Retirement

In the spring of 1981 I took a “summer job” at the local branch of Fagersta Secoroc in Lively, Ontario. Little did I know that on that fateful day I would begin a journey with the company that would last more than 40 years. Truth be known, I only planned to stay for a few months, before returning to school to embark on my post-secondary education. However, I was fortune enough to retain a good working relationship with the company through my school years and upon graduation was able to secure full time employment with them. 

In the years that followed, I was presented with many opportunities for personal and professional growth and development. Over the course of my career, I have been through three corporate iterations (Secoroc, Atlas Copco, and Epiroc), moved 8 times, lived in three different countries (Canada, Sweden and the USA) and had the pleasure to work with every Division in the company.

I was fortunate enough to be part of the Customer Center in Canada for over 25 years and to work with the dedicated staff that has built this CC into one of the most successful in the world.  Subsequent to that, I was given the opportunity to move to Sweden as Vice President, Marketing for the underground division. This was a great period, both personally and professionally, and I am forever grateful for this expat experience.

Next was a seven year assignment as Vice President, Global Strategic Customers (GSC) based in Garland, Texas. This has truly been a dream job with the daily interaction with our largest and most successful customers. The added bonus was that it was based at the ADS Division in Garland. The people are so friendly, supportive and an absolute pleasure to be around. We will forever cherish the time spent in Texas.

 Now has come the time for the next phase of our lives… retirement. Throughout my entire career I have spent the majority of my time on the road, and away from home. Prior to the pandemic, I was traveling in excess of 200 days per year, but the pandemic has allowed me the opportunity to spend my time at home and to be honest I kind of like it. I look forward to spending my retirement years with my family and friends as we have now settled back in Canada.

I have been blessed to have worked my entire career not only with a fabulous company but also in a wonderful industry. I have had the opportunity to travel the world and I have met some of the most interesting people along the way. As I like to say, “I have been paid to do, what most people would pay to do”.  My career path would not have been possible if it was not for those people who believed in me and gave me the opportunities to grow, and to them I will be forever grateful.

It has been a wonderful journey and I would not change a single step along the way. I wish everyone much success and happiness.