Getting To Know: Our New Operations Specialist
May showers bring flowers and new people around the office! A big welcome to Jonah Tetz, who is joining us as our new Operations Specialist.
Let’s dive in.
ZS: Jonah. Super important question. Is it Taits or Tets?
JT: I think it’s Taits, but most people say Tetz
ZS: What do you use at home?
JT: … We don’t? LOL. Everything is first name now
ZS: Is that something that appeals to you about TNT?
JT: Absolutely, I can’t say I ever worked at a place that was not like that.
ZS: I’m confused by that many double negatives, so let’s move on. How did you hear about
Startup TNT?
JT: From Cecile from the NAIT Mawji Center
ZS: Go on, I’m all ears!
JT: Well, I was chatting with Cecile and she mentioned Startup TNT and said “Zack’s doing
really good things.”
ZS: Wow, called me out by name. So what happened next?
JT: I didn’t do anything for about two weeks. And then I went to a Startup Edmonton event with Gibson Biddle, former VP Product at Netflix, and I think they mentioned Startup TNT there.
ZS: That makes sense… Dave and Nathan from the Startup Edmonton Meet-up organized that event.
JT: And then I got talking to people. I talked to Tim, who told me about this donair slide deck that was grading donair joints in Calgary during the pandemic… it sounded dope. I left my first Startup TNT feeling happy and optimistic about the future.
ZS: That’s amazing. So do you think we’ve done a good job covering your life and background so far?
JT: Sure… (new to the job, can’t argue with the boss).
ZS: That’s right, you were living in Calgary when we met you.
JT: Yup, in a freezing cold basement. I presented at the Great Alberta Pitch Marathon - for Truck Parts Inventory. I applied right away and took a day off work to prepare the pitch deck.
ZS: Ok, let’s fast forward to today. You just graduated from school - what did you study?
JT: I studied business. With a focus on entrepreneurship and innovation.
ZS: And what would you like to do with that degree?
JT: Flexibility. I don’t want to just do programming. Or just marketing. I’m excited about many things.
ZS: …I thought the answer would be obvious. It’s “work at TNT”.
JT: Well I didn’t even know it existed when I chose that major!
ZS: I see, I guess that makes sense. Well why did you apply to work at TNT?
JT: It was a no brainer. I was looking for a job and a lot of the companies I was connecting with may not have been the perfect fit for me right now.
I really believe in the community at TNT. Back in November, Brandon told me about what he did and I was like “wow, that sounds awesome!” Then this role came up and I needed a job. Everything sort of aligned. It just goes to show that you can do something you really believe in, where your skills match, and the company has the right role for you and you’re already pretty tied into the organization and the company.
ZS: That does sound like a no brainer!
JT: Plus I got a message from the founder that said, “You should apply to this!”
ZS: Was it on LinkedIn?
JT: Sure was.
ZS: Yeah, that’s where I send all my messages.
Well you’ve officially been here for nearly two weeks. How’s it going?
JT: Well! There’s a steep learning curve to get up to speed on everything I need to learn to help run the Summit. But the team has good leaders that are helping me prioritize, like Dom.
ZS: So we’re super organized?
JT: Uhhhh, I’m not sure I would say that. Some might make the case for that.
ZS: With your help we will be soon!
JT: I see a lot of opportunities for automation.
ZS: So should our readers expect to see a Robotic Zack in the near future?
JT: Not that type of automation. I think you’ll be safe… for now!
ZS: Whew… Well it’s great to have you here! That’s the end of the interview.
JT: Does that mean I have to go back to work now?
ZS: You’re gonna fit in well.