I’d love to share a wonderful story from our recent trip to India. Sunny and I traveled to our new offices in Chandigarh to inaugurate our brand-new facilities. We’ve worked hard for over 20 years to build each of these offices, and opening this 500-person facility was certainly an accomplishment. But that’s not the moment I will remember most from our trip. It’s not the amazing dance number by our team, the office prayer, or the wonderful performances.
I’ve attached two pictures for you, taken six years apart, and I want to introduce you to Stane. In the first picture, taken in 2019, he had just joined our company. He was new to IT By Design, and we were hosting our annual party. We had a great year and brought several team members to India to celebrate with us. During that event, he excitedly approached Sunny and me, asking to take a picture in his brand-new suit—the first one he had ever purchased with his own money. It was a momentous occasion for him. I’ll be honest, I didn’t realize at the time just how significant that moment was for him.
Fast forward to this year’s party, and he came up to us again, just as excited as before. He wanted to take another picture with us—to recreate that special moment from six years earlier. That’s when it truly hit me how much of an impact that first photo had on him.
It’s these kinds of moments that matter the most to us. I know people might think that with 700 team members, it’s impossible for us to stay connected. And I’ll be honest—it’s not always easy to remember everyone. But I can promise you this: I will always remember Stane. This is why we do what we do. It’s for these moments, for these people, where we make a difference. IT By Design remains privately held for this very reason—so Sunny and I can make decisions for our people. So that Stane can continue to grow with us, and we can celebrate the 30+ team members who hit their half-decade milestone this year.
The excitement in his eyes was undeniable. I’ll admit, I didn’t remember taking that first picture six years ago. I remember the event, the celebrations, but I didn’t remember Stane at that moment. But this time, I did. When he pulled out his phone and showed me that original photo—the pride in his voice as he shared that moment—it became something I will always cherish. A single moment, now etched as a lasting memory.
I’m writing this today for Stane, so he knows just how important and valuable his memories are to the fabric of IT By Design. His hopes and dreams are woven into the DNA of our organization. It’s what makes us who we are, and it’s why we hold our people so dear.
In today’s world, our industry is filled with M&A and private equity money. I don’t hold that against anyone. But for us, these moments are what truly matter.
While I remembered that moment vividly, we had asked Stane to share his pictures with us. Here’s the email he sent to our EAs, which I wanted to share with all of you:
Good afternoon, Dio,
I wanted to share a special memory and would appreciate it if you could pass this along to Sunny and Kam.
In 2019, I had the honor of standing beside two exceptional leaders, Sunny Kaila and Kam Kaila, whose vision and guidance have shaped not just the organization but countless careers, including mine.
Six years later, in 2025, I had the privilege of recreating that moment—a symbol of growth, resilience, and the incredible journey we’ve all been on together.
Working under such inspiring leadership is not just a job—it’s an experience that fuels my passion and commitment daily. These moments remind me of the values that define our organization: excellence, innovation, and gratitude.
I’ve also attached the photos for reference. Thank you for sharing this with them!
Best,
Stane
Sentimental? Yes. But isn’t that why we start companies? Yes, it’s to make money, but often, it’s because we want to make an impact—for our families, for our communities, to change the world in some way.
So, when I get the opportunity to see the impact Sunny and I have had in someone’s life—the pride in buying his first suit, the joy in recreating that moment—it makes it all worth it.
We’re all busy, and life moves fast. But don’t forget to cherish the little moments. They matter.
Congratulations on celebrating six years with us, Stane! We will always remember this moment.
