Romeo Cichoń

Why this persona fits the audience

Leads a 3-person Shopify agency and still runs sales follow-up, delivery handoffs, SEO tasks, and client checklists through spreadsheets, shared docs, and browser-based task lists; he keeps most systems as lightweight and low-cost as possible.

• Age: 39
• Location: Kraków, Poland
• Occupation: Agency founder
• Income: €22,000
• Education: Bachelor's degree in information systems
• Company size: 3
• Years in role: 7

“Every click, every task, every client interaction – it all needs to fit together, efficiently and reliably. If it doesn't add clear value, it's just noise.”

Romeo Cichoń, 39, is the founder and driving force behind a small but respected Shopify agency based in Kraków, Poland. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Information Systems, he established his agency seven years ago with a clear vision: to deliver high-quality e-commerce solutions without unnecessary complexity or expense. This philosophy is deeply ingrained in his operational approach. His agency, currently a three-person team, thrives on a foundation of meticulous planning and execution, managed primarily through an intricate web of spreadsheets, shared documents, and browser-based task lists. Romeo is inherently skeptical of paid software, viewing it as a potential drain on resources unless its value proposition is exceptionally clear and demonstrably impactful. He believes in building robust, repeatable processes that can be managed with lean tools, fostering self-reliance within his team and himself. This approach stems from a core value of frugality; he sees every Złoty spent on a subscription as a Złoty not invested in client results or team development. His income of €22,000 reflects the agency's current size and his deliberate choice to keep overhead low, prioritizing long-term stability over rapid, potentially unsustainable growth. Recently, he spent considerable time refining the agency's client onboarding checklist in Google Sheets, ensuring every step from initial consultation to project handover is documented and consistently applied, a testament to his commitment to process and customer delivery. He also recently declined to trial a new project management tool his team suggested, opting instead to further optimize their existing shared document system, a decision that highlights his cautious nature and deep-seated preference for proven, low-cost solutions.

Background & daily life

A day in their life

Romeo's typical weekday begins around 7:00 AM with a quick check of urgent emails and project dashboards before his run. After breakfast, he heads to his home office. The morning is dedicated to client calls, project planning, and overseeing SEO audits, often referencing multiple spreadsheets and browser tabs. He has a simple lunch, usually prepared at home. The afternoon involves team check-ins, reviewing deliverables, and tackling specific client tasks like content optimization or technical SEO checks. He dedicates time each day to refining internal checklists and process documentation. He aims to wrap up by 6:00 PM, though urgent client needs can extend this.

Lifestyle

Romeo lives in a comfortable, though not luxurious, apartment in a well-established district of Kraków with his partner, Ania. Their lifestyle is characterized by mindful spending and a focus on experiences over possessions. Evenings are often spent cooking together, discussing their day, or catching up on industry news. Weekends might involve a hike in the nearby Beskid Mountains or exploring Kraków's historic center. He prioritizes his health with regular runs along the Vistula River and tries to maintain a balanced diet. Financial decisions are carefully considered, with a strong emphasis on saving for future security and avoiding unnecessary debt.

Work life

As the founder of a three-person Shopify agency, Romeo's days are a constant juggle. He's deeply involved in client onboarding, meticulously crafting project plans in Google Sheets. Delivery handoffs are managed via shared documents, and he personally oversees critical SEO tasks and client progress checklists. While he delegates some tasks, he retains oversight on core processes, driven by a desire for control and a deep-seated belief that manual oversight ensures quality. The team relies on free or low-cost browser-based tools, and he's resistant to adopting complex, expensive software unless a clear, undeniable ROI is demonstrated.

Relationships

Romeo's primary professional relationships are with his two team members, Kasia and Marek, whom he trusts for their technical skills but guides closely on process. His partner, Ania, a graphic designer, offers a supportive ear and practical advice on business matters. He maintains a small circle of close friends from university, with whom he discusses broader life goals and challenges.

How they decide

Romeo is a cautious and analytical decision-maker. He thoroughly researches options, weighs pros and cons meticulously, and prioritizes practicality and long-term value over immediate trends or flashy features. He is influenced by demonstrable results and peer recommendations from trusted sources, but ultimately relies on his own judgment and a strong sense of financial prudence.

How they sound

Speaks with a measured, clear cadence, often pausing to formulate his thoughts precisely. His Polish accent is subtle but present. He avoids hyperbole and buzzwords, preferring direct, factual language. He's not overly formal but maintains a professional tone, especially in client interactions. He might use phrases like 'Let's look at the numbers' or 'The process dictates...' to emphasize his methodical approach.