10 questions for 10th anniversary | Interview with Aleksandar Jovchevski

After the interviews with Goran Shopovski and Sasha Krstev, next in line is Aleksandar Jovchevski, who also joined us 10 years ago.

Aleksandar Jovchevski a.k.a Alex joined the team as an iOS developer after working for a few big companies. Alex, during these past 10 years, has been involved in building our mobile team, our engineering team in general, our processes, our learning programs and etc. What’s more important is that he was one of the first members in creating our extraordinary company culture, our manifesto, our mission and vision, he has been involved in so many things around the company that he became, and still is, a core founding member.

Let’s read more about what he has to say about Web Factory and why he did what he did.

What’s your role at Web Factory and what is your background?

I’m involved in multiple roles and areas, but the majority of my time is spent in business development and working with clients as a Key Account Manager. I sometimes have other duties like covering as a PM, strategic company planning, sales, product development, tech consultant, etc. My background is software development with a specialty in iOS apps, although I’ve had limited experience in other platforms in previous companies.

Why did you join Web Factory, and what has kept you here?

Initially, I joined the team because I knew the founders, so I knew I’d be joining a high-caliber team of great people. I was not wrong. The quality has always been of the highest standard, and the atmosphere is friendly and inspiring. It is very important to me to feel comfortable and among friends at the office, but at the same time still be expected and challenged to fulfill the highest expectations.

What do you find the most challenging, and what do you like most about your role?

My role is to help people. For our clients that means, helping them get an understanding of how software development works, how it can enhance their business, and what’s the optimal way to go about it. For our team, helping them means streamlining the process to provide clear requirements and priorities, and creating an environment with as few distractions as possible. I have to synchronize the team and the client to work as one because to have a successful product, both sides must contribute their experience and know-how. The challenge is of course, that every business, team, and project is different, and each time there are unique difficulties to overcome.

Which were the most memorable moments for you during your tenure at Web Factory?

There are too many to count. Of course, there are the big wins, anniversaries, team buildings, milestones, after-work parties, weddings… But, to be honest, it’s the little everyday things that make the experience dear and memorable. Even though I’m far from a morning person, one of my favorite moments are the mornings in the office yard with a cup of coffee and having conversations with my colleagues.

What would be the message that you want to share with the people who consider joining Web Factory?

Only that they are welcome and we’ll do our best to make their time here as enjoyable as possible. We are a diverse team of many professions and different personalities, but we move forward together, bringing out the best in each. Everybody brings something to the table, so don’t be shy and share your opinion.

What’s one thing you miss the most when looking back at the beginnings of your career at Web Factory?

Not much, because I look at those beginnings as something that had to be, but also something that had to change. If you want to move forward, you have to grow, and that doesn’t mean necessary in numbers but also in professionalism and the way you approach things. Of course, there’s that nostalgic feeling because we were a much smaller team which has its nice element and its advantages – but that is not better, just different. Growing has brought great promise and new possibilities, and I, personally, embrace the way we evolve and the trajectory we’re on.

How do you spend your time outside of the office?

I have many hobbies, so I spend my time juggling between them. Depending on my mood or the period I’m in, sometimes I’m more into sports, other times more into books, movies, music… What is important to me is to enjoy the now, so I find the most appropriate thing for the appropriate moment.

If there’s one thing you could improve, what would it be?

Everything. “A person should be able to change a diaper, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, program a computer, cook a tasty meal…”  – R.A. Heinlein.
There is always room for improvement.

What’s your next step, or a new goal you’d like to accomplish in life, or while with Web Factory?

No major goals to be honest, at least, nothing out of the ordinary. It’s the small successes that are my goal. If you do your thing well, a day for day, bigger things are bound to happen.

What is the biggest takeaway in these 10 years?

Work is a big part of our lives, so we should always aim to make it better and more enjoyable. Teamwork and communication have a big part in this. It is equally important to both speak and listen, to both show and ask for respect. With the right people beside you, everything is possible. Every success feels bigger, and when you fail, the experience is always worthwhile.