Leading the Way

At Sub Sea Systems, we provide the tourism industry with fun, interactive products that allow guests to explore the underwater world, learn more about our precious oceans, and discover incredible sea life.

With over 50 Sea TREK locations (and counting), we rely on hard-working representatives to get the word out about our helmet diving system as well as our other products. Our dedicated global representatives are paramount to the success of our products and our company.

We asked some of these amazing regional reps. to take a few minutes out of their action-packed days and share their interesting backgrounds and incredible stories with you. A big thank-you to Javi, Ad, Fili, and Takeshi, for giving us a peek into their busy lives!

Fili and Friends!

Q: How long have you worked with Sub Sea Systems?

Javi: I've been working for SSS since March 2014, but have been in contact with the company since 2002 when I was in charge of the Sea TREK, SNUBA and snorkel tour at Xel-Ha Park. I'd like to say that I've been around for a long time!

Fili: It's been 6 years since I started working with the Sea TREK experience as a licensee of Sub Sea Systems. I soon realized that it would be very interesting to represent the company for Spain, and I now represent Europe, too!

Ad: Since May 2014

Takeshi: It has been about one month!


Q What is your title?

Javi: I'm Regional Coordinator for the Mexican Caribbean and Belize regions… and wherever my boss sends me.

Fili: I am Sub Sea Systems’ Sea TREK Operator, Fun CAT Operator and Representative for Europe.

Ad: I am the Regional Director of the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East & Africa), Russia, & Turkey.

Takeshi: I am Sub Sea Systems’ Representative in Japan.

Takeshi

Q: When people ask you what you do for a living, what do you tell them?

Javi: I say: “Have you seen activities that allow participants to walk underwater while wearing a helmet? Well, I do that!”

Fili: I usually say, “I develop unique and innovative experiences focused on tourism. You have to try them!”

Ad: I hunt for potential prospects and projects for Sub Sea Systems in my region. Once found, I help my clients to purchase our products. I combine my knowledge about our products and possibilities, and advise them which product and programs will work for them. I support them during the complete process of purchase, engineering, installation, startup and even in the years after.

Takeshi: Marine activity production and construction sales, and diving business in general.


Q: What do you enjoy most about your work?

Javi:  I really like to train the new divers/Guides.

Fili: When I finish the day, knowing that I have managed to make at least one person happier.

Ad: Meeting new people with all kinds of different needs, then finding the best solution to create a win-win situation for them and us. Once a product has been sold, I enjoy assisting during the engineering, construction and installing phase, and training the staff.

Takeshi: There are a lot! First of all, going beyond the norm and trying something new. Working on a project that combines creativity with marine activities.

Ad, Hard at Work

Q: Prior to working with Sub Sea, what was your primary career? 

Javi: I was (and still am) a Diving Instructor.

Fili: For many years I worked in the world of advertising and marketing while preparing as a financial advisor. But all my life has been linked to the sea- surfing, underwater fishing, diving, etc.

Ad: I was the director of a company and worked as an advisor/consultant in International Business Improvement for multiple international companies/clients.

Takeshi: I have been a diving instructor for about 30 years. I also worked as a scuba gear repairer at US Kadena Air Force base in Okinawa for about 4 years.


Q: What do you do when you are not working? Do you have any hobbies?

Javi: I love spending time with my family, going to the beach or doing fun activities.

Fili: My favorite hobby is to think about being more productive and creating new opportunities – it is a very enriching experience

Ad: Spending time with my family and friends. Diving, and in wintertime, snowboarding.

Takeshi: Recently, I started to learn 3D CAD, so I design various things myself and enjoy making prototypes with 3D printers.

Javi and Family

Q: Tell us about your family.

Javi: My son Luca and my wife Romi are the lights of my life. I also have my parents and brother, who live in Argentina.

Fili: My greatest treasures are my two daughters, and of course my mother. They are for me the most important pillars. Every day, I strive to do my best to keep moving forward for them.

Ad: I have a fantastic and lovely wife named Evelien, who supports me in everything I do. Since I was 16 years old, she has been the love of my life. We are celebrating our 35th anniversary in August. We have 2 beautiful and lovely children. The oldest is our son Stefano, who lives in Spain. He is the owner of a company named Oasis Europe. Which offers rental management, property optimization to property owners.  Our daughter Naomi is an assistant broker for a real estate company and lives near us.

Takeshi: My daughter will enter University in Tokyo next year, so she will leave the small island of Okinawa. My daughter's character is very similar to mine, so we often disagree with each other! When I think about being separated next year, I feel a little sad. I have a son in high school. He wears a headset every day and plays only online games. However, he’s very good at snorkeling, so I think that I will teach him scuba diving. My wife is a person who is busy and moving around, who cannot take a break at all. She is a wonderful woman.


Q: What is your favorite work memory / funniest thing that has happened to you at work / craziest thing that has happened at work?

Javi: My favorite memories are the good moments spent with my co-workers, Calin and Josue. I also have a wonderful time with visitors or potential new operators. When I show them “my operations” and they see how many helmets we have in only one location (Xcaret, for example, utilizes 50 helmets every 30 minutes in just one of their two locations!) I love to show them how many safety divers are there taking care of the people and they see how well organized we are and they finally ask me: “and you trained them all?” And I say: “Yes!”, proudly. Bottom line: I LOVE MY JOB!

Ad: Too many to write about! My former and current colleagues all know I am a little crazy and I always try to bring fun in anything I do. I like to surprise people with my “magic dice” and doing that, they all will remember me with a smile.

Fili: One of the most beautiful things I’ve experienced happened during a Sea TREK, with a grandfather and his grandson. Developing an experience that is able to unite generations at 5 meters deep is wonderful. Neither of them knew how to swim and they could never imagine, that they could be together feeding the fish underwater. The grandfather was crying with emotion, seeing his grandson at his side.

Takeshi: There are so many, I’m not sure how to answer! I was attacked and bitten by a Hammerhead Shark. Humped by a Humpback whale in the chest. I have a lot of episodes in the sea! Things that were fun, scary, and dangerous!

We hope this interview made you smile as much as it made us smile! We’re grateful for these fine individuals and proud to have them represent Sub Sea Systems. A big thank you to Javi, Ad, Fili and Takeshi!