Some stories are measured in numbers, while others are measured in heart and trust (VIDEO)
The best stories are measured by the heart and by trust. And trust is precisely the word that many business partners, diplomats, colleagues, friends, and entertainers used to describe their relationship with the Ljubljana-based company Stoja Trade at the celebration of its 30th anniversary of successful operation.
Stoja Trade is not just an ordinary real estate agency; it is a real estate ecosystem, as its founder and director, Zoran Đukić, proudly notes. In fact, they are also partners in the construction of residential and commercial buildings; they founded Slovenia’s first real estate television channel, Real Estate TV (RE TV), and the DCS (Diplomatic & Corporate Services) portal, which serves as a true guide to life for those moving to Slovenia as well as those already living here. In addition, they organize real estate conferences, and they are particularly proud of their Stoja Art gallery, which features works by world-class artists; they describe it as a unique gallery for investing in blue-chip contemporary art. “Real estate is an art,” Zoran Đukić often emphasizes.
This time, Zoran, the director, is in the spotlight at Vid Valič’s roast
“Thirty years of successful operation are a testament to perseverance, dedication, vision, and above all, the people who have believed in what they’ve been creating all these years,” was the message at the celebration, which featured a retrospective of the company’s 30-year history, as well as heartfelt toasts, good music, dancing, and fun. On stage, Vid Valič “grilled” Director Zoran Đukić, giving the numerous guests—with Bernarda Žarn serving as emcee—a good laugh. The highlight of the evening, of course, was the ceremonial cutting of the cake and a toast with a special champagne blend.
As Valič noted, Zoran Đukić’s first “business experience” in the real estate world dates back to 1982, when, as a young man, he painted the entrance to the apartment building in Zalog where his parents lived—though he couldn’t reach the ceilings because of their height. Among other things, we also heard that even as a child he dreamed of a career in dance—he was particularly drawn to salsa—but life circumstances soon led him down a more pragmatic path.
“From a young age, Zoran was resourceful and hardworking. He held various part-time jobs, such as picking apples, working as a DJ, and waiting tables. Each of these experiences taught him valuable lessons, but above all, they taught him the importance of perseverance and adaptability. His career gained new momentum when he began working as a sales representative. In 1996, he and Miro Zorič founded the agency Stoja Trade, named after Miro’s grandmother, which added a personal touch to their business venture. “One of the key strategies for success was sending proposals to embassies, which led to their first major deals and helped them secure a steady client base among diplomats—a factor that was crucial to the agency’s growth,” we were told, among other things.
As a boy, Zoran always told his mother that one day he would be a pilot and fly her around the world. But life had a different plan, giving him a garage instead of a plane. “At the time, I thought I was buying a garage. Today I know I bought my future. At heart, I’ve always been a businessman,” says Zoran Đukić.
A Team of Dedicated Professionals
Real estate isn’t just about buildings, plots of land, or addresses—it’s about places where new chapters of life begin and dreams come true.
The Stoja Trade team is made up of experts from various fields who, with their knowledge and energy, have helped create a success story.
And as Ljubljana Mayor Zoran Janković emphasized, the company has played a key role over the past three decades in promoting and fostering a love for Ljubljana as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. In his words, over the years the company has proven that through hard work and perseverance, it can achieve sweet results in the form of successful business ventures and satisfied customers—much like a bee that produces sweet honey through its labor. And because, as Janković put it, their contribution to the local community is invaluable—since their work and dedication have helped make Ljubljana recognized today as one of the most beautiful and desirable cities to live in—he presented Director Zoran Đukić with a symbolic golden bee.
As a token of gratitude, Stoja Trade prepared special gifts for the team members. Alja Pirkmajer, also known as “Stoja’s Mom,” went on to emphasize, among other things, that Zoran’s leadership was crucial to the company’s success, as he created a work environment where employees feel valued and motivated.
She added that his ability to recognize opportunities, plan strategically, and motivate the team has enabled the company to weather numerous challenges and changes in the market. And as a token of gratitude for his invaluable role, the Stoja Trade team surprised Director Zoran Đukić with a special team-building event in Belgrade.
