Action Success Stories

YVES BEAUPRE, ACCESSORY TECHNICIAN - SUDBURY, ONTARIO, Team member since June 2012

WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND HOW DID YOU END UP WORKING AT ACTION?

I grew up in Chelmsford, Ontario and for as long as I can remember I’ve always had a passion for the automotive industry. I started out working as a general labourer in the construction field but it wasn’t what I wanted to do. So I decided to go to college to be an automotive technician.

I soon realized I didn’t want to repair vehicles for a living; I wanted to modify and accessorize them. I applied for an Electronics Technician position at a technology store in Sudbury. I then signed up for my 310k apprenticeship.

After being with my previous employer for two years I wanted a change; I wanted to do more than just car starters and stereos. The opportunity at Action was brought to my attention. I wanted a challenge, and I wanted to do as much as possible in the accessory field. In June 2012 I applied for the Accessory Technician position at the Sudbury Action store and have been here ever since.

In the little time I've been here, I've acquired my full 310k license, I am part of the company wide installer committee, I have been asked to help out training new techs at other stores, I’ve had the opportunity to travel to other stores to fill in when needed, and I will be teaching at this year’s spring training.

I'm glad I chose to take the position at Action Car and Truck Accessories. Action has helped me grow as a Technician and team member.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY VEHICLE WITH ANY ACCESSORIES, WHAT WOULD THEY BE?

The vehicle I want the most to complete is my father’s 1963 GMC. I bought it back 15 years after my dad sold it. He had it my whole life. I will be starting the ground up restoration soon. I'll also be lowering it, putting in airbags, big rims and a 454.

WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS WHILE WORKING AT ACTION?

There are too many memorable moments to just list one and I know there will be many more. Some that come to mind are; working with everyone on the fleet job in Barrie, 2013 Spring Training in Scarborough, receiving my Yes! Award, and the Christmas supper this year. They were all great times!

ANDREW THOMAS, DIRECTOR OF LOGISTICS, Team member since March 1997

WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND HOW DID YOU END UP WORKING AT ACTION?

Originally I am from Springdale, Newfoundland. In my early 20’s I moved to New Brunswick along with my family to find work. I worked several years at a large local office looking after the grounds in the summer and inside in the supply room during the winter. I proved myself to be very valuable in the supply room and was hired on a permanent basis. I was looking for something more when I saw the ad for shipping and receiving at Action, I applied and got the job. The first couple of months were rough- had to learn a lot of new things such as the many part numbers, but the team that was in place helped me through. After 16 years some of those people are still here and now we help each other.

WHAT DO YOU DO AT ACTION?

Currently I am the Director of Logistics. The logistics team looks after approximately 100,000 square feet of warehouse space. On average we handle over 50,000 parts each month in/outbound with a 99.5% or better accuracy rate. This is especially impressive to me as we do not pick skid lots, but rather we pick single parts going to 32 different Action locations in addition to direct shipping to thousands of customers.

WHAT OTHER ROLES HAVE YOU WORKED IN DURING YOUR TIME WITH ACTION?

I think I have done it all! I’ve built fiberglass caps, painted products, shipping/receiving, purchasing and a bit of marketing. I’ve also worked on the order desk, been a Store Manager for some time and lead the operations for the Atlantic stores. I have worn a lot of hats over the years, many at the same time, but I think that is what has helped me excel with the team I have right now. I understand the flow of product and the day to day operations of the company.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING AT ACTION?

The TEAM, I look at what we have been able to do the last couple years and it is amazing. The distribution centre staff make every day enjoyable and we all smile every day. We have had our ups and downs but because of the team focus we are able to overcome and succeed in what we do.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY VEHICLE WITH ANY ACCESSORIES, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Wow, that's a tough question. I like trucks and as I get older, some of the older muscle cars. If I have to choose, it would be a lifted Ford Super Duty diesel with some extra lights, some big tires and recovery winch on the front. The list would continue to grow as I walked around a store, but this would be a good start.

WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS WHILE WORKING AT ACTION?

I have had a lot of great moments over the past 16 years. One fun memory I recall is chasing a co-worker (Jason Coish – Regional Manager, Nfld) around the warehouse trying to catch him and being caught on the camera- that was a good laugh. Another one is driving a truck around John’s house at a summer party because we needed some music. But most of all it’s remembering where we were 16 years ago and how much we have changed and grown during that time. I referenced a TEAM environment before but to me this is more like FAMILY!