Q - How long have you been involved with the Private Motor Truck Council of Canada? Did you receive support from Home Hardware Store Ltd. for your volunteer efforts?
A - I have been involved with the PMTC since 2005, and enjoyed the experience very much. Home Hardware has always given me (and my predecessors) full support, as it has always been a strong member of the PMTC. This support goes back 20-plus years. It’s a great feeling when you are doing Council work to know you’ve got the firm backing of your employer.
Q - Looking back on your three years as Chairman of PMTC, what makes you most proud?
A - I don’t know that there is any one thing that I’m most proud of, other than being able to help with the sustainability of our membership through some lean times within the trucking industry. Working with Bruce Richards and Mike Millian as well as the Board members, we were able to continue to grow our membership and have good attendance at our Annual General Meetings.
Perhaps the one thing I’m most proud of was the process involved in the all-important task of selecting a new President after Bruce Richards announced his plans to retire. With help from the Executive Committee, I believe we made an excellent choice selecting Mike Millian as the new President of the PMTC. Under his guidance the PMTC continues to grow. Collectively, I think we can all be proud of where the PMTC is today.
Q - Was it an enjoyable experience?
A - Yes it was a very enjoyable experience. It was a pleasure working with Past President Bruce Richards and now current President Mike Millian. Both were great to work with and always valued my opinion. With both Presidents, I had the interesting opportunity to meet with members of Government, and felt we represented the industry quite well in our lobbying efforts.
Q - What is your ‘job description’ as Past-Chairman?
A - I don’t know of an exact job description. I’ll continue to sit on the Board as an active Board member and continue to attend the quarterly Board meetings throughout the year. I’m willing to help out wherever I can.
Q - Do you have any advice for your successor John Harrison?
A - I’d recommend to John that he enjoy the experience and the opportunities that come with being the Chair, whether attending conferences, going to meetings with representatives from the MTO, or having the opportunity to meet with members of government. It’s an important role and it’s serious work, but you have to take the time to enjoy it, too.
Q - When you aren’t working or at a PMTC board meeting, how do you like to spend your time?
A - When time permits I enjoy playing a round of golf. I also enjoy going for trips on my motorcycle. In the winter months I try to get out once a week and play some pick-up hockey with old friends.
