60 years with the masters of testing: Gyula Gál

The master of testing who opened the door to Hungary - on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the SZÚ, we present personalities who have pushed the boundaries of testing. This time, we talked to our colleague Gyula Gál, whose personal initiative led to the establishment of the SZÚ sales office in Hungary.    

How is international cooperation born and what is behind it? Take a look behind the scenes of one inspiring story.

How did you get into testing?

I worked as a certification engineer on the manufacturing side, meaning I was in the role of the customer. That’s when I first encountered Strojírenský zkušební ústav, s.p. (SZÚ). I needed a price quote, so I reached out to both SZÚ and the Hungarian institution ÉMI (Építésügyi Minőségellenőrző Innovációs Nonprofit Kft.). While the Hungarian side offered a six-month lead time and a relatively high price, SZÚ came back with a three-month timeline and a quarter of the cost. That caught my attention so much that I thought this opportunity should be introduced to the Hungarian market.

So it was your idea for SZÚ to have a commercial representation in Hungary through you?

Yes, that´s true. I approached SZÚ with this idea back in 2014, as I noticed that SZÚ has not yet established its own representation in Hungary at that time. I offered SZÚ to cooperate and took on the role of representing SZÚ in the Hungarian market.

Have you had any success at SZÚ that you're particularly proud of?

What I’m most proud of as a sales representative is the cooperation with our Hungarian client, Fireplace Kft. Over time, we’ve built such a strong relationship that they now carry out all their inspections exclusively through us. It’s great to see that the client fully trusts what we do and relies on us—both me and SZÚ. It confirms to me that being human, communicating well, and focusing on quality still.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

For me, sales isn’t just a profession—it’s also a passion. Every day brings small moments that make me smile, and I really appreciate that. What I value most is the opportunity to meet new people, explore new areas, and build relationships. I’ve been lucky to make many contacts over the years, and some of them have even turned into friendships. That’s a huge added value for me.

Does your work ever have an impact on someone’s real life?

With every project, I think about the people who will be using the final products. Knowing that our work helps keep them safe—whether it’s a neighbor, a friend, or a family member—gives me motivation. In a way, SZÚ helps make product safety a natural part of our everyday lives.

Do you have a habit or ritual you can’t do without?

Every morning, I listen to music. It helps me focus, filter out distractions, and get into the right mindset for work. It’s a simple ritual that prepares me for the day and helps me start with a clear head.

What’s something few people know about you?

Flying is a big hobby of mine. I’ve had my pilot’s license for two years now, and whenever there’s a chance—like when a client is located near an airfield—I combine business with pleasure and fly there.

What cheers you up the most when you’re having a bad day?

My biggest support is my wife. Her encouragement and support help me stay positive even when things aren’t going well. Knowing she’s there for me is priceless.

What would you say to people who don’t really understand what testing (the TIC sector) is? Why should they care?

Testing is essential for everyone’s safety. Every product that reaches the market should be verified to ensure it doesn’t pose a risk. For example, thanks to EMC testing (electromagnetic compatibility testing), we no longer have issues like a hairdryer interfering with a TV. And that’s just one of many examples of why our work matters.

Thank you for the interview!

SZÚ team