From Newfoundland to Saskatchewan, we all have something to teach.

I know that some shop owners tend to just stick to themselves, mind their own business and don’t concern themselves with the comings and goings of our industry. Sometimes I wish I could be like that—but really, I’m glad I am not. Because of my willingness to participate in the networking activities of our industry, I have had the pleasure to participate in one of the coolest employee relations experiments ever. My long-term friendship with Derrick Ryan from Torbay, Newfoundland provided us both with an opportunity to grow our young technicians, and gave us both a chance to better our shops with an exchange of our two young head painters.

The Exchange

Our lad, Brayden Neufeld, spent a week at Derrick’s collision repair facilty and his lad, Justin Codner, spent a week at our shop this past June. Both young men are stellar examples of excellence in their chosen profession, so it was a pleasure to allow them both the opportunity to experience their chosen industry from a different perspective. Here is what Brayden has to say about the experience:

“At first, I did not know what to expect. It was scary going to a different shop because I didn’t know if I would fit in or not. After a couple of hours of plane delays, I arrived in St. John’s and got picked up by two of the most amazing people I have ever met—Kathy and Derrick Ryan. They became my mom and dad for the next week and they made me feel totally at home.”

Know the Score

“Monday morning came and I met their staff. What a great group of guys! I was still scared that I might not fit in. Work started with a meeting letting the men know how many hours were in the shop, what hours they should leave that day and where they stood in regards to their goal for the month.

“It was like a sporting event; everybody knew the score. As the week wore on, I saw how important this was to the staff. They talked to one another, they knew what had to get done and figured out how to do it as a team. At this point I felt like I was fitting in and I was part of the team – what an amazing feeling!

Great Processes

“They had some great processes and policies that made the jobs go quicker and with better quality, to avoid comebacks. I always had work coming over from the body men so I was never standing around looking for something to do, I could not believe how much work these guys put through working together as a team, it was awesome! What a great group of guys!

“It was an amazing trip. The people I met are world class. Words can’t explain the type of people Kathy and Derrick Ryan are but I heard a phrase in Newfoundland about being the ‘best kind’ and that is what the Ryan’s are. All the people at their shop are the “best kind.” Just as we at Parr Auto Body feel like a family, where we care a lot for each other and what we do, I felt the exact same way at Garland Auto Body. Thanks to Tom and Derrick for allowing me this incredible opportunity.”

I hope that Justin felt the same way about his time at Parr Auto Body and his experiences with our people. We, like Derrick and his team, are a work in progress and we feel that with initiatives like this, we are moving in the right direction.