Employee Spotlight: Tomer Gal
Tomer discusses why he joined Tonkean, and why challenges others see as “impossible” are really the most interesting to solve
Welcome back to our Employee Spotlight series, where we highlight members of the Tonkean team who exemplify the unique spirit of our company. This week, we’re spotlighting Tomer Gal, a software engineer and former member of the Israeli Air Force on our R&D team. Having taken the lead on several exciting new projects, and as an enthusiast of both travel and the board game Settlers of Catan (who isn’t?), Tomer brings leadership, expertise, and a fun-loving spirit to Tonkean that makes the company a better place. Here, he dishes on why he joined Tonkean, and why challenges others see as “impossible” are really the most interesting to solve.
What brought you to Tonkean?
After I finished my duty in the Israeli Air Force — because of an injury — all of a sudden I was a citizen. I always knew that I wanted to make a change, make a difference and have impact, and so I started searching for jobs and I encountered Tonkean. I came in for an interview with Talmor, Ziv & Bar, and within the first 5 minutes, I knew I wanted to work here. I fell in love with the idea of Tonkean, the way they put people first. It just stayed with me.
I fell in love with the idea of Tonkean, the way they put people first
Describe the work you do at Tonkean in a few sentences.
The work I do varies. Currently I am leading a few projects, which entails working with the product managers on the feature, ideating the architecture of the feature, and then developing it. These projects are going to change the way people think about Tonkean and automation. Every few weeks, I am also what we call “Tier 3,” which means that every time an urgent request for a feature or a customer support issue comes in, I am responsible for solving it.
Which Tonkean Core Value do you identify with most?
“There is always a way” is a value I truly identify with. Since I was young, I always believed that every problem has a solution. As a software engineer, a lot of issues that come up seem to be impossible, but in fact, those are the most interesting ones to solve. There is nothing like making the impossible possible.
What’s your favorite part of working at Tonkean?
My favorite part is working with the people. I truly believe that Tonkean has the best of the best. It’s always a pleasure to work with everyone, and engage in smart and unique discussions.
As a software engineer, a lot of issues that come up seem to be impossible, but in fact, those are the most interesting ones to solve. There is nothing like making the impossible possible.
What’s life like on the R&D team?
The day to day can be sometimes stressful. But it’s a good kind of stressful. Sure, we have deadlines to meet, and our features are complex. But we always have each other’s back. Every project, every feature, and even every bug, you always know that someone will be there to answer your questions, and help you figure out the best solution possible. This is all because the team has developed great communication skills with each other.
What makes Tonkean’s platform different?
The freedom the platform gives you. Tonkean is so dynamic, you can automate everything your heart desires. It gives you the ability to build modules that range from enterprise-level to those that can help you do things like manage your personal finances. And the technologies we use are so unique, most have never seen anything like it before.
What do you foresee in our future?
Tonkean has a unique, cutting-edge perspective on how automation should behave. The market needs to understand that automation is not all about connecting different systems or automating tasks. It’s also about connecting those systems to the people who use them, and from there, connecting the different departments in your organization. When more and more people realize the true potential of automation done right, Tonkean will be the new Salesforce.
When more and more people realize the true potential of automation done right, Tonkean will be the new Salesforce.
What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
I love playing with my dog Snowy. I like playing video games and going out with my friends. I love traveling in Israel and finding new beautiful places to sit and think. My friends and I love playing board games like Catan and Munchkin, too. But our favorite to do is drive and listen to music.
