Why Is Our Name Gajcom?

Pioneering Period (1993–1999)

We founded the company Gajcom in 1993 during a time of rapid technological advancement. As founders, Robert and Darja, we were then full of student enthusiasm and innovative ideas.

Beginnings: Challenges and Progress (1993–1999)

Soon after graduating from high school, we actively engaged in the business world, seizing every opportunity for creation (and earnings). Despite occasional financial challenges, we strove for as much independence as possible.

It’s a fact that Robert and I (Darja) threw ourselves into business immediately after finishing high school. We took up any job that brought in some money (and of course, we also did many that cost us extra out of our own pockets—let’s call it more or less expensive education). Although we were infinitely grateful to our parents for food and general support (understanding and occasional financial loans), we tried to live as independently as possible. It was mostly about selling at fairs or stalls. It was sometimes fun, but also honestly stressful from time to time. But at the end of the day, our earnings went into a joint fund, from which we financed further ventures (and of course, occasional failures). When the idea grew beyond constantly searching for sales locations, we started thinking about opening a company. We envisioned Gaj. A cozy little bar in greenery, preferably by the sea—or somewhere in the hills, where we would sell drinks and maybe some chips :). We added ‘Com’ because it was trendy at the time, and in our interpretation, it meant computers and communications. That way, we gave the ideals of the philosopher a masculine technical soul.

Development of the Name and First Projects (1999–2005)

Philosophy of Gajcom: Combination of Nature and Technology (1999–2005)

When we exceeded sales at the stands, we began to think about starting a company. We chose the name Gaj because of its pleasant association with a relaxing environment, maybe by the sea or in the hills. We added ‘Com,’ which at the time meant computing and communications, reflecting our interpretation and philosophy of combining technology and creativity.

First Projects: Printed Bags and Learning from Our Own Mistakes (2005–2008)

Although the idea of Gaj never came to fruition, we turned to our first project – printed bags with company logos. Despite the failure of the first attempt, we gained customers and decided to take over the design. It turned out that we would have to start printing ourselves if we wanted to keep control of the prices.

We acquired enough customers and struck a deal with a supplier, while we handled the design ourselves on our first 286. The first miracles were born 🙂 It turned out that the first time clearly doesn’t work – the business failed because the supplier raised the price of bags by 200% just before implementation. Of course, the margin wasn’t high enough to take such a hit, but we still managed. The customers got the bags and were very happy with them. We realized that we would have to start printing ourselves if we wanted to keep anything for ourselves. We could really only rely on ourselves.

Business Expansion and Technological Leaps (2008–present)

Growth and Development: From a Mini Print Shop to Modern Spaces in Vevče (2008–present)

The initial equipment, colors, and knowledge came from Gorenjska. With borrowed money, we equipped the first print shop in the basement at our parents’ house. The first jobs were printing business cards and other promotional materials. Over time, we expanded the activity to include pad printing, imported from China. The first steps in t-shirt printing were with water-based ink, which later developed into more advanced technologies.

Yes, business cards were still printed using screen printing back then, and we printed a lot of them— even today, these business cards look very professional. Why business cards, if we wanted to print bags? Because you can’t print bags using screen printing – we discovered this just a bit too late, by which time we already had screen printing equipment 🙂 By the way: The eco bags we print now are made differently…

Commitment to Innovation: From the First T-Shirts to Modern Printing (present)

Then things started happening – we purchased pad printing equipment, which was our first major import from China. We printed pens, keychains, and other small items. Screen printing remained and strengthened – we printed the first T-shirts. Water-based ink was the only option back then since we didn’t have the equipment for anything more. Water-based ink, when printed on cotton, air-dries naturally. One of our first jobs – white T-shirts with a single-color logo on the chest side, will always be remembered. The client was so excited that he wore the T-shirt right in the printing shop, grabbed the box with the rest, and happily rushed off into the hot summer day. Half an hour later, the sweaty and disappointed man returned – the print had practically melted off the spot where we placed it and started creating streaks on the shirt – unbelievable! The ink dries quickly, but it takes at least a week or more to become washable! We dried the rest of the T-shirts additionally, and a few years ago, we saw one of these T-shirts in person – the print is still holding up. At that time, we upgraded the equipment, first purchasing one machine, then another, then replacing the first one with a newer and more powerful version, buying two more, and eventually moving. Despite expanding through the home basement like wildfire, there was soon no room for more. We’ve now been in Vevče for 17 years and plan to stay for a while longer. There is a pleasant energy here, it’s peaceful, and it’s easy to reach us. Above all, we have plenty of space to constantly fill with fresh ideas since we’re never bored and continuously coming up with solutions for the challenges you bring us.