The Second Firsts: “Look Back, See What Your Parents Have Created, And Think — Would You Disappoint Them?” The Story of Stanislav Popov.
They were born in the late ’80s and early ’90s. They are the second generation in business and the first generation of the transition period. They are “The Second Firsts” – a joint project by Storio and UBB, dedicated to some of the most successful businesses in Bulgaria and their successors.
The children and the companies took their first steps almost simultaneously. A time when no matter how often you fall, you must always get back up. Both generations continued down this path not because they had no choice, but because they did — a choice driven by duty to their family and the desire to shape Bulgaria’s future.
How hard is it to be the first, according to The Second Firsts? And how hard is it to be the second, according to the first?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of being the second generation in business? Is it easier to inherit a business than to create one? Are you entitled to refuse your inheritance? How heavy is the burden of responsibility?
How can you adapt a company founded in the analog past to thrive in the digital present? Can you work as a team with your own father? How does business change the family, and how does the family change the business?
The Second Firsts share their stories.
Stanislav Popov is 31 years old, but he already has a ten-year relationship with his wife, whom he married two months ago. Family values define not only the bond between father and son but also the connection between business and the future.
Stanislav works alongside his father, Dimitar Popov, who founded the company EL BAT in 1993. The company’s activities are closely tied to the circular economy — recycling used lead-acid batteries and producing lead metal. In addition, EL BAT manufactures sodium sulfate and polypropylene granulate — components used in the production of new car batteries. The company employs over 200 people, with an annual turnover exceeding 200 million BGN.
Stanislav is both a second-generation businessman and a second-generation boxer — a hobby shared with his father that, for Stanislav, has also turned into a professional opportunity.
“Having two main choices before me — to continue pursuing a career in professional sports or to develop the family company as an entrepreneur — I chose to become an entrepreneur. Family instills values, and the corporate environment here builds a strong spirit, a healthy body, and numerous successes.”
“A round in boxing and a round in business are both hard to win; it takes courage, endurance, building character, skills, and a strong team of people.”
According to the young entrepreneur, employees are the most valuable asset of a company. This is why one of his main focuses is paying close attention to his team.
The company’s latest initiative is the “EL BAT Academy”, aimed at finding and developing higher-quality talent.
Another interesting aspect of the relationship between Stanislav and his father is their small age difference — Dimitar was only 22 years old when he started his business and already had a son. This has influenced the way they work together — making decisions unanimously through dialogue. However, there is still a hierarchy. When their opinions differ, the experience, knowledge, and skills of the first generation prevail in the final decision.
In the Storio and UBB series, Stanislav shares insights about the company and family from the inside. During a boxing workout, he talks about the qualities boxing builds — qualities equally essential in business. He explains what happens when the game gets tough, what the important life choices are, and what the secret to a successful business model is.
