When Rostislav Petčenko joined GARTAL in 2007, the company was little more than a small family-owned startup. At that time, there was no grand vision or detailed business plan. There was only a strong will to take opportunities as they came, compete with established players, and build something meaningful in the real estate market. Over the years, that small startup grew into one of Prague’s major development groups. Today, Petčenko is a shareholder and member of the Board of Directors, and his name is closely tied to the evolution of GARTAL.
Rostislav Petčenko | Co-Owner | GARTAL Corporate Group
That move marked the beginning of a new era for GARTAL, as CEO Martin Svoboda and CEO of GARTAL Stavební, Jan Vrba, took on central leadership roles while Petčenko focused on strategy and ownership. He often says that apart from GARTAL, he has not really devoted his professional life to anything else. This single-minded focus has shaped his career, and the company itself has become a reflection of his journey. For more than 15 years, he managed the development division, and only two years ago he stepped back from the day-to-day running of operations, entrusting leadership to a professional team.
“In the past, I focused mainly on results, but today the journey and the way we achieve those results are just as important to me.”
From the beginning, the growth of GARTAL was shaped not by a rigid vision, but by flexibility and adaptation. Petčenko recalls that they did not set out to focus only on residential housing or one segment of development. Instead, they responded to the market and pursued opportunities as they came. After the 2008 financial crisis, for instance, the company paused and then made the bold decision in 2012 to return to development, which turned out to be a turning point. Another milestone was the creation of a construction division, which now operates independently and even takes on projects for external developers. The third big step was separating ownership from management, which allowed the company to grow under professional leadership.
Martin Svoboda, now CEO of GARTAL, remembers clearly how much Petčenko’s courage and long-term vision inspired him. Two years ago, when sales were slowing due to economic uncertainty and rising interest rates, Svoboda was struck by Petčenko’s bold growth plan.
It was a vision to transform GARTAL into one of Prague’s leading development companies. “The opportunity to help realize this vision was both a great challenge and motivation for me,” Svoboda says. Under his leadership, GARTAL has not only continued to grow but has also embraced a culture of transparency, trust, and innovation.
For Petčenko, one of the greatest challenges today lies in the permitting process, which remains lengthy and complex in Prague. Securing land for development is another competitive battle, as many players compete for limited urban plots. The construction side of the business also faces challenges, particularly the shortage of skilled labor and the pressure of an overheated market. Yet, instead of seeing these as obstacles, he views them as part of the dynamic environment that keeps the company moving forward.
Jan Vrba, CEO of GARTAL Stavební, adds another layer to this picture. He recalls how, when he joined the company five years ago, there were only a few employees, and he had to manage almost everything. Those early days taught him to understand the company inside out. Today, under his leadership, GARTAL Stavební has grown into a trusted general contractor, recognized not just by its sister company but also by external clients.
For Vrba, Petčenko’s rational outlook and ability to prevent risks have been guiding influences. He describes his leadership style as one that balances innovation with tradition, aiming to always bring something extra to clients.
At the heart of GARTAL’s identity is the combination of both development and construction, something that makes the group unique. While many firms started as construction companies and later entered development, GARTAL did the reverse. This order has given them a strong foundation and independence. They also focus on innovation, creating user-friendly technologies such as garage entry by license plate recognition or mobile access to buildings. Petčenko believes that developers must offer more than just apartments or square meters. They must bring added value to people’s lives, and in this area, GARTAL strives to stand out.
“We believe developers should bring clients added value beyond just apartments and square meters.”
For Petčenko, sustainability goes beyond the environmental angle often highlighted in the industry. He views it primarily in terms of housing availability, smart use of urban land, and good city planning. In his opinion, Prague still holds untapped potential, but it requires faster permitting, digitalization, and a clear metropolitan plan to unlock. Only then can housing availability improve and prices stabilize.
What motivates him personally, he explains, has changed over the years. In the past, it was all about results. Today, it is about the journey, the process, and the people he works with. Feedback from colleagues and clients – whether positive or critical – plays an important role in keeping him grounded and inspired. Challenges motivate him just as much as successes.
When asked about work-life balance, he admits it has not been easy. For years, he struggled to separate work from personal life. But over time, he has learned to switch off, focus on family, and take care of himself. Morning exercise has become a routine that sets the rhythm for his day. He also makes it a point to call his wife or parents during work hours, a small but important reminder that life is not only about business.
His advice to young entrepreneurs reflects this awareness: work with full energy while you have the drive, but pay attention to the signals of your personal life, relationships, and health. “As long as you feel the drive to work at full speed, go for it,” he says. “But once you feel something is missing, you must not ignore it.”
Looking ahead, Petčenko is optimistic about both his company and the industry, even though he acknowledges that construction is conservative by nature. Technologies like artificial intelligence may bring new solutions, but the fundamentals remain the same: concrete, machinery, and skilled people. What he is sure of, however, is that GARTAL has all the prerequisites to become one of Prague’s top five developers, building up to 500 apartments annually and generating several billion CZK in turnover.
For Svoboda, success will mean not only financial growth but also leaving behind a strong, trusted brand and a motivated team. For Vrba, it will mean continuing to innovate in construction, keeping employees motivated, and proving to clients that GARTAL can deliver something unique. Together, they reflect the complementary leadership that Petčenko envisioned when he handed over the reins.
In the end, Rostislav Petčenko describes the current year in a single word: “A ride.” It captures both the challenges and the excitement of steering a company that has come so far yet still has so much ahead.
“As long as you feel the drive to work at full speed, go for it. But once you feel something is missing, you must not ignore it.”
For him, business has always been about building more than just apartments. It is about creating value, shaping communities, and leaving behind a legacy of growth, trust, and meaningful work. GARTAL, under his watch, has grown from a small family idea into a name recognized across Prague, and its future looks set to build on that legacy with strength and vision.
