In the quiet village of Gjinoqara, nestled in the hills of Mallakastër, Albania, a boy was born into a family persecuted by the communist regime. Life was not kind in those early years. But it was precisely within this struggle that Behar Çukaj found the strength, humility, and vision that would one day shape one of Albania’s most influential business groups. Mr. Çukaj grew up not just learning the meaning of sacrifice, but embracing it. The absence of comfort taught him to build resilience. The lack of opportunity ignited an entrepreneurial flame. He was not afraid to take risks; in fact, risk became his companion, and vision his guide. The Beginnings: OLSI shpk In 1992, amidst the uncertainty of a transitioning Albania, Behar Çukaj founded his first company, OLSI shpk, focusing on the oil and gas retail sector. What began as a humble enterprise soon evolved into a growing network of service stations. Year by year, OLSI carved its space in the Albanian market through perseverance, trust, and quality. The Birth of BOLV Group Driven by the success of OLSI and the desire to expand, Mr. Çukaj founded BOLV-OIL in 2003. This marked the official birth of BOLV Group, which would go on to consolidate all his companies under one vision. BOLV-OIL quickly grew into a major player, expanding into fuel import-export, wholesale, crude oil trading, and logistics. In 2011, the Group made a strategic acquisition: 100% of a private fuel terminal in Porto Romano, Durrës. Situated in a tax-free zone, this high-capacity terminal gave BOLV a competitive edge in regional fuel logistics. Innovation and Expansion In 2014, BOLV launched ALBDRILLING sha, expanding into oilfield services: drilling, workover, and transport. Within a few years, the company boasted one of the most modern machinery fleets in the country. The momentum continued. In 2017, BOLV Group acquired AUTOVISION, the official dealer of IVECO trucks and PETRONAS lubricants in Albania, adding automotive expertise to the portfolio. A New Vision: Education, Housing, and Construction When the world stood still during the COVID-19 pandemic, the next generation of the Çukaj family brought forth a new idea: a premium student residence inspired by their own university years. This vision became reality in September 2022 when "Fole Residence" opened its doors to over 1,000 students. With 750 fully equipped rooms and modern facilities, it quickly became the most sought-after residence in Albania. This milestone inspired the creation of BOLV CONSTRUCTION. The company immediately took on new residential projects including the highly successful "Tulipan" residence in Tirana — a community of 26 three-story buildings and 9 villas built with a focus on green living and architectural elegance. Soon after, the company began a signature development along Albania’s pristine Riviera: more than 200 apartments and 23 luxury villas in Palasa Beach, one of the country’s most refined coastal destinations. The Future: Smart Building and Sustainability To address major construction challenges like speed, labor shortages, and energy efficiency, the Group founded PLASTBAU ALBANIA in 2024 — a revolutionary production facility for smart building technology. It began operating in January 2025, not only providing for internal projects but also supplying the broader construction market. Meanwhile, new developments like Kashari Center — a 9-floor complex of mixed-use buildings — demonstrate BOLV Group's continuing evolution. Today and Beyond Today, BOLV Group includes six successful companies across diverse industries, employing over 500 people and contributing powerfully to Albania's economy. At the heart of it all stands Mr. Behar Çukaj — a man forged by adversity, guided by purpose, and committed to building a legacy not just of business, but of impact. His story reminds us that even from the roughest soil, greatness can grow.