Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence: A Conversation with the Founder of Expert Network

This year, Expert Network marks two decades of commitment to innovation, bringing value to clients, and continuous growth. To celebrate this milestone, we sat down with our founder, Vlad, who shared the inspiring journey behind Expert Network’s foundation and evolution. Here’s a glimpse into the story of how it all began and the values that continue to drive the company forward.

The Beginnings: How Expert Network Was Born

How did you start Expert Network? What were the early days like?

“It wasn’t about having a grand vision. It was about taking control of my journey—making decisions that aligned with my values and building something meaningful from scratch.” Vlad explains. There was a natural progression: a client trusted us because of the way we treated them and the results obtained. That trust wasn’t forced; it grew organically from our genuine attention to quality and detail. It was about making software work effectively, and that dedication was noticed.”

Vlad’s passion for computers began early. “In the ninth grade, before the year started, I had already browsed through the coursebook, knowing it all inside out, and I carried this passion and knowledge with me throughout my life. I was lucky to have had early exposure to what was then the latest trend,” he recalls. This passion naturally carried over to his time at the Faculty of Computer Science, where .NET 1.0 was just emerging, and the technology landscape was still largely uncharted. Vlad and his colleagues, part of a university lab sponsored by Microsoft, formed an informal club focused on exploring this new technology. “My passion, relentless effort, and constant curiosity were the driving forces behind everything I accomplished. By consistently solving complex problems and exceeding expectations, I established trust and credibility. It was a natural fit that led to the first projects.

Taking the Leap: The Turning Point

Afterward, the first significant challenge arrived. “About six months in, our only client at the time informed us that they no longer needed our services,” Vlad recounts. “We had three months’ notice, which we were able to quickly extend to six months part-time. It bought us enough time to explore other opportunities.”

Through a fortunate connection, Vlad reached out to Wildstream, a Belgian firm looking for a software partner. The partnership started with an important project, which gradually built into something substantial. “It wasn’t just about delivering projects; it was about aligning our values. Over time, the trust we developed turned into a lasting partnership that still thrives today.”

Adapting to Challenges and Growing Together

What challenges did you face after founding Expert Network, and how did you overcome them?

The global economic crisis of 2008 was another major hurdle. Yet, Expert Network’s lean operations, combined with solid partnerships, allowed the company to navigate this turbulent period successfully. 

”What mattered the most was fostering strong partnerships with our clients, staying close to their needs, and proving our reliability. Our commitment and competitive edge as a Romanian-based company helped us remain valuable to them,” Vlad explained.

The Evolution of Leadership

What qualities do you believe are essential for a leader?

“I’ve always focused on leading by example,” Vlad reflects. “I gained respect through technical expertise, always finding solutions and pushing for growth. But I admit soft skills were not my strong suit; this part wasn’t something I was naturally inclined toward.”

Over the years, however, Vlad learned that leadership is about more than just technical proficiency. “You need to be among your people, understand their needs, and recognize their contributions. It’s a blend of technical know-how and genuine empathy. That’s what creates a cohesive team and that’s what I strive for every day to do. I care about my colleagues and without them, we wouldn’t be here today.”

Organic growth

Were there any defining moments in the company’s evolution?

“There weren’t any dramatic turning points,” Vlad admits. “Everything happened organically. We grew by staying fully present and attentive, building on small successes one step at a time. Through our projects, expanding our expertise, and nurturing close relationships with our clients, we steadily and purposefully evolved. We didn’t try to force growth or pretend to be something we’re not. That authenticity is at the heart of who we are.”

Additionally, he mentions that by staying updated with the latest practices and prioritizing quality above all, he ensured the company kept pace with industry changes. “Staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving industry was critical. Whether it was adopting novel practices or immersing myself in continuous learning, these moments shaped the company’s trajectory.”

Lessons from a Global Perspective

Vlad’s formative years, spent abroad, influenced his perspective on things, contributing to his approach to business. “Living in different countries taught me to see things from various perspectives. One memorable experience was an English class in Casablanca, where the teacher used karaoke as a learning tool. It was an unexpected method that accelerated the learning process. It showed me that there are always alternative ways to approach problems.”

This openness to new ideas and ways of thinking have become a hallmark of Expert Network’s approach to software development and client relations.

Looking to the Future

As we celebrate 20 years, Vlad emphasizes that the journey has only just begun. “Our responsibility has grown significantly. With a larger team and more complex projects, there’s a deeper commitment to our colleagues and their well-being. It’s not just about business anymore; it’s about sustaining a community that thrives together.”

From humble beginnings to becoming a trusted partner for companies across Europe, Expert Network has always been driven by a passion for technology and a commitment to quality. Here’s to many more years of innovation, growth, and collaboration.

Happy 20th Anniversary, Expert Network! 🎉