Behind every beautifully finished façade or flawlessly delivered project is a team of people whose dedication often goes unseen. At Goss Coatings, one of those people is Lukasz Grzesiak.
Having spent nearly two decades with the company, Lukasz has witnessed first-hand the evolution of both the business and the wider hygienic coatings and hygienic cladding industry.
From his early days working on the tools to his current role helping to oversee project delivery, his journey reflects the collaborative culture and steady growth that define Goss.
Known among colleagues for his calm approach and high standards, Lukasz brings a thoughtful perspective to the challenges of managing projects, people and expectations.
In this conversation, he reflects on the lessons learned along the way, the pride that comes from a job well done, and the moments of humour that make life on site memorable.
What do you think has been the key to your progression at Goss?
I think it was support of everyone in the company, I would imagine transition from being on the tools and working in HO is sometimes difficult, but in my case, it was quite smooth, like I said I was supported greatly. Obviously had difficult moments but wasn’t bad at all.
Over nearly two decades at Goss, how would you say the company culture has evolved?
It changed a lot, but we just keep evolving, with the world-laws, business processes, buildings regulations and rules, in every aspect of our working lives.
What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the hygienic coatings and cladding industry since you started?
I think health and safety got much stricter. Also, sites got digitalised, you haven’t seen supervisor with iPad 15 years ago, implementing changes and recording progress on the daily basis.
If you could choose any one project from your career to show off to friends and family, which one would it be and why does it make you proud?
We did several projects whose purpose was trying to find cures for severe diseases, involvement in these in retrospect was for a good cause. I can’t single out one project.
What does “getting a project right” mean to you personally?
To get it done within time frame, safely, to a good standard and organise it in the way that the customer comes back for more. I can look back and say I am proud of it.
You’re known for setting high standards, where do you think that drive for quality comes from?
I don’t like to be criticised (I think no one likes it), so getting the job done perfectly does not leave room for that.
What’s one thing you wish more people understood about the work that goes into project delivery?
It is small things that matter. Quite a lot of work is done behind the scenes, and sometimes you won’t see and appreciate these until they are not done 😊.
If your team had to describe you in three words on site, what do you think, or hope, they’d say?
These are two completely different things 😊. I’d like to think that I am knowledgeable, calm and organised. My site colleagues would describe me as walking chaos and cappuccino drinker.
If you need to crack the whip, how do you go about it?
I tend to have a calm but firm conversation. Stand my ground, but opened to suggestions.
When a project doesn’t go quite as planned, how do you get things back on track?
Sometimes it is out of our control and whatever we do, may not work. In most cases damage control with George, our MD, and/or site supervisors.
What have you learned about leadership from managing people on different sites over the years?
To have respect for everyone to start with, most people respond in the same way and you can build on that.
Is there a particular moment or decision in your career that you’re especially proud of?
I think that when I was given the opportunity, becoming Project Delivery Manager has been a big success, and I would like to think that I have influenced things in the company in a positive way. Not for me to judge, though.
If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Sometimes it is better to say one word less than one too many.
If you weren’t in the construction industry, what other job do you think you’d be doing right now?
Not a clue!! A stand-up comedian??
How do you balance the technical side of project delivery with managing people and expectations?
It supposed to be like a puzzle, all the pieces must fall in the right places.
You’ve seen Goss grow and diversify, what do you think has kept the company so strong and consistent?
Dedication of staff and our MD I would say.
When you finally get some downtime, what’s your perfect way to switch off?
Walk my dog and listen to a podcast.
Where do you plan to go on holiday next year?
That will be Croatia or Italy.
When you’re working on site what’s for lunch?
Readymade soup ☹!
Has working in this industry influenced how you look at buildings or interiors in everyday life?
Yes, each time I walk into the room I judge the cutting in line 😊!
What’s one thing your colleagues might be surprised to learn about you?
I’d rather keep it to myself, let’s keep my reputation where it is at mo.
If you could learn a completely new skill or trade, what would it be and why?
Probably plumbing – AI won’t replace plumbers!
The big one – What do you think of the Boss?
Decent tennis player!
Finally, what’s been your funniest moment at Goss?
Laughing my head off watching my mate Dariusz dropping a bucket of paint on the floor. We both laughed trying to scoop paint off the floor! Accidents happen, and luckily no permanent damage done.
Thanks Lukasz
What becomes clear from speaking with Lukasz is that successful project delivery is as much about people as it is about technical expertise.
His reflections reveal a professional who values teamwork, respect and quiet determination, while never losing sight of the importance of humour and perspective along the way.
It is this blend of experience, humility and steady leadership that has helped shape his career at Goss and continues to support the company’s reputation for quality and reliability.
Whether managing complex projects, mentoring colleagues on site, or simply judging the cutting-in lines when he walks into a room, Lukasz embodies the pride that comes from craftsmanship done properly.
And after nearly twenty years with the business, his story is a reminder that the strongest companies are built on the dedication of the people behind them.
