Step by step. Our story in brief.

A passion for numbers, but above all a desire to explore the world. Getting to know people, companies, and dreams. Alberto Birtele is the president and founder of Dwa Consulting, which operates from its offices in Verona and Warsaw with professionals specializing in operational assistance, always ready to develop internationalization projects in Italy and Poland.

Verona was a world too small for Alberto, who, after graduating from the Catholic University of Milan, became a partner in an accounting firm. But his passion for travel and abroad was already strong. "During my university studies, I met some Polish people and started going to Krakow. The first low-cost airlines were just emerging, and getting around was pretty easy," he says. "It was a very youthful, dynamic, and attractive city. It was the early 2000s. In Poland, I saw a country that was changing rapidly, with an international soul, full of people who spoke languages, traveled, and studied abroad, and I immediately understood its potential." At that time, Italy was reeling from a financial crisis, with the collapse of Goldman Sachs, among other things. "In Poland, the atmosphere was different; there was a lot of trust, and a certain economic prosperity was beginning to spread. I enjoyed traveling; I'd never been a typical office accountant. At that point, I began to think I could build a bridge with Poland, a country in constant evolution. So I began researching online, searching for sites of accountants, lawyers, and partnership firms, and I was struck by one in particular. I wrote to the managers, managed to meet them, and explained my interest in Poland. They invited me to visit their facilities and offices. I realized that an Italian professional could be successful in the Polish market." Here in the Verona area, Alberto was a partner in a firm where, however, his vision was not shared. "For others, it was a waste of time; it was a matter of investing and going there without a fixed salary; no one wanted to take the risk. Except me. I decided to leave that firm and create my own with my clients, a small business in Italy with a strong international presence."

It was 2011, and the years passed. In 2014, Alberto tried again. "I reminded them of my desire to move to Warsaw while also maintaining my business in Italy. I was aware of the dual taxation of the two countries, an added value for some of the high-profile clients I continue to serve."

The Polish market and clientele grew with new clients, and work and private life intersected. "I met my wife Ewa and then our daughter was born. In the meantime, I first became the area manager of this firm in Poland and then, a few years ago, a partner. Now we're supporting several Polish companies that want to open in Italy, and we're starting to collaborate with high-level companies." Among them are Pesa, a leading manufacturer of train cars, and FM, a top cosmetics company.

My team and I have specialized in typical tax products, with a dual focus: Polish clients who have invested in Italy or wish to do so; and Italian entrepreneurs who are currently in Poland and wish to return to take advantage of some of the tax benefits once they return home. Knowledge of both cultures is essential; many Poles told me they couldn't find a suitable reference. The skills I've developed with my team allow us to have a broad perspective. Today, I'm fortunate to experience two very different countries, to see companies of varying nationalities and sizes, from small local businesses to multinationals with operations around the world.