Riskonet Poland just got better at property risk-management
August 20, 2024
After over 20 years of building up his knowledge and experience base, a property and protection professional is now putting the fruits of his impressive resumé at the disposal of Riskonet Poland.
Back in 2000, Sebastian Stecyk (48) graduated from the Architecture and Construction faculty of the Technical University of Lodz. During his degree course he majored in environmental engineering, specialising in mechanical installations such as water-supply systems, water-treatment and sewage systems, as well as water-, plumbing-, heating-installation- and fire-protection systems.
Excellent mentor
After graduating, Sebastian embarked on a career in which property, safety and minimising risk would play major roles. His first position was with a local company that designed mainly fire-protection systems, including sprinkler systems for clients in the public and private sectors. He considers himself lucky in that his manager at the time had previously worked in the US and was an expert in NFPA regulations and philosophy. “He was an excellent mentor,” says Sebastian. “Not only did he give me an excellent grounding in the basics of fire-protection, he also introduced me to the whole philosophy of how best to approach fire-protection systems.” While working for this employer, Sebastian also did an internship with a partner company in Boston in the US. This enabled him to deepen his knowledge of and familiarity with NFPA.
Professional development
Sebastian built on his career in his next position, which was with a contracting company. While he was there he was able to further his professional development and gain more experience, enabling him to obtain national construction license in the design and execution of mechanical installations, including fire-protection installations. This, he put to good use in the years that followed, working on fire-protection systems for International Paper Kwidzyn and during the construction of a steam and gas turbine unit for PKN Orlen. He also designed fire-protection systems for industrial projects and high-rise buildings, as well as for large warehouse and office buildings and a shopping centre.
Best work
The project on which he looks back most fondly and with the most satisfaction though, was for a large client in the Polish power-generating sector. He was involved in a large-investment project for the construction of two new coal-fired power units for the Opole Power Station in Poland. His responsibilities were for the design and supervision of fire-protection systems, including water-pump systems, as well as sprinklers hydrants and gas installations. The objective was to provide optimum protection of property and ensure safety. “The project was concluded to the client’s satisfaction in 2019 and for me it represented my best work and professional adventure so far.”
New challenge
Since the beginning of June, as a full-time employee of Riskonet Poland, Sebastian has started putting his skills at the disposal of Riskonet clients. “After more than 20 years of acquiring experience and expertise in the design and implementation of fire-protection systems, I feel it’s a good time for a change and a new challenge in my career,” he says. “And I think that Riskonet is the right place for me to acquire more experience and broaden my knowledge. I’m interested in preparing concepts for fire-protection systems, for example, as well as having the opportunity to verify and inspect them and I think Riskonet will enable me to do just that.”
“An advantage that we have at Riskonet is our familiarity with, and experience in applying, international standards like NFPA and FM. These standards are recognised and followed all over the world”
Sebastian Stecyk
Substantial investments
Another reason he is convinced that Riskonet is the logical next step for him is that he feels there is currently a high demand for property risk-management services in Poland. Substantial investments are being made in office buildings, warehouses and industry plant and logistic facilities, involving the construction of new facilities and the modernisation of existing ones. “Risk management, while not obligatory, is a very important issue in maximising safety and eliminating risks in the area of property,” he insists. “And Riskonet is very well placed to help clients manage all those risks.”
First impressions
Less than a month after joining Riskonet, Sebastian’s impressions so far are good, particularly when it comes to the company’s strong focus on professionalism, commitment and cooperation. He’s followed NFPA training courses organised by Riskonet in the past and he recently met all Riskonet employees in Poland in person. “I’ve been very warmly welcomed by everyone and have been assured that I can count on receiving all the help and support I will need, which is always good to know when starting a new job.”
International standards
Assisted by his experience in fire-protection systems, Sebastian thinks that as a team they will be able to offer potential clients comprehensive, effective, efficient and modern solutions to address any property risk-management issues. He even feels that this offering could extend beyond Poland’s borders. “An advantage that we have at Riskonet is our familiarity with, and experience in applying, international standards like NFPA and FM. These standards are recognised and followed all over the world.”
Add value
Looking ahead, Sebastian is relishing the prospect of taking part in projects that involve large-scale investments. “They give me pleasure, motivation and they challenge me,” he reasons. His overriding ambition is that by further broadening his own knowledge and experience base, he will also add value to Riskonet Poland. This, he reckons will enable the company to better serve existing clients and help acquire new ones. “At Riskonet we can help clients prepare concepts, and even basic design documents, for the protection of buildings and structures. We can also do on-site verification of fire-protection systems according to all the common standards, such as NFPA, FM and VdS. In a nutshell, we can help our clients eliminate threats and avoid inappropriate technical solutions that may affect the safety, or even the loss, of a facility or property.”
