Work Anniversary - Niki Kepov

Spending ten years at the same company is becoming increasingly rare in today’s fast-moving tech world. But for Nikolay, the past decade at TSD has been more than a career — it has been a space to grow, learn, and build lasting connections.

In this interview, he shares what it has been like to evolve alongside the company, the lessons he has picked up along the way, and why, ten years in, he still finds meaning and momentum in his work.

  1. Nikolay, how did your journey with TSD start back in 2015? Do you remember your first day?

Absolutely, I vividly recall my first day at TSD back in 2015. My colleague, Natalia Georgieva, was the first person to welcome me at the Troyan office. What truly stood out and made me feel instantly part of the TSD team was the large “Welcome to TSD, Nikolay!” message written on the whiteboard outside the CEO’s office.

  1. What was your role in the beginning, and where are you at right now? Can you make a comparison between then and now? 

I started without prior professional development experience, so I was entrusted with the ‘Nickel’ project – a small Windows Forms application that TSD was using at the time to send monthly employee payslips. This initial experience was invaluable in providing a foundation and the chance to demonstrate my capabilities. Ten years later, while I still work as a developer, my role has evolved significantly. I am now working directly with a client, handling much larger responsibilities. Interestingly, the initial anxiety of proving myself, while not completely gone, has been replaced by confidence and an understanding of my abilities.

  1. What are the everyday challenges you face in your work, and what are the fundamental skills or personal qualities needed to deal with those challenges? 

The consistent challenge in my work, from the beginning until now, has been the necessity of learning new technologies and rapid adaptation to the requirements of each new project. Thankfully, my desire to learn remains strong, so I don’t view it as an obligation, but rather as something I enjoy.

  1. What is your favorite part about working in TSD, and how does your job inspire you? 

Without a doubt, my favorite aspect of working at TSD is the team. Over the years, I’ve met and formed friendships with some truly exceptional people. In a profession as dynamic as ours, the fact that so many of them remain part of TSD speaks volumes about the company culture.

  1. What is the most important lesson you have learned over the years?  

The most significant lesson I’ve learned over the years is the importance of patience and the ability to listen to perspectives different from my own. In my previous professional experiences, there was a greater emphasis on individual contribution. Adapting to a team culture required me to consciously develop these skills.

  1. What does it take to become a software developer, and what would you advise the guys following your steps? 

In my experience, the foundational elements for becoming a successful software developer are an analytical mind coupled with a desire to learn. This profession is inherently dynamic, and relying solely on past knowledge simply isn’t sustainable. For those starting their professional journey into software development, my key piece of advice would be to actively seek enjoyment in the process itself. If you don’t find genuine satisfaction in problem-solving and learning new things, the work can quickly become a chore.

  1. Why do you choose to remain a part of the TSD team after 10 years? What has the company offered to you in terms of professional development? 

My decision to remain a part of the TSD team for the past decade is based on several key factors. Firstly, I will always be grateful to TSD for providing me with my initial steps in the software development profe

Niki & Dog

ssion. The opportunity to collaborate with developers who were more experienced than me was instrumental in accelerating my career growth during those early years. However, the primary reason for my long-term commitment to TSD lies in the great communication I have with the management team. Having come from a more corporate environment, I deeply appreciate the transparent dialogue here.

  1. Who is Niki outside of the office, and what does he like to do for fun?

Outside of the office, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends above all else. I also enjoy being active, whether it’s cycling through the local landscapes or playing tennis, but most of all, I enjoy the daily walks with my dog. I also find great satisfaction in working on small woodworking projects and tending to our yard and the small garden at home.

  1. What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning? 

On a personal level, there’s no greater motivator to “leap” out of bed than our baby girl, Rebecca – she certainly ensures an early start! Beyond that, I genuinely enjoy what I do for work, and I find real satisfaction in the challenges the day brings. This makes getting out of bed each morning something I look forward to.

  1. How do you envision yourself in another 10 years? 

Looking ahead to ten years, my primary hope is to maintain the same level of enjoyment and fulfillment in both my personal life and my work that I currently experience. To me, balance and sense of satisfaction are the true measures of success and happiness.