Xpat Interview: David L. Papp

  • 22 Nov 2010 11:00 AM
Xpat Interview: David L. Papp
David was born in 1976 in Esztergom. After completing his telecom and IT studies, he received his International Business Management degree at the Université Paris X Nanterre. He has been working for over 12 years in communications and marketing strategy, and client services management at several Hungarian and international based companies. As a co-founder and CEO, David now leads COMFORCE Zrt., the first Hungarian cloud-based contact center company.

COMFORCE was established in 2008 and currently employs more than 400 call center agents and client service representatives who provide telemarketing, customer service and other call center services for multinational clients.

David’s belief that social networking is not only a way to effectively communicate and interact with other people globally, but that is also a way to get together like-minded professionals prompted him to actively get involved in rebuilding and strengthening the Junior Chamber International (JCI) in Hungary.

JCI is a worldwide community of young professionals and entrepreneurs dedicated to making themselves and the world around them “better”. In recent years, JCI also launched an Expat Chapter in Budapest. Since 2008, David has acted as President of the Association of JCI Senators in Hungary. He also holds a Private Pilot License and enjoys flying whenever he his free time allows for it.


1. Where did you grow up?
I grew up in one of the oldest towns in Hungary, Esztergom. The town’s beautiful palaces, stunning churches and rich history always draw me back to spend time relaxing and rejuvenating. My childhood dream was to fly over my hometown, and this year for the first time I made it happen!

2. What Hungarian traditions bring back fond memories of your childhood?
Easter watering. :)

3. What would you miss most if you moved away from Hungary?
Nightlife, beautiful places and buildings.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?
Budapest has a great variety of restaurants and an exciting & entertaining nightlife. After a meaningful day of sightseeing and a great dinner, Budapest’s party life must not be missed!

5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
Hortobágyi húsos palacsinta and Jókai bableves

6. What is never missing from your kitchen?
Erős Pista

7. What is your favourite place in Hungary?
Pilis hills

8. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
Graphic artist or painter

9. What’s a job you would definitely never want?
Military fighter pilot. Although when I think about it more closely, I would consider becoming a fighter pilot since it might just facilitate me taking an early retirement and becoming a graphic artist or painter sooner than later. :)

10. Where did you spend your last vacation?
I visited Santiago de Cuba earlier this year. It was my second trip to the country.

11. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
I would love to explore more developing countries, to get to know more about the local people on a personal level.

12. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
My favourite film was ‘The Adventures of Ford Fairlane’.

13. What can’t you resist?
Chocolate, any type!

14. Red wine or white?
White wine

15. Kolbász or sushi?
Kolbász

16. Book or movie?
Movie. I like enjoying the director’s vision of a book I know about.

17. Morning person or night person?
Definitely a night person.

18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?
I feel strongly that Corporate Social Responsibility should be an integral part of any business.

19. Buda side or Pest side?
Both

20. What would you say is your personal motto?
Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I'll understand.

  • How does this interview make you feel?