My name is Glen Joorisity and I work for Freightliner Regina. I've been in this position now for six months or so. I transferred to Service from Parts six months ago and it's awesome. I got into this field years ago and like it quite much.


[Decision To Enter This Particular Occupation:]

Actually, it was my father's suggestion that I get into the parts field in general. So I started in small automotive first and then got into the Class 8 Truck Industry in '74 and fluctuated between jobs and stuff for a few years and then got back into it. It's very interesting.

[Personal Characteristics & Attitudes:]

I think the most important thing in this job would be integrity and honesty because of the fact that you're working with people that know the business really well. It’s best to be honest and direct even if it's not good news.

[Teamwork Skills:]

Teamwork skills in our position within the company, between departments as well as between different positions in the service department, are absolutely crucial. Without teamwork we have nothing to offer our customers. It's communication between departments, communication between management, and junior management on to the floor. To get anything done you have to have a high degree of teamwork - whether drawing parts to put on the trucks or actually speaking with the customer to find out what's wrong with the truck.

[Skills Needed:]

People skills are something that I've always kind of had. I get along well with people and I care. Caring is a big thing in people's needs and what they need to complete their day type thing. So, it also grows because when you run into an uncomfortable situation - whether you haven't got a certain part, or you have a situation where a customer is not happy (whether it can't be repaired or is going to cost too much or something like that) - it gets a little tense sometimes.

[Attitude & Positive Behaviour:]

A positive attitude is the most important part of personal day-to-day business. If you haven't got the positive approach you won't gain the customer's trust.

[Change & Adaptability:]

The ability to adapt to change is a definite asset in the fact that nothing's ever the same. So you have situations arise that you just shake your head and go, "Wow, what am I gonna do now?" and that's kind of the interesting part of the challenge from day-to-day 'cause you don't know what's coming your way.

It's important to be confident in your position and the independence comes with making the decisions and being empowered to make those decisions. If there's any question, consult the customer first because it is his unit and he makes the final decision.

[Typical Work Day:]

My shift starts on a regular basis from 3:30 in the afternoon 'till midnight. So when I start at 3:30 in the afternoon I hit the floor with my feet running 'cause it's right in the busiest part of the day. I try to find out what's going on and who's doing what. There's a very high number of technicians in our employ and what happens there is there's people changing shifts so I've got to find out who's been doing what, who needs carried over and who needs to be showed what to do from taking over from another technician. I also have to organise the book, find out what's going on, what has to be completed and who's going to pick up units. It's very, very hectic from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

From 6:30 pm on we settle down into knowing that from 6:30 pm I have the regular night shift. I have it booked on the book and the technicians have their duties to do and I then can get caught up in paper and close work orders, talk with customers, book units in and carry over for the next day.

[Most Challenging Aspect:]

The most challenging aspect of the job is treating the customer fairly and addressing his concerns and needs for his unit because that is his livelihood.

[Most Satisfying Aspect:]

What I love most about my job is addressing the customers' challenge in regards to his needs to keep his unit on the road because it is his livelihood.

[One Thing You Would Change In This Occupation:]

If I could change one thing about this job…I'd…I can't think anything I'd like to change except maybe having a little more hair. It's an excellent business to get into. Excellent return on "bang for the buck," definitely.

[Opportunities This Job Offers:]

There's room for growth. There's a good future here. Actually, if you look at the Class 8 or the trucking industry - the long haul trucking - everything from in-town service to the long haul is just growing so rapidly. It's always going to be there. It's a good solid foundation for a career.

[Advice For Someone Entering This Field Of Work:]

If someone was considering a position in Class 8 truck shop in the service industry I'd absolutely highly recommend it. Make sure you've got people skills and communication skills so that you can understand when somebody's talking to you and so that you can actually ask questions. Then you can go home at night and sleep knowing that you looked them right in the eye and did your absolute best. Do 110% and nobody can ask any more and expect any less.