Zagreb craftsman receives lifetime achievement award after over half a century in the trade
Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- Rudolf Puntarić, owner of Zagreb's Tehno Etta workshop, received a lifetime achievement award after over half a century in the electromechanics trade.
- Puntarić, who began his career in a shoe factory before starting his own business, emphasizes honesty, expertise, and continuous learning.
- Despite his age and numerous accolades, he remains dedicated to his work and actively involved in mentoring new generations of craftsmen.
Rudolf Puntarić, the owner of Zagreb's Tehno Etta workshop, has been honored with a lifetime achievement award, recognizing his more than half-century career in electromechanics. The award, presented at the 60th Craftsmen Days celebration, marks a significant milestone for Puntarić, who has dedicated his life to mastering and practicing his craft.
I wanted to go further, to move away from the average. The factory job was too confining, and craftsmanship offered a wide range of possibilities.
Tehno Etta specializes in the repair of electric motors, pumps, transformers, and various machinery. Puntarić began his professional journey in a shoe factory, maintaining machinery, but soon felt a calling for more. "I wanted to go further, to move away from the average. The factory job was too confining, and craftsmanship offered a wide range of possibilities," he explained. This desire for professional development led him to establish his own business, which has since become a respected name in the field.
Puntarić's workshop, located in Zagorska Street, is filled with numerous plaques and commendations, including gold and silver awards from the Association of Craftsmen of the City of Zagreb. He views the lifetime achievement award as the "icing on the cake," a confirmation that his hard work and dedication are valued. "Although one doesn't work for awards, it's nice when you receive them," he stated.
The award is the icing on the cake. It was a nice surprise. I am honored that my work has been recognized, it is confirmation that someone values the effort and that nothing was in vain. Although one doesn't work for awards, it's nice when you receive them.
Despite his extensive experience and numerous accolades, Puntarić has no plans to retire. "I won't retire. I want to work, earn, be useful to society as a whole, but also to myself. I know many people my age who have retired and no one hears from them anymore, they get lost. I don't want to allow that," he emphasized. He has also been actively involved in craft institutions and educational initiatives, mentoring dozens of apprentices and serving as president of the examination commission for master craftsmen.
I won't retire. I want to work, earn, be useful to society as a whole, but also to myself. I know many people my age who have retired and no one hears from them anymore, they get lost. I don't want to allow that.
Throughout his decades of work, Puntarić has faced numerous challenges, but his commitment to his profession and his belief in the importance of honesty, expertise, and continuous learning have guided him. He continues to pass on his knowledge and skills, ensuring the legacy of skilled craftsmanship endures.
It is important to be honest and professional, dedicated to work and clients, that is the key to survival.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Večernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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