The personal aspect of doing business has always been important to us. In 2009, we (Kevin Baker and Martin Toskov) were running a successful web development agency with a strong client base that was experiencing rapid growth. The company relied heavily on development work, and we were constantly searching for new talent.
That same year, we ran into a major challenge: the shortage of developers in the Netherlands began to slow down our growth. Martin has roots in North Macedonia and was familiar with the strong talent pool there. We asked ourselves: what if we realized our growth in North Macedonia?
We had been waiting so long for new developers that the decision was made quickly — and it immediately solved our growth challenges.
Martin & Kevin at the opening of Personal Programmer’s new office in 2023.
Once we were successfully working with a team in North Macedonia, our story began to reach other entrepreneurs in our network. They approached us with questions like, “Could you also place someone for us in your office, and can you arrange everything?”
That’s how, in a nutshell, the Personal Programmer service was born. From the very beginning, the core idea was that our clients wanted to grow their organizations with Macedonian developers as a long-term solution, not as temporary hires.
We set out to change the nearshoring market. For years, it has been opaque, but we have disrupted it by putting full transparency at the core of what we do. With us, you see exactly how a nearshoring agency works and where every euro goes. What do the developers earn? What is our fee and how is it structured? Want to review the employment contracts? No problem.
This is not a detail; it is essential. It is about your people and your growth. That is why we believe you should have complete insight into everything involved.
Our team in North Macedonia is the beating heart of our organization. They make sure everything runs smoothly, from administration and facilities to recruitment, HR, and retention. But their role goes far beyond processes and paperwork. They build relationships, nurture culture, and ensure your employees feel seen, supported, and at home.
Whether it is attracting new talent, guiding people in their growth, or organizing team events that truly connect, they make a difference in the daily lives of our teams. Thanks to their local presence, dedication, and expertise, we deliver on our promise of building sustainable teams that stay.
Jasmina, Kristina, Hristina & Lina, the team behind Personal Programmer North Macedonia.