In comparison with some members of our Association, whose production volumes, and therefore profits, fell catastrophically due to the war – not to mention those whose productions are still idle, in particular, because they are destroyed or damaged – the metropolitan company “Modus Forward”, is undoubtedly in a better position: sales volumes of door fittings decreased by ten percent to last year’s level, which is unpleasant, of course, but, according to the owner of the company Yevhen Potemkin, is not critical.

The “Modus” company supplies the domestic market with door fittings of exclusively reputable foreign brands. Here, for almost three decades of activity, we have become accustomed to working with clients in such a way as to ensure the delivery of samples of products of the latest design and technological developments. The implementation of a large warehouse program in the assortment even now, in the conditions of martial law, allows us to cover the vast majority of consumer requests in this sector. Last but not least, sales volumes were maintained due to the development of sales of hidden doors and boxes for them – this is a new assortment for the company.

Modus, like almost every importing company, had certain difficulties with the acquisition of currency for the purchase of foreign products, the so-called non-critical imports. But the company, according to its annual plans, was provided for a certain period with pre-war hardware and other door supplies, which, of course, were not exhausted at the beginning of the year. And also, taking advantage of the fact that the government periodically changed its position – sometimes tightening currency restrictions, then loosening them – the company skilfully took advantage of periods of relaxation and sufficiently replenished its warehouse stocks. Currently, restrictions on the use of foreign exchange funds by importers have been practically removed. However, an important circumstance for “Modus” in this matter was the fact that almost all of its European partner suppliers created a facilitation regime for their Ukrainian distributor. The most important thing in which is the postponement of payments for delivered products. Of course, this became possible only thanks to the fact that for years they were convinced of the reliability of “Modus” as a business partner, so the trusting relationship did not waver even in such a difficult period for Ukraine.

Of course, the war could not fail to disrupt the usual rhythm of the company’s work. A few workers are at the front, and a few workers are abroad, which is typical for most business entities today. There was – again, like most – a stressful period of downtime of several weeks. Due to the fact that the occupied territories significantly reduced the domestic market, competition intensified. “We have to fight for almost every customer – both real and potential”, – admits the head of “Modus”, – in order to keep the three percent of the market that we had in peacetime.

From the words of Yevhen Potemkin, it is clear that the company did not find itself in a critical situation, and that the management is guided by the rule: difficulties and obstacles should not develop into dead-end problems, but be an irritant for the search for new opportunities, ”the owner of the Modus Forward company uses this rule in business.

“Modus” company, and more specifically – its owner, is one of those members of UAFM who are an example of a proactive civic position in difficult times for the country. Yevgeny Potemkin has been active in the volunteer movement since 2014, so already on February 26 he actively participated in helping military units. He works with the public association created jointly with the same patriots – the “Ukraine in Armor” fund. During the six months of the war, five thousand bullet-proof vests were sent to the front, and several ambulances and pick-up trucks were purchased with their own funds and collected from charitable funds.

Evgeny Potemkin is confident: “Every conscious Ukrainian should have three main tasks for every day: family safety, assistance to the Armed Forces, and economic security, both personal and business. If each of us does at least one of these things correctly, we will win!”