Employee Spotlight – Mel Catimbang

Mel Catimbang, Service Writer, 9 years, Swift Current

Employee Spotlight, Mel Catimbang, started working at Redhead Equipment 9 years ago as the Wash Bay Attendant. After about a year he moved into a Utility Person position with the Service Department, helping run Parts to Technicians on the road, and supplying an extra set of hands both in the shop and the yard. He then worked in the AG Service Department creating work orders before moving into the Service Writer Position. Mel says moving here from a different country came with its challenges, “getting directions to a road techs location is always interesting, instead of street names they give you directions like 5km west on Rd # this, or past this landmark, it was interesting to navigate at first until I got the hang of it” Mel described from his experience in the shop, originally being from the Philippines.

We asked Mel what he likes about the Swift Current branch and he said the people, “they have been very accommodating and welcoming. Everyone is super friendly and it makes coming to work enjoyable.”  He spoke to us about the challenges of learning new technological terms and practices, he says he finds it interesting and he has gained an abundance of knowledge working here. He even mentioned that he can troubleshoot his personal car problems after working alongside some of the mechanics for a few years. Mel says the most rewarding thing about the job is helping people and making sure they leave happy. He thinks the family oriented environment and the way we treat every customer that walks through the door with kindness and respect, has really played a role into the longevity of the company.

We asked what he thinks his coworkers might say about him and he said “that I’m always at work. I come in on Saturdays to answer the phones; they also might say I’m approachable and easy to get along with.” Mel said it may surprise people that he likes to sing, although maybe it won’t. Sometimes he can be caught humming while he’s working, but his real passion is at home by the karaoke machine. His greatest accomplishment so far has been starting out in an entry position with Redhead Equipment and working his way through roles to where he is now, gaining trust and responsibility along the way.

Quick Questions:

What advice to you have for someone starting a career at Redhead Equipment?

Show up, do the best you can. Don’t hesitate to ask questions.

Given the chance, who would you like to be for a day?

A celebrity; just to see what their day is like being famous.

Do you have a favorite song?

Another Day in Paradise, Phil Collins

What do you find yourself doing in an hour of free time?

Go for a walk, or check out the stock market.

Do you have a bucket list place to travel to?

I really want to go to Hawaii, Bora Bora, any tropical places.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Happy & content

If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?

Invisibility

What would you like to be remembered for?

For being a good person and having integrity and loyalty.