From Startup to Structure: Anton’s Hoteza Journey
He’s been with Hoteza since the very beginning — building the tools, sharing the vision, and joking that Hoteza is his “first family.” Get to know Anton, our very own system architect and culture carrier.
Q: When did you join Hoteza, and in what role? How has your career developed since then? What are you working on now?
A: I joined Hoteza at the very beginning, back in 2013, as a backend developer. You could say it was fate: my invitation came through the wife of our CTO, Alexey Chizhikov, who recommended me. I’ve grown alongside the company, both professionally and personally. Today, I work as a System Architect, managing all backend processes for Hoteza’s products and overseeing product integrations with hotels.
“From day one, I felt that I wasn’t just writing code — I was building something meaningful with people I believe in.”
Q: What do you enjoy most about your work?
A: I love that I can genuinely influence the product, the team, and the company as a whole. My days are never the same — there’s no boring routine. One of the things I value most is the trust and freedom we have here: there’s no rigid hierarchy. Responsibility is shared across the team, and everyone owns their area. That gives you the space to take initiative, bring your ideas to life, and really feel the impact of your work.
Q: How do new ideas and features come to you? Where do you find inspiration?
A: I often put myself in the shoes of a hotel employee using our services and ask, “What would make their life easier?” That’s how I came up with features like AI-powered tools, for example. Guest and partner feedback also plays a big role — it helps us understand real needs and design solutions to meet them.
“My biggest source of inspiration? The team. Conversations with them spark ideas I’d never come up with alone.”
Q: How would you describe Hoteza’s culture and values? Have you ever felt a strong sense of team spirit?
A: Hoteza is like my second family — although my wife sometimes jokes that it’s my first. The company has a very open, flexible, and initiative-driven culture. Everyone is trusted to take ownership. I clearly remember the unique and unforgettable team spirit during our trips and especially during Hoteza Days — a legendary event for both our partners and team.
Q: How has the company changed since you started?
A: We’ve grown a lot — from a small startup in 2013 to a structured company entering its “teenage years.” Processes are evolving, systems are forming, and there’s still room to improve. What’s important is that we keep our spirit of openness, speed, and lightness as we grow.
Q: How did the pandemic and other challenges affect the company? Why do you think Hoteza managed to keep growing?
I believe our adaptability and resilience as a team played a huge part. Even in difficult times, we stayed flexible, kept moving, and continued improving our product. Another key reason is the strength and reliability of that product — it just works, and I’m proud of that.
“I treat Hoteza with the same care and responsibility as if it was my own child.”
Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting their career at Hoteza? Would you recommend it to your friends?
A: Definitely. My advice to newcomers: don’t just do your job — think bigger. Be proactive, suggest improvements, and take full responsibility for your part. Hoteza is a great place to grow if you want to take initiative and make a real impact.
Q: What would your life look like without Hoteza?
A: I honestly can’t imagine it. Hoteza has become such a big part of who I am. It’s hard to picture myself without it.