“You allow us to focus on delivering our projects rather than worrying about risk gaps.” Etleva Laro, Founder and CEO of EFA Solution
EFA Solution, founded in April 2015 in Albania, specialises in crafting quality footwear. In this interview, CEO Etleva Laro shares with GrECo Albania General Manager Elnar Gashi, how the company grew from a vision of local craftsmanship into a trusted name, highlighting key challenges, values, and the importance of their partnership with GrECo Albania along the way.
Founding Story
Gashi: Can you tell us how EFA Solution came to life? How did you come up with the idea, and what inspired you to start a shoe production company in Albania?
Laro: EFA Solution was born from a deep appreciation of craftsmanship and a desire to create something meaningful and long-lasting. I have always had a passion for design and quality footwear. I saw that Albania had both the talent and tradition in manufacturing but lacked recognition. I wanted to build a company that could combine our local craftsmanship with modern production standards – and that’s how EFA started.
Early Challenges
Gashi: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in the early stages of building your company?
Laro: Like any startup, the beginning was full of uncertainty. Finding skilled workers, securing reliable suppliers, and building a brand in a competitive market wasn’t easy. On top of that, being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry came with its own hurdles. But I believed in the product, and more importantly in the people. We built a strong team, and slowly, our reputation for quality and reliability grew.
Future Plans
Gashi: What’s next for EFA Solutions? What are your future plans or dreams for the company?
Laro: We’re focusing on growth; both locally and internationally. We are exploring partnerships with more European brands, expanding our production capacity, and investing in sustainable materials and practises. We want EFA Solution to be recognised not just as a manufacturer, but as a brand that represents Albanian quality and values.
Evolution of the Relationship with GrECo
Gashi: As we mark 100 years of service, and 10 years of partnership with you, how would you say our relationship has evolved?
Laro: Our journey with GrECo started at a point when we were scaling rapidly and needed a more strategic approach to insurance and risk. What stood out was your deep knowledge of the Albanian regulatory framework and your ability to connect that with international insurance markets. It gave us confidence that GrECo could handle both our operational risks and the expectations of our international stakeholders.
Since then, it’s grown into something incredibly solid. We have faced changing regulations, shifts in employee expectations, and even a global pandemic; and through it all, your team has been a constant, guiding presence. You have adapted alongside us, and that’s not something every partner can do.
Gashi: From your point of view, what added value has GrECo brought to your business so far?
Laro: GrECo has been more than a broker; you have acted as a risk advisor. From structuring complex coverage for our projects to ensuring compliance with strategic investment requirements. Your team has been proactive, fast, solutions-oriented, responsive and reliable. Whenever there’s a need; be it an unexpected clause in a lender agreement, or a contract requiring specific wording, your team steps up. This has allowed us to focus more on delivering our projects rather than worrying about risk gaps. So, the fact that we can rely on GrECo not only for standard placements but also for tailored advice gives us peace of mind.
Future Collaboration
Gashi: Looking ahead, what are your expectations for the next stage of our collaboration?
Laro: Our vision is to expand beyond manufacturing, whether that’s entering new international markets, launching our own retail brand, or investing in sustainable production practises. We see GrECo not just as an insurance provider, but as a strategic partner. We rely on your expertise to help us navigate new risks, both locally and abroad. We truly value and appreciate how smooth and supportive the collaboration has been with GrECo so far, especially when it comes to health and benefits for our employees.
Legacy and Celebration
Gashi: That’s wonderful to hear! As we celebrate our 100-anniversary, what does it mean to you to be part of this legacy?
Laro: It’s an honour, honestly. Being part of a century-long legacy shows the level of trust and consistency your company has maintained. We are proud to have contributed, in our own way, to that story. Ten years with your team has made a real impact on our business, and we are grateful to be a part of this celebration!
About EFA Solution
EFA Solution, based in Albania, is a footwear manufacturing company known for its commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and innovation. Founded in 2015, the company combines traditional skills with modern production standards to serve international markets.
