The World's Biggest Thank You

For a guy who isn’t a motorhead, or at least isn’t into cars that much, it’s funny that I’ve been associated with the Automotive Aftermarket in one way or another for 35 years or so.  From shoveling screws into a furnace, to manufacturing hose clamps, to scheduling the production of windshield wipers, managing a distribution center, procuring materials for fuel cell vehicles and finally as a sales representative for Schrader.

To say I knew nothing about Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems when I started at Schrader would be an understatement.  I did some research before my first actual day on the job, so luckily I did recognize that light when it lit up on my dash on the way to the airport for my introduction to our team, at SEMA in Las Vegas.  What a great venue to meet an outstanding team.  I have to nominate my manager as “Best Boss Ever” for having me start my career with Schrader with a trip to Vegas!  It was an eye opener to meet such a talented, diverse group, all with different backgrounds and so well spoken about our company and products. For me to see that I had a number of resources to help me out along the way was very comforting.

After that was a visit to our office in Auburn Hills MI, where I received training from Schrader’s TPMS expert, W Rippetoe (really, “W” is your first name)?  I had watched so many “In the Bay with Schrader” video’s on YouTube that I felt like I was meeting an online star!  Fast-forward 3 1/2 years, I have trained close to 1000 folks in the industry, including technicians, service advisors, counter staff and store owners.

That journey has taken me across Western Canada and the Northern Central states and I have had the opportunity to connect with a lot of great people who wanted to learn more about our products and TPMS in general.  Along the way, I tried to make the most of all of the trips and explore a little bit in those places that I had never been before.  Taking in the view of the 55 foot-tall Green Giant in Blue North, Minnesota, checking out the world’s largest pysanka in Vegreville, Alberta, the 205 foot hockey stick in Duncan, British Columbia and catching minor league baseball or hockey games wherever my travels took me, were all part of the experience.  Not to mention the giant moose, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan!

As I prepare for retirement, I had cause to look back on a lengthy but gratifying career in our industry. Although it is difficult to leave this team, I made the decision that the timing was right for me.  British Columbia is beautiful in the summer and I want to enjoy it all that I can.

Thank you to the Schrader team and all those I have met along the way for a great few years. Thank you to the industry for a fulfilling career. Looking back, my only advice would be that when you travel for work, make the most of that down time when you are done with your workday.  I tried to think of it as an adventure. And whenever you see a sign on the road directing you to the “World’s Largest” anything, it is likely worth a look.

May 10, 2018