Q&A with Ricardo Ishida

February, 2011

Q: Were you excited to come to Illinois from Peru? What did you expect and how have your expectations been met?

A: Yes, As a Komatsu-Mitsui Maquinarias Peru executive, distributor of Komatsu equipment in Peru, I was very excited to come to Komatsu America Mining Division Headquarter in Peoria, Illinois. From the beginning I expected to learn the Komatsu mining application tools and improve my field and sales experience.

Q: I would imagine that Illinois would be very different from Peru. What is the biggest difference to you? Are there any similarities?

A: At this moment the biggest difference is the winter weather because in my country and specifically in Lima, where I live, we don't have snow. Peoria definitely is colder than Lima.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do outside of your training?

A: Travel and assist to some events like Rock Concerts, I had the opportunity to go to some cities like Chicago.

Q: How do you find your experience so far?

A: Since my arrival in the United States I [have] had good hospitality from everybody I met. They helped me and [taught] me when I needed. Also my host company […] is taking care of me in the best way during my stay in the country, for example giving me good accommodations.

Q: What has been your biggest surprise about the United States so far?

A: I’ve been in the United States before but this time I came here during the winter season. […] How good the prevention system against the snow on roads surprised me a lot This is an important issue during this season to prevent accidents.