The story of Jože Češnovar, retired Key Account Manager
Ring, Ring: Specialist Knowledge Calling
It was 1987. The previous century. A world without the internet, without email, without cloud services. A world of typewriters, microfilm, and landline phones. And then the phone rang. On the other end of the line was Ljubo Koritnik.
A colleague of mine, Srečko Prijatelj, and I joined Mikrocop—back then still called Biroservis—very intentionally. We had worked together at Iskra, we both knew Kodak machines, and I had additional training in COM—Computer Output Microfilm, the technology used by Ljubljanska banka. Kodak was the biggest partner at the time, and Biroservis had a clear opportunity: if you can service that machine, an entirely new story opens up.
We didn’t know Ljubo personally, but we did know his reputation. And we also knew he had only one Kodak technician, while the rest of the team mostly dealt with typewriters and classic office equipment.
First Meeting, First Surprise
From the moment we arrived for that first meeting at Biroservis, everything felt different. We were introduced as “the people from big Iskra,” but we showed up on Gregorčičeva street to a small space—expecting to meet an older master craftsman. The surprise was complete when Ljubo welcomed us: only a few years older than us, relaxed, approachable. First a greeting, then a drink.
Already at that first meeting, one thing was clear: there were no empty promises here. He told us plainly what awaited us, what he expected, and where he wanted to take the company. When we walked out the door, we didn’t need to think twice. We simply looked at each other and said: YEEES.
Lucky Number Eight
On my first day I went straight out on a service call—no onboarding, no warm-up. In fact, I simply continued the work I had already been doing at Iskra, just in a much friendlier environment. Back then there were seven of them; I was employee number 8.
Srečko and I officially started on 1 January, and we got to meet our new colleagues in their natural habitat—at the New Year’s party they invited us to. I couldn’t have wished for a better welcome.
Why It Was a Pleasure to Go to Work at Mikrocop
The atmosphere at Mikrocop was the reason it was a joy to go to work every day. Homely, relaxed, full of humour and laughter. In the morning we’d meet at the location, share a few laughs, and then each head off to our own service calls. Whenever we were together, the mood was good.
That culture lasted a long time—even after Mikrocop took over NLB’s microfilm centre and the team grew overnight with 17 new employees.
A Truckload of Equipment Was the Showstopper
In the beginning we were closely tied to Kodak. Several times a year they invited us to presentations and training sessions, and we received the latest technical and sales knowledge. We attended trade fairs, including CeBIT, and brought all that know-how back to Slovenia.
At first we presented new developments at DOCSIS conferences, and later at our own events. While other exhibitors handed out brochures, we drove in an entire truck of equipment and demonstrated everything live. That set us apart—we showed we knew what we were doing. No sugar-coating. And that built trust. We became “the hit”.
A Mobile Phone Bigger Than a Fishing Bag
One of my favourite early Mikrocop stories involves mobile phones. Most colleagues back then were fishermen, hunters—or both—and we were always listening to their adventures. Well, one of them got his hands on one of the very first “mobiles”—a huge device with a handset, worth almost half a car. He took it with him fishing, just in case. So his wife wouldn’t worry, and in case she needed him.
That’s how we lived technology in everyday life, too. When I joined Mikrocop, we had typewriters and landlines. Twenty years later we were talking about computers, cloud services, and data centres.
The Stuttgart Drive Was Paved with Trust
One story that best shows our attitude toward customers is the time NLB’s machine broke down and there was no spare part available in Slovenia. Ljubo got into his car and drove to Stuttgart. The next day, everything was fixed.
Moves like that leave a mark and build relationships that later come back as trust—and openness to new solutions.
When IT Becomes the Company’s Heart
With a turning point—our shift toward information technology—other changes came as well. The IT world has a different rhythm, a different mindset. Timelines are longer, and solutions aren’t built for tomorrow, but for years ahead. Device servicing was gradually phased out; digitalisation did its part. After almost 15 years in service, I joined Meta Rot in sales. It was a leap, but not into the unknown. For quite some time, we had already been visiting clients for sales meetings as a trio—technical support, sales, and management. That approach built trust, because we could answer every question on the spot.
I remember how we prepared customers in advance for where technology was heading. When the solutions were finally developed, the customers were ready, too. The jump from typewriters and landlines to cloud services and data centres was enormous—technologically, organisationally, and mentally.
From “You Don’t Make a Fuss” to Standards
Change was part of everyday life. As we grew, we had to start writing everything down, preparing policies, keeping documentation, introducing certifications and standards. At first, it wasn’t exactly my favourite part—but we understood that in the IT world, you simply can’t do without it.
I will never forget when a client once told us how nice it was to work with us because we didn’t make things complicated with requests and paperwork like some other suppliers. Everything just ran smoothly. Well, it didn’t take long before standards pulled us in too. That’s growth. That’s the process of becoming better.
What Stays, Stays Forever
The most lasting part of my Mikrocop story is relationships. Friendships woven over the years. A connected team that weathers the lows more easily and celebrates the highs together. That’s what helps you survive crises—something every company goes through.
Today, as a retiree returning for gatherings and picnics, I love seeing how those relationships continue to grow—even in a bigger, more diverse company.
And if I can leave employees with one thought: get to know each other outside the office, too. Share something beyond job titles and work roles. Let relaxed humour not be just a nice extra—let it be the rule.
For me, that’s nearly four decades of truly wonderful memories.
