Bernie Posted March 27, 2009 Report Share Posted March 27, 2009 (edited) I sometimes wonder what others do here and what their days are like. So today was a little quiet at my shop and took advantage of it to take a couple pictures of a somewhat typical day. Not trying to spam here. Just thought some may find it interesting. This is Gord, a top notch guy as well as a great mechanic. Gord is leaving my employ at the end of next week after being with me for around 12 years. He's off to Attiwapiskat to work in the mine up there. Big bucks apparently. Going to miss him around here, he's a good friend too. When checking the air filter on this van he found a fairly common problem. A mouse/chipmunk nest that took 10 minutes with a vacuum to get it all out. This is Dan, our service counter guy. Always cheery. Sorry about the fuzzy pic. My son Nick. Talent galore. Still learning, but knows parts and has incredible computer skills. Wouldn't stay still for a picture. This came up from the boat shop to get rigged for a new engine. This is almost identical to my first boat in 1976. My brother Mark and our sales guy Larry. Goofing off as usual. This is head marine tech Jim rigging up the new engine. Been here for over 30 years. This is another Nick tuning up a bike. He was a kid in my scout troop. Jeez I'm getting old. This is a generator I am fixing up as an emergency backup for my home in town. I can then take my smaller one out to the cottage. There a some more people that I didn't get pictures of. Our girl looking after the books Pauline that puts up with us teasing her (she gives it back though ), Bill who was away at service school, Andy who was unloading boats, Ash my part time car mechanic, John our apprentice in school and Mom and Dad who come in and keep us all in line. Edited March 27, 2009 by Bernie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irishfield Posted March 27, 2009 Report Share Posted March 27, 2009 I'm sure Gord will be missed big time Bernie! And I've met your maker.. a great guy as well and good that he still comes by to keep you in line ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Posted March 27, 2009 Report Share Posted March 27, 2009 looks like a good spot to hang out during the working day.... love them boats Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trapshooter Posted March 27, 2009 Report Share Posted March 27, 2009 Looks good Bernie. I remember when Gord checked out our Honda. Wish him luck up in the North. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Cliff Posted March 27, 2009 Report Share Posted March 27, 2009 Really nice looking and interesting shop, sounds like you have a wonderful team working with you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fang Posted March 27, 2009 Report Share Posted March 27, 2009 (edited) Next time I'm on 11 heading to Temagami I'll try and pull in and say Hi. Maybe you can show me how to get this darn 115 HP Merc running right. I think the idle is turned down too low but I'm not the most mechanically inclined when it comes to engines. Takes the cold start to turn it over even in July. Bad day here in the photo business. We've let go about 12 this week. 6 guys just today in our service department and 2 in the purchasing. I've been there now 22 years and a few of them are good friends Edited March 27, 2009 by Fang Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bernie Posted March 27, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 27, 2009 Next time I'm on 11 heading to Temagami I'll try and pull in and say Hi. Maybe you can show me how to get this darn 115 HP Merc running right. I think the idle is turned down too low but I'm not the most mechanically inclined when it comes to engines. Takes the cold start to turn it over even in July. Bad day here in the photo business. We've let go about 12 this week. 6 guys just today in our service department and 2 in the purchasing. I've been there now 22 years and a few of them are good friends On Mercs to be honest I have worked on very little. But we have a couple of Merc techs. Bill has been working on them for 30 years. I was raised on OMC. Then I went and started working on automotive for the last 28 years. But we all work together and if we have a difficult issue we will brainstorm on it. Sad to lose people you have worked with for a long time Fang. Gord and I have known each other for close to 40 years. Says he will come in and give me a break for a week or two this summer on his time off. I will need to find a guy soon or maybe I will end up going north too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greencoachdog Posted March 27, 2009 Report Share Posted March 27, 2009 (edited) Great thread and pics Bern!!! ... just one question... where's the 200 ton crane, 40' deep pit, and 1 foot deep mud??? btw... we really do wanna see pics of the girlie in the office!!! Edited March 27, 2009 by GCD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joeytier Posted March 27, 2009 Report Share Posted March 27, 2009 I was hoping that by 'office' you meant some sort of special fishing hole. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bernie Posted March 27, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 27, 2009 I was hoping that by 'office' you meant some sort of special fishing hole. I apologize Joeytier, I neglected to put NF on the title. It will be added on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bernie Posted March 27, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 27, 2009 ... just one question... where's the 200 ton crane, 40' deep pit, and 1 foot deep mud??? Actually the 200 ton crane is the only thing we don't have. And the pit isn't quite 40'. As for the girl in the office if I posted a pic of her you guys would just drool on your keyboard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roy Posted March 27, 2009 Report Share Posted March 27, 2009 Nice setup Bernie. I really like these threads. Good family business too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Headhunter Posted March 27, 2009 Report Share Posted March 27, 2009 Sad to see friends go, it happens and is part of life. I believe that the loyalty that they have shown you and the family business, is a direct reflection fo the treatment that those employees have been given by their employer. I hope things work out well for yah Bernie... and I too just love looking at those boats! HH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerritt Posted March 27, 2009 Report Share Posted March 27, 2009 nice post Bernie! it is nice to see a few familiar faces again!. lets be honest.. working with the people you do makes the day a whole lot more enjoyable! G Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bernie Posted March 27, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 27, 2009 Joe it will be a sad day next Friday. For both of us. But double the money and more benefits are something I can't match. We are like family in here Gerritt. Just like family some may have to move on from time to time. Only 4 guys have left here over the last 30 years and one just came back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flappn Posted March 27, 2009 Report Share Posted March 27, 2009 Surprised to see a 4 runner on a lift..must be in for an oil change Beauty shop and a great Team. Good job! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeXXington Posted March 27, 2009 Report Share Posted March 27, 2009 I would love to work in an office like that,, I would post one where I work but geeky stuff does not look as fun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ecmilley Posted March 27, 2009 Report Share Posted March 27, 2009 nice shop looks like you have lots of room to move around in, its hard to lose good people and even harder to replace them Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2 tone z71 Posted March 27, 2009 Report Share Posted March 27, 2009 Bernie thats awesome thanks for sharing,you guys saved my butt on a Saturday afternoon many moons ago ,My 440 snowcrosser was falling flat on its face @ 6000 rpm,your guys figured it out and even had the box in stock for a sled you where sponsering that season,ill never forget that it was much appreciated,as far as loosing guys it sucks esp life long buds,I get a new helper every season it seems one/two seasons of working hauling on Gbay and there looking for something softer hahahlife goes on Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leecher Posted March 27, 2009 Report Share Posted March 27, 2009 We are like family in here Gerritt. Just like family some may have to move on from time to time. Only 4 guys have left here over the last 30 years and one just came back. Bernie sounds like you have a great crew working for ya and that all you guys have a bond for what has to be done on a day to day basis.... Congratulations Just can't ask for any better than that. It's sad to see a good person leave and at the same time rewarding. I'm sure he will bring the same level of professionalism that he showed in your shop to his new environment and lucky that he can commit some time to you on his days off What a guy!!! Thanks for sharing Jacques Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Radnine Posted March 28, 2009 Report Share Posted March 28, 2009 What kind of shop do you run, Bernie? I was under the impression that you built boats. Based on your photos you guys do a lot more than that. Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rattletrap2 Posted March 28, 2009 Report Share Posted March 28, 2009 Bernie, The fact that these guys have been with you for so long is a good reflection on you as an employer. It is hard to loose a good person, but of course he is doing what he feels is best for himself and you can't fault him for that. This just opens up a spot for some other fortunate individual to join your team! Thanks for sharing and good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarzan's Jane Posted March 28, 2009 Report Share Posted March 28, 2009 Sitting here taking inventory of all the 'jobs' I've had so far over my lifetime and there hasn't been one that came close to giving me the feeling that I was with 'family'. I enjoyed your thread Bernie... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike the Pike Posted March 28, 2009 Report Share Posted March 28, 2009 Thanks Bernie .I did like my tour last time I was in town. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bernie Posted March 29, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 29, 2009 nice shop looks like you have lots of room to move around in, its hard to lose good people and even harder to replace them EC we are glad when spring arrives so some of us can get out to work the "big shop" (outdoors ) We need more space but it's adequate. Bernie thats awesome thanks for sharing,you guys saved my butt on a Saturday afternoon many moons ago ,My 440 snowcrosser was falling flat on its face @ 6000 rpm,your guys figured it out and even had the box in stock for a sled you where sponsering that season,ill never forget that it was much appreciated,as far as loosing guys it sucks esp life long buds,I get a new helper every season it seems one/two seasons of working hauling on Gbay and there looking for something softer hahahlife goes on Glad we were able to help out NES ! Bernie sounds like you have a great crew working for ya and that all you guys have a bond for what has to be done on a day to day basis.... Congratulations Just can't ask for any better than that. It's sad to see a good person leave and at the same time rewarding. I'm sure he will bring the same level of professionalism that he showed in your shop to his new environment and lucky that he can commit some time to you on his days off Jacques Jacques I have worked in a few places through my career but this has been best so far. It's great to be able to get along with everyone. What kind of shop do you run, Bernie?I was under the impression that you built boats. Based on your photos you guys do a lot more than that. Jim When it comes right down to it Jim there isn't much we are not capable of doing mechanically. Bernie,The fact that these guys have been with you for so long is a good reflection on you as an employer. It is hard to loose a good person, but of course he is doing what he feels is best for himself and you can't fault him for that. This just opens up a spot for some other fortunate individual to join your team! I hope it will be that easy Rattletrap. Good techs are not easy to find. Hopefully we will get someone to fill Gords shoes. I have several applications for apprentices but I am getting too old and crusty to train another one. Sitting here taking inventory of all the 'jobs' I've had so far over my lifetime and there hasn't been one that came close to giving me the feeling that I was with 'family'. I enjoyed your thread Bernie... Hope someday you may have the opportunity Twilight. Thanks Bernie .I did like my tour last time I was in town. Anytime Mike. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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