Here at Activo, we’re proud to work with some of the best in IT, Networking, and Telecommunications. Come with us to get to know our team members better, gathering insight into their career paths and what they love about Activo.
Get to Know Leon De Guia, Estimating Manager
Leon De Guia is a long-time member of the Activo team, having worked with the company for over 15 years. He was recently promoted to the manager of the estimating department, where he works with a team of four to provide quotes for infrastructure, communications cabling, and security cabling for clients.
Leon has a passion for his job, having worked in the field for over 35 years. His attraction to this area of IT came from a love for managing infrastructure, found when he started his first job in the Philippines.
We spoke with Leon to gather more insight into his experiences, and better understand what has kept him such a fantastic member of the Activo team.
How did you get involved with Activo?
I’ve known the president, Jim Taylor from a previous company he started, ICS. I started there in 2001.
When Jim moved on to start a new company in 2005, Activo, I was waiting in the wings. I know Jim – he’s professional, has a good work ethic, and is a personable boss who is easy to connect with. When the right time came, I asked if they needed help with estimating, and the rest is history! He said he’d be honoured if I joined, and it was my honour too.
What is the best advice you can offer someone looking to join the Activo team?
Check your industry sources and check the people who you know to work with Activo. It’s a biased opinion, but we have a great team. I think it’s a great place to work because of how they treat people. Management shows respect to employees and they treat people in a very personal way.
I think you need to be able to be flexible and be willing to be more than just tied to your job description. We all work together to help each other and extend beyond what we’re meant to do.
Would you ever want to take on another job at Activo?
I like to be an estimator. I want to work in something that I’m good at, and my work will speak for itself.
I’m past the point of having a career-oriented mind and wanting to be the president. I’m happy to get promoted, but as long as I work to do better and be better at what I do every day I am happy.
What is your favourite part of coming to work?
It may be cliché, but I enjoy the camaraderie with the people I work with. It doesn’t feel like a job when you enjoy the work itself and the people you work with. It’s not hard for me to go to the office and see people again; from the president down to every employee, no matter the department, we can all talk to each other and be on the same level. I know we’re all on the same page and want to help our customers.
What skill do you think everyone should learn?
A big value to me when I work with people is flexibility and being open-minded. It’s good to have your beliefs, but you need to be able to see where others are coming from. When I work with people, I say “here’s what we should do, but let me hear what you have to say”. It’s important to be willing to listen and learn from others, whether they’re your boss or someone working under you. We all learn from each other.
Can you recommend a piece of media to us and tell us what you enjoy about it?
I’ve been listening to the podcast, Bible in a Year. My faith guides my moral compass and drives my work as well – whatever I learn from my faith I translate to my work. I have found it guides me and helps me give my 100% towards whatever task is given to me.
For more information about Activo, our team, and what makes us different, check out our about page. To get in touch with our team and find out how we can help, contact us today.
