Staff Spotlight: Meet Andres Duwin

As Head of Production at OCTO®, Andres’ role is more deep than it appears. He arrives at the office and prepares a fresh pot of coffee for the troops (crucial step No. 1), then feeds the office cat and the cat’s outdoor cat friends (a very crucial step No. 2).

In all seriousness, Andres makes the office hum and is responsible for the fulfillment of orders, coordinating with the manufacturing team on active work orders and ensuring production is rolling. Since OCTO is currently heavily focused on R&D, the rest of his daily activities are coordinated with the whole team across the spectrum so everyone is aligned in their roles. Andres is good at visualizing “the big picture,” and can organize and optimize things and processes. And we are grateful for that.

What path got you to OCTO?

I have been working with both Tobias and Natasha (OCTO’s co-founders) for almost two decades now. We’ve always worked well together, and we trust and believe in each other. When they invited me to join OCTO I found it challenging and exciting. Who can refuse a good challenge, full of excitement, led by two amazing people?

What is your greatest extravagance?

I don’t know if it qualifies as ‘extravagance,’ but I do like gadgets. Like a good smartphone, smart watch, and smart home devices to automate things at home.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse? 

Overuse may imply misuse, so I don’t think I overuse, but very frequently say “absolutely,” “of course,” and “I love you.”

Which talent would you most like to have? 

I would love to be able to sing (other than in the shower). Alternatively, I think playing a musical instrument would be very cool.

What do you most value in your friends?

Loyalty and honesty are key. A friend who is there for me when I need him/her is a true friend. I give 100% to those I consider friends and expect the same in return – I definitely make a distinction between a friend and an acquaintance.

What do you do for fun?

Spending time with the people I love—my spouse, nephews, sister, brother-in-law and friends — makes me happy, even if there is no particular “activity” being done – interacting with the people I love is most fulfilling.