Running a brewpub isn’t easy- it’s a lot of work, a lot of sweat and the occasional tears.
There are a lot of good, earnest people working behind the scenes, who put in a great deal of effort, round-the-clock, to ensure that everything you love about Toit stays that way.
And these people are none other than our never-tiring, ever-inspiring staff.
Our very own Toit Army- a battalion dedicated to the cause of good beer!
Meet the men who run the back stage- the Maintenance Staff, Rizwan and Ashok.
They’re the ones who make sure that all the equipment is functioning and all the electrical things are electrified enough so that we can, literally, find our way.
Tell us a little about life before Toit.
Rizwan: I was working in an engineering college before, as a maintenance in-charge. I left the job and joined Toit on the 5th of May, in 2012.
Ashok joined here one year back. He was my assistant in the engineering college. I joined first, and one year after me, he joined.
How come he joined one year later and not along with you?
Actually when I joined, there wasn’t that much of work, but as the work increased, I needed help. That’s when I asked him to apply here.
How did Toit happen?
I wanted a new experience. One of our owners’ uncle was the principal of the engineering college I was working at, and I told him I was looking for a job. So he asked me to apply at Toit.
Do you work in shifts?
Rizwan: I take the first shift, which is from 9 am to 6 pm and Ashok is working on the second shift, which is from 2:30 till closing time.
How would you describe a day in your job?
We come in the morning, turn on the lights, check everything is working properly. We have a checklist. After that, if there are any complaints, we will rectify those. Otherwise we make our rounds everyday and check everything.
We check the lights, the internet, the generator, all the equipment used here. All electrical and mechanical work is done by us.
Since you have a checklist you follow, how come you work in shifts?
Actually, someone has to be here till closing time, in case there is any issue.
What are the most common challenges you have to face?
Sometimes electrical problems, sometimes water problems. We have a water softener, that converts hard water to soft water. Sometimes due to mechanical problems, the water stops. So we need to fix that manually.
We follow a system, which is our checklist. As part of the checklist, we also check lighting, fuel, internet, computers, bill printers, electrical equipment, telephone lines, all of these things.
Do you both have good team synergy, since it is just the both of you?
Rizwan: Yes, it is good. Actually, when I joined that engineering college, Ashok was also working there. We have been working together for four years now, and we have a good understanding.
What’s the most challenging situation you’ve had to handle?
Biggest challenge is our DG (generator). Last year, there was a time when the DG shut down. It was a high tension situation and we had to make it work again soon, manually. We had to run for electricity and get a generator from outside.
What do you do in your free time?
We spend time with our families when we are free.
What are the best and worst things about your job?
Rizwan: Best- The staff is really good. And the Management is very good too. They are very cooperative and helpful. Everyone here is very supportive, and when you love your job, there will always be a lot of good things.
Worst- Sometimes when there is a lot of crowd, and everyone is very busy, they become impatient with us. In those situations, we feel bad.
Ashok: Best- It is a very good job, lots of good work.
Worst- It is hard to learn about and coordinate the systems.
Favourite food and drink at Toit?
Ashok- The Pizza and the Basmati blonde
If not Toit, then where?
Rizwan: This is a new industry for me, so it is interesting. Otherwise I think I would have been working in my hometown, Odisha.
Ashok: I would have been in the field of electrical work.
How does it feel, working at Toit?
Rizwan: It is a very good experience. When I first joined, it was very tough. I had to build the tools to manage everything by myself. Now everything is smooth functioning.
Ashok: It is a good experience. I know a lot now about running systems and the heavy mechanical side of a brewery.
