PSPINC CEO Kenichi Uchikura's Blog

You send me an email using a Hotmail account.

 

Using free email services like Hotmail, Gmail, or YahooMail for business can send the wrong message to potential customers. Here’s what many people may assume about your business:

 

Negative Perceptions:

 

Unprofessional Image
Using a personal email (like yourname@gmail.com) can make your business seem small, temporary, or even unreliable.

 

Lack of Credibility
Customers may question whether you're a legitimate company. They might wonder: “Why don’t they have their own domain?”

 

Security Concerns
Free email providers may raise concerns about data security and privacy, especially if you're handling sensitive or confidential information.

 

Poor Branding
You're missing a chance to reinforce your brand every time you send an email. A custom domain email (yourname@yourcompany.com) builds recognition and trust.

 

What You Should Do Instead:

 

Get a custom domain and a business-class email service. It shows:

 

You're established and serious.

 

You care about your professional image.

 

You prioritize security and organization.

 

Would you trust a lawyer, consultant, or retailer using @hotmail.com? Probably not. The same applies to your business.

 

Need help setting up a branded email? PSPINC’s Dreamersi Web & Email Hosting provides professional email services with your own domain — affordable and secure.

This morning, I went to the office, and on the way back, I stopped by the hospital for a chest X-ray. This was the final test to confirm whether the suspected pneumonia from early last month was truly resolved.

 

In the afternoon, I received a call from the hospital saying that my lungs are clear and there are no issues. With that, the suspicion of pneumonia has been completely ruled out.

 

I sincerely apologize for any concern I may have caused. So, it turns out the pneumonia scare was a false alarm — and thankfully, it’s all settled now.

The Importance of Storytelling in Marketing — and Why It Works

 

Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools in marketing — not just because it’s engaging, but because it connects with people on a human level. Here's why storytelling works so effectively in marketing:

 

1. People Remember Stories, Not Stats

 

Facts and figures can be forgotten quickly. But a well-told story stays with people. When a marketing message is wrapped in a story, it becomes easier to recall and repeat — making your brand more memorable.

 

2. Stories Build Emotional Connections

 

Emotion drives decision-making. A good story can make your audience feel inspired, empathetic, curious, or even nostalgic. These feelings create a bond between your brand and the audience that goes beyond products or services.

 

3. It Makes Your Brand Relatable

 

Rather than just talking about what your company does, storytelling allows you to show why you do it. Sharing challenges, customer journeys, or your brand’s origin story helps people see the human side of your business — making it easier for them to trust you.

 

4. Differentiation in a Crowded Market

 

Many businesses sell similar products or services, but your story is unique. Sharing it helps set you apart from competitors who may only focus on price or features.

 

5. Drives Action

 

When done well, storytelling leads the audience on a journey — with a beginning, middle, and clear call to action at the end. It doesn’t feel like a hard sell, but it motivates people to take the next step.

 

In short:
Storytelling makes your marketing more human, more memorable, and more persuasive. People don’t just buy what you do — they buy why you do it. And the best way to show that "why" is through a story.

We’ve just updated our coffee service at PSPINC in Bellevue!
Our new coffee and beverage vendor is Pot O’ Gold Coffee (https://potogoldcoffee.com), based right here in Bellevue, WA.

 

They recently joined the Seattle Executives Association, of which we’ve been a proud member since 2003. Welcome aboard!

At PSPINC, we take pride in the fact that we have never outsourced our development or operations overseas. Every product we create — from software design and coding to support and infrastructure management — is built and maintained entirely in-house by our team based in the United States.

 

That said, we do have a trusted team member based in Japan who supports us with Japanese-language software development. This ensures that our bilingual solutions are not only technically sound but also culturally accurate and relevant for Japanese users. Even in this case, the work is done by someone who is part of our team, not a third-party vendor.

 

Why does this matter?

 

Because it means we have full control over quality, security, and support. It ensures faster response times, better communication, and a deeper understanding of our customers' needs. It also means we’re investing in local talent and contributing to the communities where we live and work.

 

For us, outsourcing may save money — but it often sacrifices accountability, reliability, and innovation. That’s not a trade we’re willing to make.

 

At PSPINC, when you work with us, you’re working directly with the people who build and support your solutions — not a third party across the globe.

Do you need someone with a Harvard Law Degree?
No.

 

Unless you're a government agency or a large corporation dealing directly with government regulations and policies, you don’t need someone with a Harvard Law degree.

 

For most businesses, what truly matters is practical legal knowledge, experience, and the ability to deliver results — not where someone went to school.

How PSPINC Is Managed Differently

 

PSPINC is not your typical tech company. Since its founding, we’ve followed a unique and disciplined approach to business management:

 

Founded with Personal Investment
PSPINC was started in 1987 in Kenichi Uchikura’s apartment with just $5,000 of his own money. There were no outside investors, no venture capital — just vision and determination.

 

Debt-Free Philosophy
PSPINC has never borrowed money, except for the mortgage on our Bellevue building — which is now fully paid off. We’ve built this company without relying on loans or credit.

 

Cash-First Equipment Policy
We do not purchase equipment or invest in infrastructure unless we have the cash to pay for it in full. No leasing, no financing — we believe in owning what we use.

 

Financial Stability
PSPINC always keeps enough cash reserves to operate for several months, even with no incoming revenue. This allows us to weather economic uncertainties without panic.

 

Privately Held Ownership
The company has only two shareholders: Kenichi Uchikura (owning over 80%) and Otsuka Corporation (owning less than 20%). This gives us the freedom to make decisions quickly and independently.

 

Employee-Centered Benefits
We provide one of the best healthcare coverage plans for our employees and their families. We believe a company is only as strong as the people who build it.

 

Flexible Work Environment
While we support remote work, it is offered selectively and not on a regular basis. We value in-person collaboration while maintaining flexibility when needed.

 

All In-House Operations
PSPINC does not outsource Development, Support, or Administration. Everything is handled internally by our dedicated team to ensure quality, consistency, and accountability.

Sales is often the most misunderstood — and even the most disliked — job in business.

 

Many people shy away from sales because they associate it with pressure tactics, rejection, or the stigma of being “pushy.” But here’s the truth: nothing happens in business until something is sold. Without sales, there are no customers. Without customers, there is no business.

 

As a business owner, building and maintaining a great sales team is not just important — it’s essential. But not just any sales team. The goal is to create a team that does more than pitch products. You need people who listen to customers, understand their needs, and provide genuine advice and assistance — people who create value, build trust, and form lasting relationships.

 

A great sales team becomes the face of your company. They’re your direct line to the market — hearing what customers want, what they struggle with, and where your business can improve. When done right, sales is not about convincing someone to buy something they don’t need. It’s about solving problems, offering solutions, and helping your customers succeed.

 

In short, while sales may be the job everyone loves to hate, a customer-centric, consultative sales team is one of the most valuable assets any business can have.