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Alex Ho: Twenty Years on at ServiceRocket

By Alex Ho, Senior Manager, Solution Management

It’s difficult to sum up two decades in a blog post. My life as a Rocketeer has been an incredible journey, to say the least.

People often ask why I chose to work at one company for such a long time. A friend captured it well:

“If you love what you do, that passion will carry you through the tough times.”

I agree 100%.

I would be lying if I said that I experienced very few challenges over the course of the past 20 years. In fact, it has been quite the opposite.

In running this amazing marathon, I’ve been inspired by the many individuals I’ve had the pleasure to work with, get to know and befriend, including Rocketeers, partners and customers.

Let me tell you about my amazing journey.

An adventure built on trust

After working with several IT startups including Biometix and ETSN, I boarded the Rocket in 2001. Rob Castaneda, our CEO, had also recently returned from the US. We were both looking for ways to help organizations adopt technology through professional training and education.

I am so glad we caught up that one afternoon at a cafe in Winston Hills. It wasn't an interview—just two good mates from high school reminiscing about old times over coffee and looking forward to new opportunities.

Alex and Rob
High school graduates, 1996

Rob shared a glimpse of his vision with me and without hesitation asked me to join him. We lacked all the answers but there was a plan. More importantly, we had a deep trust in each other and were ready to take the next step.

These many years later, I thank Rob for his loyal friendship, his ongoing support and his unyielding faith in trusting me to accompany him on this incredible journey.

Myself and Rob with Linda Wang, another longtime Rocketeer
ServiceRocket was built on this unshakeable trust.

We set out with a genuine desire to help organizations do their best to adopt new technology. Fast forward to 2022. ServiceRocket continues to thrive on that foundation of trust, with Rocketeers, partners and customers alike.

Our promise couldn’t be more simple: #We’ve got your back

Elevating training and education
The vision of ServiceRocket as an education business resonated with me early on. I firmly believe that knowledge empowers you to do more, whether in life or in business.

In my 20 years at the company, I have had the opportunity to tell stories and share knowledge that empowers others, something that still gives me pleasure.

CustomWare corporate photo, 2003
Business was more formal back then!

My first task was to develop a Solaris training course and deliver technical training. I then had the privilege of delivering integration training for the webMethods platform. Later, I taught customers about Atlassian Jira and Confluence products with ServiceRocket’s amazing training team, eventually moving into professional consulting services where I supported valued customers.

Team office photo, 2004
(Rob is in the royal blue shirt - I am standing at far right)

These days, I enjoy mentoring, coaching and working with consultants. We continue to empower our customers with the knowledge they need to do more and do better. We haven’t wavered from that mission for 20 years. That belief continues to be deeply embedded in how we work.

Launching a website—and a baby
My early consulting career was incredibly exciting. I worked on site quite a lot, but when I had time to visit our office, I noticed many new people. The company was growing and so was my family. Both came together in an amazing coincidence.

My team and I were preparing to launch a new website for a large retail organization, a task that required me to be on site at midnight. At the time, my wife and I were expecting our first child. I was nervous about the assignment as our baby was also close to launching.

As fate would have it, the project was actually the launch of a baby website!

Sure enough, in the middle of deployment, I got a call and rushed home. Fortunately, my team covered for me, demonstrating our Think Team value that we still practice to this day. Gratefully, the deployment was a success and our baby arrived a day later.

Successful go-live event, 2009

Once a Rocketeer, always a Rocketeer
Every now and then, if we’re fortunate, there’s a Kodak moment you want to remember, a moment that captures the people who have made a profound difference in your life.

I am blessed with so many of these moments at ServiceRocket.  Many people have inspired me over the years, many of whom I’ve had the privilege to get to know and work closely with. Some have remained close friends, even after they have moved on to other companies or ventures. I treasure these relationships.

Rocketeer bowling event, 2012
Team building event, 2015
We have a saying: Once a Rocketeer Always a Rocketeer

That phrase speaks volumes about the people and culture at ServiceRocket and the respect we have for one another. These individuals continue to inspire and fuel me to do my best work.

Rocketeer reunion lunch

Our world class culture
With initiatives like Rocketeer Wellbeing, the Spirit of Rockettoria, the ServiceRocket Foundation and our Cultural Heritage and Community Day, we are building a world class organization at ServiceRocket, one that genuinely seeks to help companies grow and thrive, as it looks after Rocketeers, their families and community.

Our unique culture has enabled us to share our lives with empathy.

While I have always been well-connected with my team in Sydney,  these past few years we’ve become closer with Rocketeers around the globe. These connections have helped strengthen our diverse culture and are a bright spot in these challenging times.

To infinity and beyond
People say that time flies when you’re having fun. It sure feels like it!

While we’ve come a long way since 2001, it takes a lot of time and energy to build a great company. I want to recognize the hard work that everyone has contributed to this adventure, including Rob, who has worked tirelessly to steer the Rocket with courage, determination and heart. I’m also deeply grateful to my family for their resolute and unwavering support over the years.

I am truly humbled by this experience.

While we don’t always have all the answers, we’ve established a great foundation at ServiceRocket. Today, we’re more agile as a business and smarter about our decisions. We’re better problem solvers. Our development has enabled us to grow and thrive.

Rocketeers celebrating together, 2019

I can't wait to see the next phase in this amazing journey.

                               Happy 20th anniversary, ServiceRocket!

Are you looking to join a global culture that has your back every day? Come to ServiceRocket! Rocketeers collaborate across five continents to delight our global customers. This is a great place to start your career and evolve your career growth. Enjoy extensive benefits that foster well being for you and your family. Grow financially and have your voice be heard! Join us.

Trust begets growth.

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