Helping hoteliers utilize technology for success is a driving motivator for Dima Kovalov, team lead of Hapi Guest implementations. Hailing from Luhansk, Eastern Ukraine, Dima brought a diverse background to Hapi, spanning roles in sales, marketing, and Salesforce administration for renowned companies like Coca-Cola and Unilever. Dima was drawn to Hapi's innovative products and joined as a consultant team leader, overseeing project delivery to help hoteliers achieve their Customer Relationship Management goals.
Let’s get to know Dima below!
Where do you call home?
I consider my grandma's house in Luhansk, Eastern Ukraine, as my true home. I deeply miss the moments spent there with my family during holidays, from joyous celebrations to comforting each other during tough times. It was a process where we gathered together, cooked, had meals, and then played cards until late into the night – those memories hold a special place in my heart.
Can you tell us about your background and how you came to work for Hapi?
I've had the opportunity to work with companies like Aon, Carlsberg, Coca-Cola and Unilever, as well as with exciting startups, where I held roles as a sales and marketing coordinator, revenue analyst, and Salesforce administrator. This range of experiences has taught me to thoroughly explore details, continuously develop myself, and find solutions regardless of the task at hand. When the opportunity arose to join Hapi, I was intrigued by its innovative Salesforce products. The concept and its potential for development really resonated with me.
Can you tell us a little bit about your role and responsibilities?
Leading a team across four time zones? No problem!
As the leader of our Consultants team, one of my main tasks is ensuring everyone has what they need to excel in their roles. My day typically begins with addressing urgent requests and resolving any blockers to task completion. I make it a priority to check if there's anything the team needs from me before I move on to my own tasks.
Describe a recent project or accomplishment that you're particularly proud of?
In general, I'm always motivated and fulfilled by the opportunity to deliver projects and make our customers delighted. Whether it's a complex project requiring custom development or a standard Hapi Guest implementation, I'm driven by the satisfaction of knowing that we've helped the hotelier meet their goals. It's incredibly rewarding to feel needed and to see the positive impact of our work on our clients' success.
What makes you Hapi?
In my case it is about blending two of Hapi’s core values: “Do the Right Thing” and “Find a Better Way.” This means putting myself in the customers’ shoes, creating easy-to-use, scalable solutions, and showing we truly care about their success. We may stumble, but we own up to mistakes, learn, and improve. In short, we're all about “doing the right thing” for our customers – always!
Tell us about your favorite travel experience.
I tend to opt for physically challenging activities during my vacations. For example, spending a week in Surf Camp with two lessons per day each lasting two hours, or embarking on an 100-kilometer trek across the Turkish mountains with backpacks over the course of five days. After such adventures, I come back feeling like a whole new person, ready to tackle anything – and excited to get back to work!
What’s your secret talent or favorite hobby?
At home, I can catch flies just by using my hands (it's a secret talent, not a hobby). And I am continuously improving; now I catch them without harming them and let them go back to the fresh air.
What was your first job in hospitality?
If this counts, in 2008 I spent four months as a server assistant at Hyatt's Shula's Steakhouse in Houston. It appears those steaks were just the appetizer to my future career in hospitality!
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