Humans of goeasy: Tyrone’s Journey of Resilience and Rhythm

Tyrone Buchanan , Team Manager, Customer Service, NSSC

“At just 26, I’ve already forged a path marked by ambition and leadership at goeasy. My journey began in a single-parent household, where my mother worked tirelessly to provide for me. Growing up, there were days where we had to push through challenges, forming resilience within me. It instilled in me a desire to ensure my mom always had everything she needed.

As the founder and CEO of an urban street clothing brand named "Thousand Hours”, I focus on creating stylish, affordable clothing for kids and teenagers. Drawing from my own experiences as a 13-year-old who struggled with not having the “coolest” clothing, I wanted to provide a cost-effective option for those who can’t afford trendy clothes and often face bullying. Since launching in 2018, I’ve navigated the ups and downs of owning a business, making mistakes along the way and learning from every experience. The name "Thousand Hours" symbolizes the dedication and effort it takes to master any craft, and I’m committed to pouring that passion into every piece we create, ensuring that every child feels valued and accepted. That’s an ambition I carry with me everywhere, especially in my career today where the focus is on helping customers feel supported.

After two years in call centre roles, I transitioned to goeasy as a Customer Service Representative (CSR). Within six months, I was promoted to Senior CSR, tackling complex cases and high-level customer complaints. My hands-on customer service experience led me to travel to Quebec to train a new team, eventually stepping into the role of Interim Team Manager, and then Team Manager.

If I had to describe goeasy in one word, it would be "culture." I appreciate the company’s commitment to diversity and growth, which I believe is unparalleled. In my first week at the NSSC, I witnessed a floor huddle that was unlike anything I’d seen before. It showed me that work can also be fun. We work hard, but we also celebrate together.

Beyond the office, music has always been a passion of mine. In high school, I dreamed of working in the music industry and had the opportunity to complete my co-op at a record label. I loved handling people’s creative journeys and bringing their vision to life. Phil Collins, whose music was always playing in my home, opened my eyes to the artistry and talent behind songwriting. Music frees my soul; it’s about the personal stories and perspectives you can hear in people’s art. My love for alternative R&B shaped my desire to be a songwriter for local artists, a pursuit that still influences how I lead today.

If I could offer one piece of advice to my younger self, it would be to embrace patience. Success isn’t just about wealth; it’s about family, health, and happiness. There were times I wanted everything fast—nice cars, instant success. But I’ve learned that sacrifices are necessary for true success.

As I look ahead, I envision a future where I continue to grow both personally and professionally. Personally, I hope to travel to new places. It’s my dream to see the seven wonders of the world, Paris and Egypt at the top of my list. Professionally, I hope to carry forward the values I’ve embraced at goeasy, where the culture of care and support has not only shaped my career but also enriched my life. My journey, marked by resilience and passion, is a testament to the power of listening, learning, and lifting others as I climb.”