Oleksii Darahanov, 33 years

My name is Oleksii Darahanov, and today I am an entrepreneur in industrial chemical sales and the founder of  Water Polymer Trade.

My professional journey grew naturally out of many years of experience in sales, which provided a solid foundation for building my own business. Today, I am developing the company systematically, focusing on the team, streamlined processes, and a long-term growth strategy.

A high tolerance for risk is a common thread throughout my life and professional journey. It shows up in sports—in particular, boxing and kickboxing—as well as in business decision-making. My ability to identify key points where the company can outperform its competitors, and to seize those opportunities boldly, has over time become a lasting competitive advantage and delivered tangible results.

The business idea emerged from a deep dive into the industry: working in the market, I clearly saw unmet customer needs and began addressing them systematically. I deliberately chose a higher-risk niche and began importing products that other players were unwilling to handle. This approach proved successful and helped us establish a position in the market.

Among the key challenges of the early years were fierce competition, building effective partnerships, and financial crises, including market downturns and cash-flow gaps. I responded by diversifying our products, switching to prepayments, and developing new areas of business. Another important turning point was a personal breakthrough: resolving my inner issues also gave me the opportunity to scale the business.

Today, I see building a strong team and a well-managed system as the main drivers of growth. I believe that without people and processes, a business cannot develop effectively. My journey combines entrepreneurial courage, strategic thinking, and a mindful approach to life, in which freedom means being able to live and work the way I truly want.

How did the business idea come about?

I was constantly immersed in this field, knew it well from the inside, and noticed unmet needs. Over time, I began addressing these problems myself. I took a risk and started importing what others weren't—and it worked.

What key skills helped you launch your business?

Energy, determination, and a tolerance for risk.

Staying afloat—and finding the right partner

What were the 3 toughest challenges you overcame in the early years?

First, staying afloat amid fierce competition. Second, building a partnership: I teamed up’ with my current partner and with companies we began working and growing alongside.

When I resolved my inner issues, the external ones began to resolve too

What crises has your business faced, and how did you overcome them?

Over nearly four years, there were several periods of crisis. The first was a market downturn. We responded by diversifying our products and seeking new areas of business. The second was a cash-flow gap, which we managed to close by switching to prepayments and through that same diversification. There was also an «internal» crisis—a personal one, rather. When I resolv’ed my inner issues, many of the external problems also began to resolve.

The system itself enables scaling

Which decisions proved most effective for the company's growth?

Building a team and a system proved most effective. We are now deliberately developing our internal processes, and it is the system itself that enables the business to scale. Without people, the company will not grow the way I want it to or develop effectively.

I put too much of my own money into the business

Which of your mistakes do you now consider your most valuable experience?

I consider putting too much of my own money into the business at the start to be my most valuable mistake. It could have been done without that, but it was an important experience. I lost some of that money at the beginning.

A million—we’re actively working toward it