Marius Zinveliu, founder of Magic 5, on how passion for web design, strategy, and personalized development transformed an idea into one of the most respected digital agencies in Eastern Europe.
Marius Zinveliu is the founder of several businesses and projects such as 8ore.ro, 2lafel, and Opes CMS, as well as Magic 5, which is one of the few web development and web design companies that owns its own CMS. Marius has placed his full trust in the idea of delivering art, not just simple websites and applications, and it seems that after almost 10 years since its founding, Magic 5 has become one of the most prolific companies of its kind in Eastern Europe.
C&B: If we were to look at a narrative thread of your career or business, what were the key moments that defined you?
Marius Zinveliu: For Magic 5, one of the most important moments was the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, when, overnight, over 85% of the business evaporated because our projects were mostly related to clients operating in hospitality and services. At that point, business decisions were no longer made considering long timeframes, but rather days or even hours. The fact that we managed to pivot relatively quickly and identify new, more niche markets made all the difference.
C&B: What were the first challenges in launching an agency that combines web development, design, and marketing into a complete package?
Marius Zinveliu: The first challenges were related to an overcrowded market and also unfair competition. While we operated (and still operate) as a transparent business, with all earnings and salaries on record, at the time we started the company – in 2016 – the IT market was mostly dominated by large companies that masked employment through B2B collaboration contracts, as well as freelancers, many of whom had no legal structure. The fact that we managed to position ourselves apart from these issues and believed in our niche of personalized web design and web development allowed us to thrive.
C&B: Is there a dream or ambition that has always guided you, regardless of obstacles?
Marius Zinveliu: Yes, the belief that there can be a workplace where work doesn’t feel like work, and a true balance between personal and professional life — all under a strong brand like Magic 5. Another personal dream has been to bring simplicity and clarity to the digital chaos we live in, which is why I created 8ore.ro, by far the easiest-to-use recruitment platform.
C&B: What were you like at the beginning of your journey, and how do you feel you’ve transformed since then?
Marius Zinveliu: At the beginning, I was a one-man band – doing everything from programming to design, client communication, and marketing strategies. I was full of energy, but also chaos. Now I’m more grounded, more calculated. I’ve learned to delegate, to trust my team, and to look at things strategically, long-term, not just in terms of immediate problem-solving.
C&B: If we were to meet your team or collaborators, what do you think they would say about you?
Marius Zinveliu: They’d probably say I’m a perfectionist who doesn’t accept “good enough.” But they’d also say I’m ambitious, involved, and that I give them the freedom to grow. I always try to build an environment where everyone has space to express their ideas and take ownership of projects as something personal — and that requires both courage and a bit of madness.
C&B: What is the most important decision you’ve made that changed your trajectory?
Marius Zinveliu: To transform the company from one that offered all digital services into one focused exclusively on web development, web design, and app development. I firmly believe there’s no such thing as “one size fits all,” and that you can achieve more success if you focus on something specific instead of trying to do it all. Still, SEO and Paid Advertising needs are covered through a mature and stable network of collaborators who maintain the same high level of quality as Magic 5.
C&B: Which project best demonstrated the impact of your work on clients’ businesses?
Marius Zinveliu: HIDROstore. We’ve known the brand since its beginnings (2019) and to this day, we’re involved in developing both the website and a full suite of dedicated applications. Because of this, HIDROstore has achieved an annual growth rate of at least 200%, thanks in part to our support and development — a fact confirmed and reconfirmed by the client.
C&B: What differentiates Magic 5 from other agencies in Romania, and what philosophy do you follow in each project?
Marius Zinveliu: We don’t make compromises. What sets us apart is that we work as if we were part of the client’s team. We don’t just stick to the brief — we ask questions, get involved in strategy, and adapt the process to the context. Our philosophy is simple: if the client grows, we grow. We care about real impact, not just meeting deadlines.
C&B: What does a typical day look like for you now, and what moments bring you the most satisfaction?
Marius Zinveliu: My day starts early, with goal planning. I reserve time for focus, without interruptions — that’s when the best ideas happen. The greatest satisfaction comes when I see the team’s progress or receive positive feedback from a client who’s seen tangible business results.
C&B: What values or principles guide you in your work, and how do you apply them every day?
Marius Zinveliu: Authenticity, responsibility, and passion. We don’t promise what we can’t deliver, we take ownership of every result, and we only work on projects we truly believe in. Day by day, that means transparent communication, genuine involvement at every stage, and high standards with no compromises.
C&B: How did Magic 5 come to life, and what inspired you to create a personalized web design and digital marketing agency?
Marius Zinveliu: Magic 5 was born out of the desire to do things differently. I noticed that many agencies offered standardized services without truly understanding clients’ needs. I wanted to change that. The name comes from the idea that when you combine creativity, strategy, technology, communication, and emotion — the result is magic, almost unreal… like Magic 5.
C&B: How do you see the evolution of the web design and digital marketing industry in Romania, and what new opportunities do you identify for the future?
Marius Zinveliu: The industry is maturing — clients are becoming more educated, and their expectations are increasingly sophisticated. I believe the future belongs to those who can deliver true personalization based on data, without losing the human touch. The biggest opportunities don’t necessarily come from AI, automation, or interactive content, but from authentic collaboration between people and brands.
Marius Zinveliu and the Magic 5 team prove that success in a competitive industry is built through authenticity, passion, and a clear vision.
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