Q&A with TJ Chu, Account Manager for Amazon Hub Delivery

Everyone, meet TJ Chu ! Over the last 3+ years, TJ has worked across various different orgs and roles across Amazon and is currently an account manager for Amazon Hub Delivery, our new delivery program where local businesses can partner with Amazon and support their community.

TJ, tell us about yourself and your Amazon journey!

I started working at Amazon in 2019 as a green badge recruiting coordinator for AWS. Since then, I've moved across different orgs, roles, and currently in the Amazon Hub Delivery team as an Account Manager. I've been with Amazon for over 3 years and always amazed by the countless of amazing, talented individuals I have worked with. It's exciting how there is always something new to learn from people!

How did your past experience help prepare you for working at Amazon?

After college, I worked as a legal assistant at a small immigration firm. As a first-generation Korean-American, I wanted to work with immigrants and have witnessed through my parents how hard it is to understand the system and be able to fight for yourself. I think working at the immigration firm set my foundation and passion to help and speak up for those who can't. Many of these small medium businesses I work with want to get to know the people in their neighborhood more and to be able hear their stories, be able to help their business and make an impact is truly fulfilling.

What excites you MOST about your role and team?

I really enjoy working with small medium business and having a relationship with people. There's a real sense of fulfillment when I see how our program empowers small businesses and how we are making an impact in the communities we are operating in. Seeing the positive result of our collective efforts is incredibly reward but also being on this team is really fun. Whether we are brainstorming ideas, venturing out in the field, or analyzing data, everyone has been a great pleasure working with.

What is your favorite Amazon memory?

Last May, I went to New York with my team and got the meet with our first few urban partners. I spoke with these partners over the phone and being able to joke and see them in person was incredible.

TJ, can you finish the sentence for us? "When I'm not at work, you can find me..."

When I am not at work, you can find me hiking the north cascade mountains, running around my neighborhood, or watching TV shows at home with my wife. Every year, my wife and I make a plan to do hiking trails near Mount Rainer and see the sunrise because it's so beautiful. We love the outdoors but also thoroughly enjoy a good Selling Sunset episode.

What's the last podcast you listened to?:

The last podcast I listened to was "How Your Brain's Reward Circuits Drive Your Choices" from the Huberman Lab podcast - Andrew Huberman is a neuroscientist professor at Stanford and he discusses topics of health and mental well-being - how our brain connects to our body and providing tools and suggestions how humans can improve mental and physical health. I didn't get into podcasts until this year and listen regularly to the Huberman Lab!

What is your favorite place in the world?:

My wife and I recently had our honeymoon in Phuket, Thailand and it was the most beautiful, breathtaking place we've been to. During our honeymoon, we went to an Elephant sanctuary and got to feed and shower the cute and playful Elephants. We loved eating and had the most amazing street food, saw the exciting night life and visited beautiful different temples, but my personal favorite part of Thailand was going Island hopping around the Phi Phi Islands. We spent the whole day jumping from each island, snorkeling, seeing monkeys walk around the beach, and take in the breathtaking view of the island and sea.

Is there someone that inspires you in your career and why?:

My mom inspires me every day - My mom owns a small convenience store and seeing her put long, grueling hours, working 365 days and still putting a smile has always encouraged and challenged me to work hard but also enjoy life.

Thanks for sharing your story with us, TJ!