Career Growth: My Experience at Leavitt Machinery
I recently got the opportunity to sit down with Jody Hart, our General Manager of the Service Department. We spoke about his career progression from Technician to General Manager.
How did you end up working at Leavitt Machinery?
About 18 years ago I took a position with a local forklift rental and repair company in Port Coquitlam called Magnum Forklift. Shortly after starting with Magnum, Leavitt Machinery purchased the company, and I became a Leavitt Machinery employee. At first, I was a little unsure about the acquisition. As I learned more about Leavitt Machinery and had a chance to meet the employees, I could tell that this was more than just a forklift rental and repair company.
How was your first year with the company?
Amazing! Within 6 months of the changeover, a position became available for a technician in the Used Equipment Department. I applied for a position and was successful. The position presented a challenge for me as it was a new position, and the branch was essentially a blank canvas. It gave me a chance to put my previous chargehand experience to work. It was a small shop, but I was given the opportunity to make some changes. I decided to re-arrange and upfit the shop to make it more efficient. In doing so, I was able to hire several more technicians. After improving the shop, the next step was to tackle the yard. At the end of the day I remember feeling challenged but satisfied that my efforts were vital to the success of the team. I really felt like I was making a difference.
Since then, how has your career progressed?
Shortly after joining the Used Equipment Team, we outgrew our branch and had to relocate. This allowed for two additional full-time technicians to be added to the team, as well as increase headcount in the sales and coordinating teams. Our team finally had the room and resources to really make an impact.
Our team was so incredibly productive, that together we quickly outgrew our new branch. As the Used Equipment Team and company continued to grow, our sales force and machine prep was added to every other major branch. When Leavitt Machinery first started out, the Used Equipment Department was just a small part of the company. I’m proud of the time I’ve spend with this growing team—it’s now one of the largest revenue-generating departments within in the company.
Throughout my career at Leavitt Machinery, I’ve found the team environment extremely enjoyable. The diversity of repairs and machines can present a challenge at first, but I’ve always felt supported. If I didn’t know the answer, someone else had my back. Leavitt Machinery also believes in continual improvement for all their employees. They continue to spend time and resources on education and training. I felt that I was constantly improving my skills, becoming a diversified and resourceful technician. As a Shop Leader, I always enjoyed teaching others. One of the most rewarding opportunities I’ve had at Leavitt Machinery was the chance to mentor three great mechanics, from apprentices to certified heavy-duty technicians.
My leadership experience of 10 years at the shop lead eventually opened the door for me to take a position as the Lower Mainland Service Manager. I had built internal relationships with almost everyone in my region. This made it easy to quickly make a positive impact on the overall business.
Initially, Vancouver Island was my area of responsibility, and then Seattle was added, and then the greatest challenge to my career was Kitimat during the Rio Tinto Modernization project. At this point, I was then elevated to Regional Service Manager.
The progress and steps I took throughout my career eventually led to my current position as the General Manager of the Service Department. Although my role has changed many times throughout my career, I’ve always felt that Leavitt Machinery is a different kind of company. From my first few months with the company, experiencing the strength of the teams, and the dedication to leadership, continuous improvement, and their people have had a lasting impact on my time with the company.
What advice would you give to new apprentices or candidates looking to apply?
Leavitt Machinery is an exciting company with lots of opportunity for employees who are willing to roll up their sleeves. I’m the type of person that loves to overcome a challenge. Leavitt Machinery provided me a place where I could do this and grow my career at the same time.
We believe in teamwork—it’s one of our guiding values. We pride ourselves in hiring great people. We value individual contributions and believe that together we are more than the sum of our parts.
We like to have a good time at work. Most days the office is light hearted, but for the days where challenges present themselves, we try to ensure our team is supported and concerns are acknowledged. We’re kind of like a family. We aren’t perfect, but we are focused on continual improvement. I’ve heard our Founder and CEO Tom Leavitt say many times, “It’s our people that make the difference.”