Nutshell Team Spotlight: 11 Questions with Julius Bucatora, Director of Operations in the Philippines
Julius has steered startups through rapid growth and managed supply chains across borders. And he was raised on a coconut farm in Surigao! Julius brings expertise and passion to Nutshell, where he’s in charge of ensuring efficient and transparent production: from farm to factory to customers around the world.Hear from him directly in this 15 question interview!
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Julius: I had a natural fascination with chemistry, so I wanted to pursue a formal training in this as well as become an air force pilot. One that came true is being a farmer.
What is one thing on your bucket list?
Julius: I don’t really have a bucket list, but I’ve always been curious on flying on a fighter plane.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done?
Julius: The thing that I am proud of most is being able to buy a farm for my father and have it farmed by both of us.
What is your favorite memory from working at Nutshell?
Julius: Every experience at Nutshell is a good memory, but the best mark was building the panels while traveling during one of the strictest points of Covid restrictions. It felt amazing to build something with very limited resources and restricted movements.
Outside of work, what’s your favorite hobby?
Julius: The kids have become my focus, I make sure to build time around them. Anything that relates to farming is always a great hobby for me.
What's something you didn’t expect when joining Nutshell?
Julius: I get surprised by the potential of the product to grow and all the different areas where it can evolve. The raw material (coir) is something that I always see as a coconut farmer, but this product provides a whole new perspective of the coconut.
Where is your favorite place in the Philippines?
Julius: Cebu. I get to enjoy the best of both worlds in the Philippines, the urban feel and the beauty of the beaches around the island.
What got you interested in the circular economy?
Julius: I have always been interested in how to fully utilize coco fiber, in comparison to how abaca fibers are fully utilized. The abundance of coco fiber as agricultural waste and how to upcycle it is a thought that I carried with me growing up as a coconut farmer.
Who is the most influential person in your life?
Julius: My father was my greatest teacher and mentor, his works and lessons are still the basis of my foundation. These days my kids are what keeps me going and inspired.
If you were stranded on a deserted island with only a Nutshell, what is one thing you want to be in there?
Julius:
One word you would use to describe your work?
Julius: Invigorating
Want to hear more from Julius? Reach out at julius@nutshellcoolers.com!
