Aaron Posted October 14, 2008 Share Posted October 14, 2008 Well, fellers, I went out west about 3 weeks ago, courtesy of Kingland Ford. Had a seven hour interview. Flew in to Hay River airport, was picked up by a lady named Arlene. She took me around the town, showed me stuff, and then took me to all the outlying companies/shops Kingland owns. Body shop, tank building shop, heavy truck shop, jet boat shop, and finally the dealership shop. I spent about 45 minutes chatting with her after our tour, and then met the service manager Gord, and the shop foreman Kent. I met several other guys in the shop, and we went for lunch. After lunch, they sent me around town with Lori, who is Arlene's assistant, to tour some places I might be able to rent to live in. After that, came back, and had a one-on-two interview with Gord and Kent, basically asking what my opinions were and how I liked to work. After that, they gave me a couple hours to wander about and explore on my own, where I checked out their OUT OF CONTROL parts department (it's HUGE) and all sorts of other cool stuff around the dealer. I then had another meeting with Gord and Arlene, where I was offered the position. All in all, a VERY positive experience, and I think I am really going to fit in well up there. Awesome country up there, and they are REALLY accomodating. I know that it's a little thing, but I've only worked at two Ford stores - one of them owned by a family, where the DP was there all the time, and he was the owner. You could set your watch, Mr. Vitali comes by at 9:05 AM, and says hi to me. You better be there to reply, and be smiling. I always got on pretty good with him. The dealer I work at now, the first thing the DP says to me after I have been there almost 9 months meeting him for the first time, is he gives me a hard time about the "Out Of a Job Yet? Keep Buying Foreign" magnet I have on my toolbox. I do not have this magnet on my box because I am a union hardcore member. I have it on my box because I firmly believe that my money should stay at home. (Yes I know the fusion is made in mexico, quiet over there.) He says, and I quote: "You should mail that back to whoever gave it to you, and tell them to stick it up their ass." After I told him a good customer of mine from Highbury Ford gave it to me. His view is negative towards this because he ONLY owns our store because of the high end (Lincoln, Jag, Land Rover) vehicles that are sold and serviced there. He also owns a Benz dealer, and a bunch of other import piece of shit vehicles that I'd never even consider driving. I really like feeling like I am a part of a family operation, like at Highbury, or how I have already been treated by those at Kingland. Already been invited on a hunting trip, and I hadn't even been offered the job yet. I understand that this isn't everything about a job, but to me, it makes work just that little bit more enjoyable. I like being a recognizable team member, rather than some unidentifiable cog in a big machine. Although not a big part of my decision, there is no union at that shop, as well as it is not flat rate. And they pay quite handsomely, and give a nice allowance to relocate, help you find a place to live, all the stuff that would make a move like this even more difficult than it already is. I can't thank them enough. So, looks like I'll have some polar-bear plates on my car by next week! Wish me the best of luck guys, I'm unsure when I will have my internet up and rocking there. If I can even get internet where I am living! /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/laugh.gif (Thus ends I think what is the longest post I have ever put on any internet forum!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Browning Posted October 14, 2008 Share Posted October 14, 2008 Good luck Aron! I am always amazed when I hear stories about what some dealers do to recruit employees. Don't kid yourself, the part about the family operation feeling and the way people treat you is a huge part of any job. I put up with a genuine asshole in my shop for ten years and now that he is gone the atmosphere is quite pleasant for everyone. I hope the move also goes well for you, picking up and moving cant be all that easy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LARRY BRUDZYNSKI Posted October 14, 2008 Share Posted October 14, 2008 I think that deserves about 5 thumbsup /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/thumbup.gif /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/thumbup.gif /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/thumbup.gif /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/thumbup.gif /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/thumbup.gif Good luck Aaron just remember just because your almost as far out as Jim doesn't mean that you aren't still part of us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony302600 Posted October 14, 2008 Share Posted October 14, 2008 Are you going to be working on the "ice road truckers" trucks? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff_E Posted October 14, 2008 Share Posted October 14, 2008 Congrats Aaron!!! I cant wait to hear how it goes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aaron Posted October 14, 2008 Author Share Posted October 14, 2008 Are you going to be working on the "ice road truckers" trucks? From what I understand, it is a definite possibility! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveS Posted October 14, 2008 Share Posted October 14, 2008 Congratulations Aaron! It sounds like they know how to properly treat their employees and show appreciation. I hope all goes well with the move and settling in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eastendpowerstroke Posted October 14, 2008 Share Posted October 14, 2008 Originally Posted By: Tony302600 Are you going to be working on the "ice road truckers" trucks? From what I understand, it is a definite possibility! You know something struck a chord in my head when I read "Kingland Ford" and then "Ice Road Truckers" was mentioned.I recall seeing the front of that dealership in the background of a shot in that show. Anyway best of luck to you Aaron it's so nice to hear positives in these times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DwayneGorniak Posted October 14, 2008 Share Posted October 14, 2008 Good luck and the best to ya. Way to go for it! I've always said: you will never know unless you try. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mchan68 Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 Hope it works out well for you bud. Damn, and I was hoping we could get together for the part of the Christmas holidays for a pint or two /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/drinkingdude.gif Best of luck. /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/thumbup.gif Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Warman Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 Good luck, Aaron.... make sure you have a good cell phone plan.... Heaven is long distance from the diamond mines.... for me it's a local call /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif If you stay in High Level, you'll only be 570 kms north of me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony302600 Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 Originally Posted By: Tony302600 Are you going to be working on the "ice road truckers" trucks? From what I understand, it is a definite possibility! Make sure you sabotage their trucks so you can be on the show. I'm sure you'll get to hear all the stories on what really happened. Good Luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aaron Posted October 18, 2008 Author Share Posted October 18, 2008 Hope it works out well for you bud. Damn, and I was hoping we could get together for the part of the Christmas holidays for a pint or two /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/drinkingdude.gif Best of luck. /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/thumbup.gif I will likely be back in Ontario around the Christmas holidays to visit some family, so we can definitely hit a couple beers. Thanks for the good words everyone else, This is a really stressful experience for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Warman Posted October 18, 2008 Share Posted October 18, 2008 Stressful???? You have the wrong attitude, Aaron.... You are setting upon an adventure few have endeavoured.... YOU, sir, should be feeling lucky..... and NOT stressed... FWIW, as an army brat, by the time I was seven, I had travelled from England to Vancouver and lived in several places between.... That was back in the 50s and the world was much "bigger" back then Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex Bruene Posted October 18, 2008 Share Posted October 18, 2008 That was back in the 50s and the world was much "bigger" back then 50s?? You mean the decade?? Whoa! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Browning Posted October 18, 2008 Share Posted October 18, 2008 /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/rofl.gif Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Warman Posted October 18, 2008 Share Posted October 18, 2008 Originally Posted By: Jim Warman That was back in the 50s and the world was much "bigger" back then 50s?? You mean the decade?? Whoa! I see Ralph isn't the only wiener out there.... /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smirk.gif Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aaron Posted October 19, 2008 Author Share Posted October 19, 2008 Only stressed driving between Barrie and Kenora, where I'm trying to pull a 17" uhaul van, with a v-10 and a WOUNDED torqshift uphill, with a 2000lb trailer, with a 4500lb car on it. Plus all the shit in the van. Now that I am in flatter country (Made it to Winnipeg today) things have relaxed quite a bit. And MAN is that shitbox hard on fuel. U-haul doensn't rent diesel trucks anymore, cause people fill them with gasoline. Duhhhhh.... Oh well. I'm gonna tally it up tomorrow, but initial estimates are roughly in the thousand dollar range for fuel so far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DwayneGorniak Posted October 19, 2008 Share Posted October 19, 2008 Make sure you save every single receipt for the rentals, fuel, food and all expences acumulated while moving. Every bit of it is a write off when moving for a career change. /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/thumbup.gif Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aaron Posted October 20, 2008 Author Share Posted October 20, 2008 Made it to saskatoon last night. The dealer I am going to pays for lodging and fuel, once i submit my receipts, so that'll be a big help. Back on the road again shortly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Adema Posted October 21, 2008 Share Posted October 21, 2008 Man, I can sympathize! Three years ago I drove from Guelph to Edmonton with my fiance, through northern Ontario. All my tools crammed into the back of a recently acquired 1997 F-150 4x4 with the all-conquering 4.6 noisemaker. Tandem axle U-Haul 14 footer behind it with househole items, a hangover, beef jerky and optimism, we flogged that green truck through the hills, around the Great Lakes and over the prairies. As we drove into the sun each hot late summer day, we discovered our lack of air conditioning was contributing greatly to the ambient smells and lack of comfort, nevermind what a steady diet of road food does to me. But we made it, my only regret being that I didn't take more pictures of the awesome scenery in Northern Ontario, the greatest joy was getting out of Dryden and Thunder Bay as fast as possible. They must be prototypes of hell. I've never felt more at home and content as I do living here, in Alberta. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aaron Posted October 21, 2008 Author Share Posted October 21, 2008 If you want to get together for a beer, let me know. I am in Edmonton tonight, and might hang out here for the day tomorrow, too. Im at the Travelodge right beside some Danny something Ford dealer...on....that road? You know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DwayneGorniak Posted October 21, 2008 Share Posted October 21, 2008 That would most likeley be Denny Andrews Ford in the North west end. How did ya like those Saskatchewan pot holes Aaron? When I left Saskatchewan, I had a sign across my tailgate that said: Goodbye and goodridens to all the high taxes, poverty, and freakin potholes! Hello Alberta! Every time I stopped for fuel or a leak, I had people pull in behind me off the highway just to tell me they liked my sign. As Jim said earlier, It's great to embark upon an adventure. I think I'm even starting to feal adventurous again. /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smirk2.gif Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aaron Posted October 21, 2008 Author Share Posted October 21, 2008 That would most likeley be Denny Andrews Ford in the North west end. How did ya like those Saskatchewan pot holes Aaron? When I left Saskatchewan, I had a sign across my tailgate that said: Goodbye and goodridens to all the high taxes, poverty, and freakin potholes! Hello Alberta! Every time I stopped for fuel or a leak, I had people pull in behind me off the highway just to tell me they liked my sign. As Jim said earlier, It's great to embark upon an adventure. I think I'm even starting to feal adventurous again. /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smirk2.gif I think I bent the RF rim on that U-Haul. Hit one going about 55mph today, didnt even see the bastid! Yeah, thats the ford dealer, and I am on Stony Plain road (sorry if i spelled it wrong fellers). Looks like I may be here tomorrow, too, I feel like a can of SHIT tonight. Anyone, anyone? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LARRY BRUDZYNSKI Posted October 21, 2008 Share Posted October 21, 2008 Aaron, I think it's great that you have made this move. Also at the same time think it sucks, your were just a stones throw across the Detwaa river and we never got a chance to get together and tear up Windsor or Detroit. I guess there's always a chance that I may get fed up, and move North and West far West in your case. Anywho here's to you and your family /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/cheers.gif Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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