What does your job entail on a day-to-day basis?
Basically anything goes! Indoors or out, doesn't matter. If it has wheels and hauls stuff, I repair, modify, install, diagnose, and maintain it. I do periodic government-mandated safety inspections on all equipment and am an accomplished welder, designer, and fabricator.
How long have you been doing it?
I've been a welder for 5 years and a mechanic for 10 years. Before that, I spent a couple years in construction (concrete, framing, carpentry, etc.).
What are your biggest challenges?
Aside from obvious things like keeping sweat off me, staying warm (or cool, this is Canada!) and being seen and protected, one of the biggest challenges to me and almost all mechanics in the trucking industry is projecting a professional image (ie., being seen as a respectable, intelligent tradesperson, instead of "just another dumb grease monkey" I HATE THAT!). Ergodyne's quality, fit and image is a HUGE asset in "looking the part."
Do you mainly need products that provide protection, regulate temperature, or enhance productivity?
Like the previous question, keep up the great image, attitude, and high quality, hi-vis stuff.
What recent job/project/task are you most proud of accomplishing?
Tough call, just changed a transmission in a western star truck for a friend last week. It was a big job, but nothing I haven't done before. In the past, I've had many self-designed modifications and fabrication projects as a welder, and I do mean many--from building complete trailers to intricate design modifications. It's a tough question, though, I've done many things to be proud of. I think the next step will be journeyman certification.
On that job, how did your Tenacious Work Gear from Ergodyne help you stay safe, regulate temp, or enhance your productivity?
Temp control for sure. This winter I've really noticed that I haven't felt sweaty once, haven't had a cold this winter either Coincidence? Hmmm.....
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve done with an ergodyne product?
Well so far not much, although the rubber wristband is good for strapping the occasional thing to my arm. It actually works pretty well, especially when things are wet and dirty and I can't have stuff falling on the floor but still need it close to me. And wrenches held close to you stay warm too. Nobody likes cold steel! Maybe one of these days I'll see how well the ballistic nylon tool bag takes a bullet.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Well with house renos, a full time job, my own sideline and two kids, there's not a lot of "me" time left, but I'm a rabid follower of Formula One. I spend winter dreaming about getting out in the summer, up north beside a lake with a canoe and nothing but the sounds of loons at night.
In your life, what keeps you tenacious?
I think i just described it: you need something to look forward to. Why work hard for no end result, no pleasure? Why work hard if it leaves you sore and worn out? Life is too short to worry about sore limbs and paychecks.