. We focus on continuous improvement and innovation to meet the ever-evolving market demands. After-sales service is also a major priority for us—we want customers to return not only for new machines but also for the long-term support we provide.
What is the key to success in the concrete machinery industry?
The key to success is understanding customer needs, providing reliable and modern solutions, and building lasting relationships based on trust. Continuous improvement and adaptation to changing market conditions are equally crucial. Our experience, commitment, and passion for what we do allow us to achieve our goals and maintain our position as a market leader.
What values guide you in running TarCo?
TarCo is built on three fundamental values: tradition, technology, and trust. These define our philosophy and direction.
Tradition means more than just the company’s history—it’s a mindset that values experience, reliability, and responsibility. As a family business, we emphasize passing down knowledge and values to future generations. We invest in young employees, train them, and build a team that understands both the industry and its challenges while also looking ahead.
Technology is our driving force. We believe innovation is essential for success, and we strive not just to keep up with changes but to stay ahead of them. We continuously seek new solutions that improve our clients’ efficiency and help them achieve better results. That’s why we invest in modern machinery, automation, and digitalization to ensure top-tier service and support.
Trust is the glue that holds everything together. Business is ultimately about people—our customers, employees, and partners. We have built TarCo on relationships rooted in honesty, loyalty, and mutual support. We want our customers to see us as more than just a supplier; we aim to be a reliable partner they can always count on. We apply the same principle to our team—we believe that employee stability and engagement are key to long-term success.
These values have allowed us to become an industry leader, and they are our guiding principles for the future. We have no intention of changing them—on the contrary, they are the foundation for the years ahead.
What advice would you give to someone starting a career in this industry?
The most important thing is to gain experience in different roles to understand the industry from the ground up. Being open to learning, listening to customer and coworker needs, and not fearing challenges are crucial. Building strong relationships and continuously improving your skills is the key to success in this industry.
How important is your team and the people you work with?
The team is the absolute foundation of any company—without the right people, even the best idea and product won’t succeed. From the very beginning, I built TarCo with people who are not only knowledgeable but also passionate and eager to grow. They are the heart of the company, taking care of customers every day, solving problems, and ensuring we stay on top. For me, trust, engagement, and a shared vision are crucial. When everyone feels they have a real impact on the company’s growth, they work differently—not just “for someone,” but for a common goal.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from running a business?
That in business—just like in life—nothing is permanent or guaranteed. You can have a great product and an excellent team, but if you can’t adapt to changing conditions, sooner or later, you will fall behind. You have to be flexible, ready for change, and always thinking one step ahead. And, of course, you must never stop learning. New technologies, shifting customer expectations, and evolving regulations—if you stop moving forward, you are actually falling behind.
If you could go back in time, would you do anything differently in your career?
Looking back, there are certainly a few decisions I could have made differently or sooner, but each one has been a learning experience. I have no regrets because those experiences—both good and challenging—brought me to where I am today. If I could change anything, it would probably be investing in digital development and automation sooner, as I now see how significantly they impact efficiency and competitiveness.
What wishes would you like to receive for the future?
Continued determination, more success, and further growth—both personally and for our company. TarCo is more than just a business for me—it represents passion, perseverance, and responsibility toward our team, customers, and partners who trust us. I hope we continue to set industry standards, introduce innovative solutions, and remain the first choice for our clients. Most importantly, I want our team to feel that we are building something exceptional together. If we continue to operate with our core values—tradition, technology, and trust—we will have the best foundation for future success.
This concludes our conversation with Tomasz Tarkowski—a man who has not only shaped the concrete pump market in Poland for the past 20 years but also demonstrates that success comes from hard work, relationships, and continuous development. We thank him for an inspiring interview and wish him continued success!
