Humble Beginnings and Early Struggles
Originally from Poland, Lukasz Koziarski started his career with little to his name. At that time, the used clothing business was gaining popularity, and with a bit of encouragement from his girlfriend, Lukasz decided to open a small second-hand clothing store. Despite his best efforts, the business faced significant challenges, and, ultimately, it did not succeed. The shop’s closure marked a turning point for Lukasz—one of hardship and a stark realization that achieving anything meaningful would require grit, resilience, and perhaps a leap of faith.

With the few belongings he could sell, Lukasz managed to gather £500. Taking a leap, he decided to leave Poland, burdened with debts but driven by hope for a fresh start. In August 2014, he arrived in the UK, determined to make a new life for himself.

Building Foundations in the UK
When Lukasz arrived in the UK, he took on any job he could find, including warehouse shifts and working in various restaurants. These jobs not only provided him with a steady income but also helped him learn English. Each day brought a new lesson, whether it was language skills or an insight into the way British culture operated.

It was during his time in a restaurant that Lukasz noticed something pivotal: people were spending hundreds of pounds on meals. Observing the lifestyle of those dining in high-end establishments, Lukasz thought, “If they can do it, so can I.” This realization sparked a change in him—he saw the possibility of a better life and a future in which he could be his own boss.

From Side Hustle to Full-Time Driver
Encouraged by his newfound perspective, Lukasz sought other income sources beyond his main job. He learned about the potential of driving people around for a fee and started doing it as a side gig, albeit informally. As he gained more experience and confidence, he decided to take things a step further: he obtained his official driver’s license and left his restaurant job to become a full-time driver. For two years, he worked tirelessly, saving and building up his skills.

Launching Umbrella Transfers
The experience of working as a driver planted the seeds for Lukasz’s next venture. In 2016, he took a bold step and founded Umbrella Transfers (UT), a company focused on providing reliable transportation services. Lukasz knew that to grow the business, he needed to build a team and create a structure that would allow him to focus on expanding the company.

The First Steps Toward Growth
Lukasz’s friend Dinesh, who also ran a similar business, introduced him to the concept of hiring support staff in Sri Lanka, a move that would eventually become foundational to his business. Dinesh introduced Lukasz to Akhil, who became Umbrella Transfers' first Sri Lankan employee, followed shortly by Sam. Together, they worked diligently to manage operations, streamline communications, and help Lukasz handle the business’s day-to-day tasks.

However, as the company grew, challenges also arose. During this period, Dinesh faced difficulties paying his bills and keeping his operations running smoothly. Lukasz stepped in to support the business, providing equipment and even making trips to Sri Lanka to set up a small office in Homagama. This was a crucial step in establishing Umbrella Transfers as a serious player in the industry, with a growing team that enabled the company to take on more clients and increase its reach.

Source: https://umbrellatransfers.com/