New Generation of Adriatic Wave

After the premature departure of the founder and owner of Adriatic Wave, Mario Čakar, his wife Selma gave a chance to new generations while additionally strengthening the company through a partnership with the Prapotnik family.

Such passing of a family business onto younger generations is never easy, but the company's success, as was proven at the traditional summer gathering of Absolute yacht owners in Šibenik, is undeniable. 

We talked to Adriatic Wave for this precise reason, seeing how young professionals are now occupying responsible leadership positions within the company and contributing to the freshness and continuous development of the business. We spoke about this with Andre Čakar, a member of the management board, and Ivona Vojak and Sara Prapotnik from the marketing department. Their energy, innovative spirit and professional approach confirm Adriatic Wave's strategic vision focused on sustainable growth and quality of service.

YOUR TEAM HAS LATELY BEEN ADDING NEW MEMBERS, MANY OF THEM YOUNG. HOW DO THIS FRESHNESS AND THESE NEW IDEAS FIT INTO YOUR CURRENT WAY OF DOING BUSINESS?
We believe our team is a perfect blend of the experience and expertise of long-standing members and the freshness, creativity and innovative spirit of younger colleagues. It is this very combination of generations and different views that allows us to continuously develop, follow trends and maintain a competitive advantage. We believe that this synergy is one of the key reasons for Adriatic Wave's success.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE ON THE ONE HAND AND YOUTH AND INNOVATION ON THE OTHER? 
We build the balance between experience and innovation through mutual support, good communication and teamwork. Older team members are happy to share their knowledge and experience, while younger ones bring a new perspective, freshness and enthusiasm. We all learn from each other and believe that we are strongest when we act as a team – all together, with the same goal in mind. We give 110 percent and always support each other.

FOR YEARS, IN THE ADRIATIC, ADRIATIC WAVE HAS BEEN SYNONYMOUS WITH ABSOLUTE YACHTS. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR POSITION ON THE MARKET TODAY? 
We believe we are among the leading dealers for Absolute Yachts in Europe. This success did not come overnight – it is the result of many years of dedicated work on building the Adriatic Wave name, continuous investment in the quality of service and, above all, the strength of our team. We pay special attention to after-sales support and always approach every client individually, as we know this is precisely what makes the difference, what builds lasting trust.

YOU ARE PRESENT AT THE MOST IMPORTANT EUROPEAN BOAT SHOWS. WHICH ONE IS DEAR TO YOUR HEART AND WHY?
Although we’re present at many prestigious boat shows across Europe, the Cannes show is always special. Its exclusive location, superb organization and unique atmosphere make it more than a boat show – it is an entire experience. Cannes combines luxury, style and the sea in a way that perfectly suits the Absolute Yachts brand world. For our clients, it is not just a boat show but an opportunity to experience the brand in its full glory, and for us, it is always an inspiring and important moment of the year.

HOW IS THE DEMAND FOR LUXURY YACHTS IN THE ADRIATIC TODAY, IN COMPARISON TO PREVIOUS YEARS?
The demand for new yachts in the Adriatic has decreased somewhat compared to previous years, which partly reflects global market trends. In such circumstances, we have focused on what we consider to be the most important: our existing client base. We strive to provide them with top-notch service and support, because we believe that long-term trust and client satisfaction create the foundation for new purchases and referrals. Our clients know that they can count on us even after their yacht has been delivered – and it is this very commitment that makes the difference.

AFTER-SALES SUPPORT IS OFTEN WHAT SEPARATES GOOD COMPANIES FROM GREAT ONES IN THE LONG RUN. WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO AFTER-SALE CUSTOMER CARE?
For us at Adriatic Wave, after-sales support is a key part of the entire sales process. Our goal is not only to sell a vessel but to make sure our clients are satisfied in the long term, both with our service and with the vessel itself. We believe that the real value lies in the relationship we build after the sale, where our after-sales team plays a key role. Quick response, availability, reliability and a personal approach are what differentiate us on the market and give our clients a sense of safety and trust.

DO YOU FOLLOW AND ORGANIZED SYSTEM THAT MAKES MAINTENANCE, SERVISE AND COMMUNICATION EASIER AFTER DELIVERY OF THE YACHT?
Yes, we have an organized and highly dedicated after-sales support system that allows for smooth maintenance, service and communication after the delivery of the yacht. Our after-sales team is always available, as is our mobile team with two fully equipped service vans, ready to respond to any challenge in the field. We are especially proud of our new after-sales office in the marina in Rovinj, opened this year, which brought our service even closer to our clients. We are also grateful to all team members who dedicated themselves to this demanding task: theirs is not an 8 to 4 job, but a responsibility that requires commitment and flexibility. We are lucky to work with people who share our passion and professional standards.

HOW IMPORTANT ARE ASPECTS LIKE SUSTAINABILITY, TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN TO YOUR CLIENTS IN THE YACHT SELECTION PROCESS?
Aspects such as sustainability, technology and design are becoming increasingly important to our clients when choosing a yacht. These days, many clients are interested not only in luxury and performance but also expect innovative solutions that reduce environmental impact of their yacht. Advanced technologies allow greater safety, simpler management and a better experience at sea. Design, on the other hand, reflects their style and personality, but also functionality, necessary for easy daily use.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS YOUR PRIORITIES FOR THE COMING YEARS? ARE YOU DEVELOPING NEW SERVICES ON PLANNING TO EXPAND TO OTHER MARKETS?
Our priorities for the coming years focus on continuously improving the services we provide. We are also looking forward to new model debuts, which is something I cannot discuss in detail right now, but we believe that they will be a splendid addition to our offer. Finally, we are committed to improving our team even further and developing in a direction that best suits the needs of our clients.