Chris Pilipczuk, Branding and Marketing, Two Fussy Blokes
I emigrated to New Zealand from Poland in my early 20s. After completing a Bachelor of Computing Systems, I started working for Tourism Auckland and Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) as Network Administrator and IT Advisor, where I worked for over eight years.
I love technology and always have a finger on the pulse of what's hot and trending in an ever-changing industry. In 2015 I co-founded Two Fussy Blokes, and currently, I am responsible for marketing and Two Fussy Blokes brand development.
What is your favourite social media platform, and why?
I use most of the leading platforms, and probably Instagram would be my favourite, and it's where the majority of our audience is. Instagram is also a fantastic way to engage and build trust with our customers. I think it is a lot of fun and forces me to use my creativity in different ways.
Tell us about you and your current role or area of interest.
I have always been a bit of a geek. I am co-founder of Two Fussy Blokes and predominantly responsible for IT, marketing and brand development. So, working in the IT department for over eight years as a System Administrator, digitising our business and integrating all our business applications to automate collaborative workflows across our company came naturally to me.
In my previous role, I also learned a bit about Social Media, Email Marketing, and SEO which was super helpful as I am doing it in my current role on a daily basis.
What do you like about your career or area of focus?
It takes tools and strategies to grow your business successfully. I like the process of selecting tools and choosing what is essential for our marketing and sales and to serve our customers in the best possible way.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
When one door closes, another door opens. We don't always have control over these events.
What inspires you, motivates you, or helps you to move forward?
Positive product reviews. However, occasional negative feedback is absolutely necessary for getting better. Unless we know what we are doing wrong, we will not desire to improve.
What are you proud of in your life so far?
Raising a happy family and building a pride-worthy brand.
What is your preferred way to meet new people/network?
I am a really outgoing bloke, so definitely face to face. Prior to Covid-19, we focused on getting to know our stakeholders and showing our personalities and passion. That's how we built a long-standing relationship with our factory in China, for example.
Zoom is very cost-effective and helps us continue to work with existing clients, but I don't think we would build a new strong, trusting relationship when we can only meet virtually.
What skills or qualities do you feel have helped you?
Passion. I am passionate and care deeply about the work I do.
What do you wish you had known when you started out?
Prepare for the unexpected. That perfect opportunity might come from the least expected prospect while you got your eyes on the "obvious one".
Who do you most admire in business, academic or creative circles and why?
People who take on challenges and succeed.
Outside of your professional/work area, what hobbies or interests do you have or what other areas of your life are of real importance to you?
Cooking, I like cooking on my own. But, it is also fun to do as a family. Get my daughter in the kitchen to help me create the mess and my wife to help with the dishes. It's a wonderful way to spend time together.
Has the pandemic had a positive or a negative effect on you and/or your business, and how have you managed it?
It posed a significant challenge to our business model and forced us to think differently about our stock management to ensure business continuity. We have also learned some valuable lessons for the future.
Do you have a mentor, or have you ever mentored anyone?
Probably many, but not in a formal way. Friends and family helped me out exactly when I needed them with their different skill sets and life experiences.
What advice would you have for someone looking to get into the same area of work or interests?
Planning will motivate you and give you a clearer direction of where you want to go. What you planned will probably change... be prepared and don't stress too much.
What do you feel is the most common reason for people failing or giving up?
In New Zealand, it will definitely be "Tall Poppy Syndrome".
Is there a phrase, quote or a saying that you really like?
"Choose a job that you like, and you will never have to work a day in your life." - Confucius.
What companies, brands, or institutions do you like or do you think are getting it right?
Apple, in my opinion, is one of the greatest marketers of all time, focusing on the customer experience. They not only focus on the product but pay tremendous attention to the unboxing experience. I really love the "wow" factor in their packaging!
How do you define success, and what lessons have you learned so far that you could share with our audience/readership?
Achieving goals, whatever they might be. If you achieve what you want to and are happy with it, I think that is a success.