From Fieldwork to Strategy: A 19-Year Journey at ComAp

When Miroslav Dvořák joined ComAp straight out of university, it wasn’t part of any “grand plan.” He didn’t know exactly what he was looking for, but the company’s mix of global reach, technical depth, and ties to the energy industry held great appeal and felt right. What he discovered was a career shaped by curiosity, hands-on experience, and the freedom to grow. 

Mirek’s journey shows that staying close to the customer and the product leads to better solutions and long-term progress. His early years at ComAp were spent across borders and in the field, solving problems on-site, commissioning projects, and learning directly from customer needs. That practical foundation became the cornerstone of everything that followed.

“I started as a Technical Support Engineer, with the bonus of a great international internship in the UK as a Commissioning Engineer. Then I moved into a role called Product and Marketing Coordinator, but back then it was much more than product management. You were part technician, part salesperson, part business partner. It was dynamic, international, hands-on, and exactly what I was looking for,” he recalls.

Over time, he moved from technical support to product management, application engineering and segment management, although he almost always stayed close to the gas engine domain. The work kept evolving, and so did he. Every few years brought a new challenge, a fresh perspective, and a chance to learn something new, as with the development of the InteliGen 1000 platform a few years back, which was a huge project. “I never felt stuck. The roles change, the responsibilities evolve, and I keep learning. That’s what keeps it exciting,” he adds.

Great product management doesn’t happen behind a desk in Prague
Today, Mirek leads ComAp’s product line for software and displays. He sticks to his philosophy, which is deeply grounded in fieldwork: understanding how products are used, what customers need, and how technology can evolve to meet those needs. As he puts it: “I am always excited when I get the chance to go on-site. And it only makes sense. You need to stay connected to the field. That’s where the real insights come from. From where I stand, it’s the only way to improve the product. The only way to do quality product management.” 

Freedom to shape your own path 
One of the things he values most about ComAp is the culture of autonomy. “No one really spoon-feeds you on how to do your job. You’re given the opportunity, you set your sights on a goal, and once it’s approved, it’s up to you to find the best way to get there. For me, that kind of trust makes a big difference.”

Of course, long-term growth comes with its ups and downs. Mirek recalls that some of the more challenging times were during periods of growth and reorganisation. Even then, it was the people, with their energy, commitment, and shared sense of purpose, who helped move things forward. 

“What helped most during those times? The people. The ones who make ComAp what it is. The ones who don’t just do their jobs but go the extra mile, who care about what they do. That’s what keeps me here,” he says.

Outside of work, Mirek is a passionate runner. Running early in the morning, when everything is quiet, helps him clear his mind and even solve work-related challenges. “Sometimes the best ideas for a technical solution come halfway through a run. And it’s not only me. It’s part of the rhythm here; you can feel it when you enter the building. ComAp has this active, sporty vibe about it. The people here have it in them,” he says.

After nearly 19 years, Mirek’s journey is a reminder that careers don’t always start with a clear plan — but when the right environment, the right culture, and the freedom to learn by doing come together, people can find their own way, grow, and make it count.

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