Get to know Propeller’s world-class team in our ongoing employee spotlight series. Today, we talk to Tox Salvacion, who serves as a GIS specialist on the data success team. Tox is based in Manila, Philippines.
What do you do at Propeller?
I’m a GIS specialist. I process datasets and take care of customer questions through our support chat on the website.
What’s your career background?
I am a geodetic engineer. I have my degree in geodetic engineering from the University of the Philippines. I came to Propeller after working on a government project in the Philippines. We were doing a research project and hazard mapping for the country. The Philippines is an archipelago, but the country has a lot of flooding issues thanks to the typhoons.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Manila, so very much a city person just like Bea.
Before working at Propeller, what’s the strangest or most interesting job you’ve held?
I did surveying in college part-time. One job I remember was in a pretty rough area in Manila. It was really tough because the people thought we were stealing their land. It was hostile, and at times I really thought I might be hurt. Definitely pretty intense for a college gig.
What’s your favorite Propeller memory?
It’s my interview with James and Tim. I was expecting some really formal-looking guys with suits on and stern faces. So when I turned on the video chat to speak with them and saw two young guys in t-shirts, it was a culture shock for me. But it was a good one. I knew I wanted to be a part of this team.
Any talents, secret superpowers, or fun facts about yourself to share?
I used to be really skinny, like 80lbs, a few years ago. But since then, I think I’ve gained 60lbs.
If you could be any piece of technology, what would you be and why?
I’d want to be a commercial jet because I want to see everything from above—like really, really high up.
If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one quality or ability, what would it be?
I’d want to be able to teleport. It’s really hot here in Manila and there’s so much traffic. I sweat excessively and don’t really like going out. If I could just teleport to some other place with air conditioning that would be fantastic. Sometimes it can take two hours to travel one kilometer. It’s really frustrating. So it’s also great that I get to work remotely.
Do you have an office nickname? If so, what is it and how did you get it?
I’m just Tox. Everyone calls me Tox, except for my mother when she’s really angry. Then she calls me by my whole name.
What’s one thing you wish people understood better about Propeller?
It’s just an amazing technology, the Propeller Platform. This use of drones on worksites is new. They don’t teach it in schools yet as a part of regular curriculum, at least where I’m at. This means that the work we’re doing here at the company is always expanding. I get to learn every day from our amazing customers, just as they get to learn about us and our tools.
It’s the fact that Propeller does way more proactive research than people might think. We’re always evolving. I’ve seen so much progress and change over just my one-year stint here so far
