THT Means: T = TANOSHIKU (Fun), H = HATARAKI (Work), T = Try

広報
Dec 19, 2022
4 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

— Why a Former Chef Found His Calling Here —

Business Solution Department (Y.I)

Please tell us about your work.

At THT, I begin by meeting with clients to confirm their needs and requirements. After that, I handle the design, prepare proposals, and move forward with construction upon approval. We work with a wide range of systems, including in-building communication networks, Wi-Fi, video distribution, telephone systems, surveillance cameras, electronic locks, and master antenna television systems. My favorite part of the job is on-site installation, especially when it involves business trips. I enjoy being physically active, but more than that, I find real joy in engaging with clients and providing a service.

What sparked your interest in this industry and led you to join THT?

I joined THT in 2018. But before that, I was actually working as a chef on the first floor of the building where THT' office was located at the time. The company CEO Suzuki, often came by for drinks, and that's how we got to know each other. Me as the chef, and him as the customer. In 2018, I began thinking about trying something new to gain broader life experience and grow as a person. Just around that time, Mr. Suzuki approached me with an opportunity to join THT. Since I was already familiar with many of the employees from company parties and year-end gatherings, I decided to take the leap.

I had the impression that the IT industry offered better pay, employee benefits, and unlike the food service industry regular holidays and little to no overtime!

Such a unique background! How did you find it after joining the company?

At first, I imagined this industry as simply "people typing away on computers in the office." But once I joined, I was surprised by the range of device and the diversity of work we do, from design and cost estimation to client meetings, business trips, on-site construction, and customer support.

Back when I was a chef, I always loved interacting with customers. Just staying in the kitchen and cooking all day was stressful for me. I enjoyed engaging with guests, understanding their preferences, the context of their visit, and suggesting dishes tailored to their needs. Seeing their satisfaction firsthand brought me joy. When I joined THT, I felt I could experience something very similar here.

In a way, customer interviews are like taking orders; technical knowledge and design are like the recipe; construction is the actual cooking. And the feedback we receive upon delivery what motivates me most.

I once worked at a stylish restaurant where roles were clearly separated, but I eventually grew bored of just preparing food.

At THT, being involved in every step from hearing customers needs to carrying out the construction, so it's the perfect place for me to apply and grow my skills.

Mr. I in his chef days

Are there any values you consider important in your work?

Above all, it's about human relationships. If you don't truly understand the person you are serving, you can't create a dish that genuinely makes them happy, can you? I try to grasp the essence of what the customer really wants and serve them something authentic in its most delicious form. This mindset is the same when delivering systems to clients.

The same principle applies to our suppliers. By building strong, trusting relationships with producers, we're able to obtain high-quality ingredients with proper knowledge. This process is essential for providing a great dish or in our case, a great system.

Communication is a key element for me. It's how I ensure that my work brings joy to colleagues, clients, and partners alike. For me, seeing people happy through my work is more than just a job perk, it's nourishment for the soul, beyond any paycheck.

Do you have any memorable episodes at THT?

Would it be alright if I share something that happened inside the company?

A few months after I joined, a senior colleague told me, "To be honest, I was thinking about leaving the company, but when you came on board, I felt more at ease and ended up changing my mind." I was just being my usual self interacting with everyone like I always do, but realizing that it had a positive impact on someone really moved me.

Since that day, I have made it a personal rule to "say hello and check in with everyone at least once a day."

Maybe some people find it a bit much, but I'm genuinely happy that others see me as a kind of mood maker in the office.

What are you interested in right now?

Lately, I have been diving deep into business phones, studying them almost like they're part of a culinary genre!

Also, since becoming a parent, I've developed a strong interest in childcare and education.

How do your current interests influence your work?

I've been exploring the merits and demerits of different ways to communicate when a problem occurs, I've been learning a lot about how to guide and explain things both from CEO Suzuki and from parenting.

Since THT is a small but highly skilled team, part of my role involves mentoring junior colleagues. I am looking forward to my growth as both at home and at work.

Please share a message for those reading this!

Whether you've just joined THT, are considering a career change, or are thinking about implementing one of our systems, please consult with me first. I'd be more than happy to serve and "cook" something up for you.

For me, THT is the kind of company where I can do everything I once dreamed of doing in the restaurant world and more.

A bold and inspiring career shift from chef to IT professional!

Thank you so much for sharing your story!