Employee Spotlight – Ryan Pawliw

Ryan Pawliw, Shop Foreman, Saskatoon – 20 years

Ryan Pawliw is celebrating 20 years of working with Redhead Equipment. He started his journey back in 2000 attending SIAST Kelsey Campus for the Parts Management Course and did his practicum at Redhead Equipment. After finishing school he applied and started working in Shipping & Receiving before moving into the Parts department where he worked for about seven or eight years. Around 2008 he decided he wanted to be a Mechanic, and Redhead allowed him to take his 4 year apprenticeship in Heavy Duty Mechanic where he worked in the shop and on the road until around 4 years ago when he became the Shop Foreman.

Ryan says “a regular day at work starts with setting up my road mechanics first thing and sending them out, then answering customer calls, booking in equipment, managing my shop mechanics, scheduling road work, billing and getting things done in a timely manner.” The role requires staying organized and on top of tasks to ensure management and customer satisfaction. He also mentioned the constant change in technology is one of the biggest challenges, however, it’s also one of the most interesting things about his work, and adapting to change and having his team of Mechanics do the same through further training. When we asked Ryan why he has enjoying working here for so long he said “it’s the best place to work, it’s like a big family. Over the years I’ve seen so many people leave and come back and there is a reason for that.” He spoke about how the workplace is friendly, family oriented, and everyone is there to help and support you, it makes coming to work easy.  Ryan also mentioned how the company offers career opportunities and flexibility, specifically he is a farmer, and there are a number of farmers who work for the company that are able to adapt their schedules to make sure they can get work done on the farm.

We asked Ryan what his greatest accomplishment is, he said professionally it’s been having a career with Redhead Equipment for 20 years, and personally it’s definitely his children he is most proud of. In regards to his long years of service we asked him if there was an instance along the way that made him decide to stay with Redhead and he told us “I took a six month leave to go work on the rigs to save up enough money for a down payment on my first house and they allowed me to do that. From then I knew this was a good company to work for.”

Quick questions:

What advice do you have for someone starting their career at Redhead Equipment?

Show up to work and try your best. Ask questions, own up to your mistakes and learn from them. Treat people how you want to be treated.

What song is the title soundtrack to your life?

Dirt Road Anthem – Jason Aldean

What is the best gift you’ve ever received?

1978 Camaro

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

Spending time with the kids or riding horses.

What would you name your boat if you had one?

My boat is named Black Betty

What’s the most useless talent you have?

I can play the drums.