Meet the CxO – Victor Dragomirescu, CEO Romanian Software
Tell us a few words about how your company started.
It all started 22 years ago when Romanian Software was a company that specialized in developing custom software for worldwide clients. Together with my twin brother, we used that experience to acquire a great deal of knowledge about automation. At that time, we saw automation as a business opportunity applied to the field of human resources. In 2004, we developed a product to address the Romanian market of HR: “SAL, your expert in payroll”. At that time, we had no satisfactory payroll software available, which meant that individuals were grappling with the complexity of salary issues using pen and paper. This served as the foundation of what would eventually evolve into colorful.hr. Today, I am extremely gratified to state that colorful.hr is a complete HR software solution utilized by more than 750 companies to streamline and automate almost every aspect of the HR process.
What drives you each day?
My motivation relies on the fact that I still combine my passion for mathematics with my job. I approach each challenge as a mathematical problem and strive to discover solutions. My love for mathematics has been present since childhood and has been passed down through my family for generations. Although complex problems are the most captivating, the journey to reach a solution is ultimately the most fulfilling. This perspective has allowed me to maintain my passion for years, as I believe that growth is only achieved through effort, and innovation is made possible through growth.
What do you believe are the 3 main accomplishments that brought you here today?
Starting a family business has been and will always continue to be one of my greatest accomplishments. Although it may seem cliché, having a familial mindset when dealing with those around you aids in maintaining relationships in the long term. The transition from SAL to colorful.hr was pivotal for the business. During this time, we decided to develop a complete digital HR solution, and we accepted the responsibility that came with it. Finally, my ability to recognize opportunities has played a crucial role. Trends and new consumer needs will always arise in the market, and those who can seize these opportunities will emerge victorious.
Do you ever disconnect from the office? How?
To be honest, I am extremely passionate about my work and do not feel the need to disengage from it. But when it comes to free time, I indulge in calming hobbies such as playing chess and fishing.
Tell us more about the business you are running. Let’s start with the number of clients you currently work with.
colorful.hr is a comprehensive digital platform for managing human resources processes utilized by over 750 companies in Romania. For more than 22 years, colorful.hr has been transforming HR by providing professionals with the necessary tools to increase efficiency. Our product has been customized and modified to accommodate any business model, regardless of the number of employees. We are thrilled to have a varied portfolio and to cater to businesses from almost any industry, ranging in size from 2 to over 5000 employees.
What is your most beloved project you worked on?
Determining a favorite project is challenging because every project I participate in holds a special place in my heart. Nevertheless, colorful.hr will always hold a distinct place because it was a risk that I took, and I made it a triumph, growing it into a prosperous business with over 160 employees and a successful product. Our effort to enhance the payroll solution for colorful.hr resulted in the creation of CalculatorVenituri.ro in 2016. With CalculatorVenituri.ro, we broaden the functionalities we offer to companies through colorful.hr and assist employees, authorized natural persons, and entrepreneurs with payroll calculations.
My ardor for mathematics and informatics led me to another project that I cherish deeply, an NGO I co-founded with my associates to promote high-performance STEM education. The Upper.School NGO brings together outstanding educators and impassioned youngsters who require mentors, encouragement, recognition, and a community. Each of these ventures holds an equal amount of pride for me, and I am content to be able to bring about positive change today and for future generations.
What makes your company different from others in your field of expertise?
In today’s job market, where benefit packages, salary offers, and job roles are no longer significant differentiators for companies, we believe how we treat our employees in a professional environment sets us apart. Since we started as a family business, we have always treated our employees with care, like they were part of our family. This approach has led us to create a diverse team, with employees ranging in age from 22 to 66 years old.
When organizing events or team-building activities, we take into account our employees’ diverse opinions, and we have seen the positive impact of this on their satisfaction. During recruitment, we have always avoided discrimination, both in job descriptions and during interviews. We provide a tailored onboarding process specific to each department and employee learning style but uniform in duration and welcome package.
Our high retention rate reflects our commitment to diversity, communication, and employee growth. Despite being a company with over 22 years of experience in the market, we have team members who have been with us for over 15 years. By valuing our employees and encouraging their growth, we have found building a strong and loyal team easy.
What advice do you have for a young entrepreneur?
I have had the opportunity to interact with many successful entrepreneurs and observe their journeys, and some pieces of advice I would give to a young entrepreneur would be simple but important to maintain sight of them.
- Identify a problem and provide a solution: Successful entrepreneurs are problem solvers. Find a problem you are passionate about and devise a solution that can help people.
- Focus on your strengths: Identify them and use them to your advantage. If you are good at marketing, use that to promote your business. If you are good at technology, use that to develop your product.
- Be flexible and adaptable: The business world is constantly changing, and you need to be able to adapt to stay relevant. Be open to new ideas and be willing to pivot if necessary.
- Build a strong team: Surround yourself with people who share your vision and can help you achieve your goals. A strong team can make all the difference in the success of your business.
- Be persistent: Building a successful business takes time and effort. Stay focused on your goals, and don’t give up when things get tough.
Why did you join Smart Alliance – Innovation Technology Cluster?
I joined Smart Alliance – Innovation Technology Cluster to have the chance to work together with other entrepreneurs to promote innovation and technological development. I see the cluster as a platform for collaboration, networking, and knowledge sharing among its members to drive growth and competitiveness.
