Who would of thought, officially March 19 was my last day at the office,we shut down. Only thing KRTS is doing now is virtual in class training but Matt is available for taking all your calls. TransRep and The Rear View Mirror along with my obligation as President of the Truck Training Schools Association of Ontario (TTSAO) continue, the latter being the TTSAO even more than ever. It really has been a full time commitment.
How would I manage, I don’t work from home a great deal, more the past couple of years but that is by choice, especially in the summer. I like being out and about, meeting customers, working on projects, socializing in the industry. So now what?
Well it’s been just over a month, I keep track of my time, that’s how I have become good at time management. I have spent approximately 5 hours at the office total picking up files, the odd meeting with some of our team and clients through Microsoft Teams, Zoom and GoTo meetings but for the most part I have been working from home. I log at least 8-10 hours a day. It hasn’t been that bad (my lovely wife Lisa may have a different opinion) but I think I have adjusted well. People have accepted my new dress code of a tee shirt, track pants and ball hat.
Some other benefits, our black lab Tuukka absolutely loves having Lisa and I at home, generally going for two long walks a day. He loves being spoiled more than he already is. I have been spending a lot of time talking to customers and industry friends, good calls with no rushing, calls about family and things that are important, just connecting, really connecting.
From a TTSAO perspective I have spent more time talking to our members and this has been very positive and beneficial, strategically talking about their business and how they are managing. Lots of talk about road tests and how we will deal with our customers coming out of this pandemic. I have had board of director calls, member calls, calls with Serco, calls with the Minister of of Transportation, calls with the operational staff of the Ministry of Transportation, all very productive.
One thing has been very clear to me through all this there is an extreme amount of caring and compassion happening at every level, every day by everyone, personally and professionally. It has been very impressive. I know for sure business will never be done the same way. We all have learned a great deal about our businesses and more importantly about ourselves. I know for sure we will kick COVID-19’s ass. We except the challenges, we find a way and we get things done. Of course we do, we’re Canadians.
I have never been prouder of being a Canadian or to be part of the trucking industry. Be safe, stay healthy, love big, hug tight.
Got to run, Tuukka is holding his lead in his mouth, time for another walk.
