“Never in a million years did I think I was going to be a salesman!” That's what Ryan Yee thought in 2015 when he was just a high school student working part-time at Martin Deerline as a support person for the Turf Sales team. He spent his time doing odd jobs around the yard and familiarizing himself with the lawn and garden products. Once he graduated high school he began working full-time and shortly after transitioned into the role of driver for the Turf Sales team where he spent the next few years on the road.
While driving, he was mentored by Garth who had been delivering equipment at Martin Deerline for almost 15 years. “I really, really enjoyed that job. Being able to go out to a customer's place to deliver a piece of equipment - they are just so happy to see you! I really valued building those relationships with clients and getting to know each and every one of them.” That wasn't the only thing that Ryan took away from that position. “Back then I was a super quiet kid… I was really shy and had a tough time coming out of my shell. Getting out and talking to clients forced me out of my comfort zone and really helped me build my confidence.”
After a few years of trucking, a position opened up in the Service department as a Service Advisor and Ryan decided to apply. Admittedly - he didn't have a ton of job knowledge but he brought a positive attitude and willingness to learn - something that is evident if you have ever dealt with him at the Service counter. He stayed in this position for just over a year but when a position became available in CCE Sales, Ryan jumped at the opportunity. He was eager to get back on the road and continue building and fostering those relationships with clients. This position incorporated everything that he loved about his delivery job into a sales position. “Every day is different! You're connecting with customers, assessing their situation, and making sure that their needs are met.”
Change is inevitable and Ryan has seen plenty of it over his 6 years at Martin Deerline - but he says the biggest change he has seen has been in himself. The confidence that he had built during his time as a driver served him well in his future roles of Service Advisor and CCE Sales. He has gained a lot of new skills that have helped get himself into the position that he is in today and plans on only continuing to grow that knowledge base and skill set.
When Ryan isn't at work he loves to mountain bike, kayak or ride his motorcycle. In the winter you'll find him downhill skiing or watching hockey. And he's a diehard Calgary Flames fan….“I would love to cheer for the Oilers but I just can't do it!”
His favorite piece of John Deere equipment? “I really like zero-turns! I've always said that when I buy an acreage one day, I'll buy myself a zero-turn mower. It takes a while to get the hang of it, but once you do, they're so much fun to drive!”
When asked “what advice would you give to a new employee” Ryan answered: “Come in with a good attitude. Attitude goes a long way.” Ryan's tenure at Martin Deerline is proof that attitude is everything. He is always willing and available to help which can sometimes mean doing something that isn't necessarily your job, but he believes it's those little things that make all the difference. Thank you Ryan, for your positive attitude and for always showing up to work with a smile!