With the words "Work as a professional, you are different from street fundi” in his mind--David Mwangalika 【Baridi Baridi employee interview vol.8】

This time, we invited David Mwangalika who is a member of service  team in Baridi Baridi Tanzania.

Baridi Baridi members appearing in this interview

David Mwangalika
Graduated VETA. Experienced working as a technician of AC and electricity at a cement company and military hospital. Joined Baridi Baridi as a technician in the service team in April 2021 and now became one of the key people on the service team.

Shuto Sakai (Interviewer/Editor)
Currently a graduate student at Kobe University. Joined Baridi Baridi as an intern in October 2020. Experienced working as an intern at Baridi Baridi Tanzania from August to October 2021.

With the words "Work as a professional, you are different from street fundi” in his mind

--What did you do before joining Baridi Baridi?

David: Before joining Baridi Baridi, I was a technician of Lugalo Military hospital. After working there, I joined.

--I see. What brought you to Baridi Baridi?

David: First of all, I thought that the services offered by Baridi Baridi would be valuable and be visible to many people, not only to the rich.l Also, I wanted to have various experiences to get to know many challenges.

--Why did you think so? Were there any differences between Baridi Baridi and the previous company?

David: There were some differences. First, in Baridi Baridi, technicians use high-quality tools, such as torque wrench, split tools, etc.

There are also some tools street fundi don’t have. Also, street fundi don’t know how people use smartphones to operate AC.I thought this opportunity was better. That’s why I joined Baridi Baridi.

--Nice. At that time, did you want to work to get new experience?

David: Actually, yes. When you work in the same place, you know you can’t get many experiences. So I wanted to work at different places to get another experience.

--I see. Specifically, what new experiences have you had since you have joined Baridi Baridi?

David: There are so many. The first one is how we can handle tools safely. We have got a lot of knowledge from Mika san. As a technician, safety is very important. 

Another one is about Baridi Baridi’s values, “Work as professional”, “Speed matters”, “Integrity to people and society”, “Bright and Cheerful.” Because street fundi, as far as I know, don’t work under the consciousness that we have.

--You mentioned Mika's name. I guess he teaches many things as the boss of Baridi Baridi's service team and as a technician.

David: Yes. From my point of view, Mika san is super because he is cheerful every time and when he goes to work, he does his job with high quality and safety. 

And he always says about the mindset to service team members, “Work as a professional, you are different from street fundi.” so that’s why I am happy to be working with Mika san.

--Ok, I know that he teaches not only technique and knowledge but also gives motivation to you all.

"Work as a professional” for David

--Then, what is the most important thing about the service team from your point of view?

David: The keywords are quality, safety, speedy, and giving an excellent experience to customers. Or good appearance.

--Good appearance?

David: Yes. It means installing the AC with the right look, for example. It may come as a surprise, but some Fundi don’t install AC in a good appearance because they are in a hurry.

--From October of 2021, new members have joined the service team. How is the service team now?

David: I think it’s good. Because new members are currently having practical experience with existing members. Teams of both existing and new members is formed and each team is working on installations.

--After the new members joined, you have a leadership role. Do you face any problems or challenges?

David: Yes, but I'm getting by. Everything is “kidogo kidogo” (“little by little” in English)

--What are the specific goals of the service team?

David: One goal is to increase the quality of installation. It means decreasing installation time. Our installation work sometimes takes three hours, and there is room for more improvement. Another goal is to work as a professional.

“I want to be a big fundi”

--As you often said, “Working as professional,” what does that mean for you?

David: Of course, I need to be able to do my usual work well. Every time we need to work safely and work on time. But we also need to solve emergency problems with appropriate knowledge.

What there is in common is that we do reliable work for our customers. That’s why we wear uniform overalls and safety boots and communicate with customers with correct information.

--What is your individual goal?

David: One day, I want to be a big fundi, a big professional fundi.

--What do you mean?

David: It means to be the MVP. Someone looks for me and says, “Oh, he is an AC fundi, David!”

--So you want to be famous?

David: Yeah, being not only a famous person but also a professional fundi. I want to have a positive influence on AC fundi from the street. I hope to work as a professional.

--So, your idea is regarding the quality of all fundi in Tanzania, not only Baridi’s technicians. That’s big.

David: Yes, to become a big fundi, I first have to work with other technicians and experience Baridi Baridi. 

And to become a “professional fundi,” a role model in the company. So I need to learn from Mika san more and make sure that I do the work I’m given correctly.

--Thank you for taking the time for this interview today!

The Baridi Baridi Times will be posting interviews with Baridi Baridi employees on note.
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Baridi Baridi Service Site
CEO Asada's note