Michael Lapuz: Customer Success Manager Extraordinaire

Caspio Customer Success Manager Michael Lapuz works hard to bring the highest level of satisfaction to our customers. Beyond his call of duty, Michael plays hard as well. He’s a part-time volleyball coach, loves to cook and has an affinity for the sights and sounds of the Jazz Age. From his job to his hobbies, Michael gives us a quick glimpse into his life.

Tell us a bit about your role in Caspio.

I’ve been with Caspio for nearly six years now. I started as a Technical Sales Representative and transitioned to the Customer Success department. As I grew in my role, I was inspired by how customers used our technology to improve their businesses. This eventually led to my position today, where I get to help solve problems and strengthen relationships with existing customers.

What excites you the most about your role?

I just love meeting new customers and taking on the challenge of helping them find the best solutions for their problems. I take a lot of inspiration from what Nelson Mandela said: “It always seems impossible until it is done.”

What’s it like working in Caspio?

Here at Caspio, we’re more like a family. Everyone is very friendly and willing to help. We always have these activities, sometimes even outside of work, where we’re all able to gather as friends instead of just being co-workers.

Sounds like fun! How else do you usually spend your free time?

I spend it coaching high school girls’ and boys’ volleyball teams. I’ve been coaching volleyball for over ten years. I started as an assistant coach in a college, then worked with middle school teams soon after. I’ve even coached kids as young as eight years old!

No wonder you have such great patience in dealing with different people.

Well, you’ll need more than just patience. Coaching means capturing different things. Every team is different. Every team has its own dynamic. A successful coach is someone who is able to make a connection with the players. It’s the same idea with my role in Caspio. I try to know where the customers’ technical abilities are and use that as a starting point to make a connection.

Aside from these traits, do you have other secret “superpowers”?

I’m known to be very creative in the kitchen!

Oh, you cook?

Yeah, and a lot of people have been saying that I cook very well! I got my interest in cooking from watching my mom cook. I started with Filipino food and later tried my hand at other cuisines as well. I guess cooking for someone is my way of showing appreciation for that person.

Do you bring that same creativity to your role at Caspio?

That’s the idea. Cooking has taught me that you must always be willing to find ways to be better. I bring this same mentality and attitude to my job.

Here’s a random question for you: if you could go back in time, where would you go?

The decade of the 1920’s in the US. I’m curious about the culture and etiquette that people followed during that time. I want to know if it’d be just like what is shown in those movies set in that period, like the Great Gatsby and The Untouchables. Whenever I watch those movies, I think of what it would be like to experience living in that era. It was a fascinating decade.

On that note, what kind of legacy do you want to impart to Caspio?

I would like to be a remembered as a person who goes the extra mile for customers. I am someone who goes above and beyond what is expected to give the best customer experience. I make every attempt to have a personal connection with all my customers. I want them to see me more as a business partner instead of just another point of contact.

Like Michael’s story? Watch out for our next “Meet a Caspian” soon! If you’re interested in joining the Caspio family, check out our Careers page.