After getting a call form Jang Gwangchul, Hong Soobum uploaded Coconut Talk to the Apple App Store himself. Afterward, he texted Jang Gwangchul.
“Uploading is completed. Approval will take up to 5 days.”
“Ok.”
Hong Soobum leaned back and murmured. “Phew. Now the only thing left is launching the PC Version.”
It has been a long journey and finally, they were starting to see the fruits of their labor. The smartphone was sold out and the number of Coconut Talk service users have increased accordingly.
Their greatest worry was that those who bought the smartphone would delete the preloaded app, but it turned out over 80% of the customers were signing up to use Coconut Talk.
“Lee Ari’s Facebook marketing is going well too.”
If things continued as they are, the Coconut app would do very well. While Hong Soobum was deep in his own thoughts, a developer approached him.
“Sir…I would like to talk to you in private.”
Hong Soobum could guess what it was about. This was exactly how he approached his boss at Nexter when was giving his resignation.
“Should we go somewhere private?” He nodded with guilt. Hong Soobum tapped his shoulder and said to him. “Let’s go into the conference room.”
After having a seat, Hong Soobum asked.
“A raise, or something else? You can talk to me. I will do my best.”
“I appreciate everything you have done for me. Despite KND being a start up company, you matched the salary I got at Nexter. You also gave me stock options. I am very appreciative, but…”
“But?”
“The salary is competitive, but this company still can’t compare to big corporation’s benefits.”
“You knew this before accepting the job. Besides, we are starting to make profits. Soon, we’ll be able to provide you just like the big companies.”
“But things are still very unstable. There are always high risks with small companies. Will KND be still standing in 4 years? I can’t help but worry.”
“So you are leaving?”
“I will be honest. I got an offer from Daeyang. Better salary and conditions.”
“We can match that.”
“I know you’ll talk care of me, but I can’t stop worrying about the future. I keep thinking that I need to be at a big, stable corporation for my piece of mind.”
“Do other employees feel the same way?”
“I think so.”
“I am surprised, especially after the success of Blue S.”
“The success is only because Daeyang hasn’t released its own phone yet. A small company can never win against a large corporation like Daeyang.”
Hong Soobum’s face was rigid. The room became tense. There was nothing that could be done.
“So there is nothing I can do to convince you to stay.”
“I’m sorry, sir. I think I am done here.”
Hong Soobum smiled bitterly. “We just finished the app development and are about to see it grow…Oh well, I guess it can’t be helped.”
When the developer left, another came in with the same decision. Hong Soobum sighed deeply.
Silicone Valley.
The second factory Woosung purchased was similarly equipped as the first one.
Someone knocked on Woosung’s door.
Woosung answered. “Come in.”
The door opened and a familiar figure walked in. It was Sunda Amit, a key Blue S developer Jonathan Logan scouted.
“I have something to tell you.”
Woosung pointed at a chair. “Please have a seat.”
“I would like to give you my resignation.”
Woosung knew something like this would happen. He asked calmly.
“Have you read our personnel policy by chance?” Amit shook her head. Because Woosung was focused on the development of Blue S, he has been neglecting the HR department. “Firstly, we offer the best package in the industry for our employees.”
Pay Top of the Market.
It was the same as how Netflix managed its people.
Woosung continued. “I don’t know your reason behind it, but if it’s because of your salary, there is no need. I don’t care how much it is. I will pay the highest salary in this industry.”
Amit blinked. “Even if it’s over 200,000 dollars?”
Woosung replied. “Even if it’s over a million dollars. Money is not an issue in our company.”
“Oh…”
“Tell the HR your number and if the department agrees that it is a fair amount for the industry, we will give it to you. If it’s not about the money, I would like it if you can tell me so I can help fix it. Even after all this, if you feel like you need to leave, that’s fine. Please tell Logan tomorrow, and he will start the process.”
Amit nodded.
“May I ask where you got an offer from?”
Woosung would’ve found out eventually, so Amit answered without hesitation. “It’s Daeyang System.”
Woosung’s guess was correct. He replied. “Alright. Please think about it and let us know.”
After Amit left, Woosung called in Jang Gwangchul.
“Another one just came in,” Woosung said to Jang Gwangchul. “That’s the fifth one so far.”
“Two people already quit in Korean office.”
“Well, we should feel lucky that no one here has actually left yet. Talented developers are hard to come by.”
Woosung sighed deeply. “So Daeyang must finally see us as its competition.”
“This is only the beginning. They will release a similar smartphone and messaging app like Coconut.”
“Then let’s try to steal a few of their developers.”
“H…hmm? Steal their employees? How? Do you know anyone who works there?”
“Use the head-hunters.”
“I guess…But it will be hard to do that in Korea.”
“We need to do our best. I’ll bet there are many programmers in Daeyang who would be interested in working for us. KND is a hot company now.”
“Did you already get a call?”
Woosung nodded.
Jang Gwangchul sighed. “Oh! What did you say to get an invitation?”
“Blue S is using Google’s Android. I explained the advantages of this situation. Once our presentation at Google I/O goes well, Blue S’ sale will increase further and it will become easier to pouch good developers.”
“Well, we can hope.”
“I’ll do my beset.”
After their conversation, Woosung texted Go Sangjun.
“Are you attending the Google I/O?”
He attended the Microsoft’s MVP. Woosung was sure Go Sangjun would come.
“Of course. I heard you released Blue S. It’s a big news here too!”
“Haha, thank you.”
“How did you make such a product? Was it with Jonathan Logan? Is it his work?”
Woosung wanted to be direct.
“A lot of people worked hard on this project. By the way, are you interested in working for me? Our business is expanding so fast that we need more people.”
“Of course, I’m interested.”
“My offer is still the same from last time. I will pay you more than what Daeyang’s paying you.”
There was no answer. Woosung was reminded of the power of big companies. It wasn’t just the high salary, but stability and benefits too.
Money alone wasn’t enough, unless it was an incredible amount.
“If you aren’t interested, could you introduce me to someone who might be. We need as many people as possible.”
“Alright. I’ll think about it.”
“Great. Thank you.”
Woosung realized how hard it was to find good people.
KND was still so small with minimal profit so far.
“Is this the only way? Keep losing people and trying to hire new people to fill the holes?”
Woosung felt frustrated. This was only the beginning. Daeyang would attack KND in many different ways.
What should he do?
He had to assure everyone that KND would be a big, stable company. It had to grow. Woosung finally made a decision and called in Logan and Jang Gwangchul.
“I would like to buy a company.”
