IN THE
DRIVER'S SEAT

How long have you been a CSR with Canadian Linen?

I started in 1986 so that puts me at 32 years. I’ve always been a CSR, and I enjoy my job very much.

What areas/cities do you cover?

I cover everything west of Ottawa in the upper Ottawa Valley. When I first started, I covered the whole Renfrew Valley, Ottawa Valley and west Québec. I built up the customer bases in those territories.

On average, how many miles do you drive in a day?

I have almost 250 customers a week. My first customer is 100 miles from the city so I’d say I travel about 150 miles total per day. I have two overnight routes.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

I enjoy the customers the most. I enjoy going in and doing something good for them each time. I have a pretty good rapport with my customers, and I can anticipate what they might need for their business. I even have customers that set their watch by me. They know if it’s a quarter after 10, Jim is going to show up.    

Fridays are my day off. I live in Pembroke, and everything in the city is close. If I have customers who need something like a one-time rental, or if they run out of towels, I bring it home with me on Thursday nights and just drop it off with the customer. They really do appreciate that extra effort.

What’s your biggest accomplishment with Canadian Linen?

I’m proud of earning the top CSR of the Year. I’ve also won two Emerald Eagle trips. I always strive to be number one, and I work very hard at that.

What is your favorite customer story or interaction?

I have customers who I’ve been working with for 30 years, and I’ve watched their kids grow up. I’ve been invited to weddings and now see their grandchildren. If work is work, then you’re doing it the wrong way.

Do you have a system for organizing your truck?

I have a 24-ft. van, which is one of our largest vans. I load my own truck. I prefer it that way because then I know where everything is and I don’t have to go searching for it.

Since we’re in the business of laundering, do you iron your own clothes?

I’m a bachelor so I do not iron!

When you’re not in the truck, what are your favorite hobbies?

I’m an avid snowmobiler, hunter and fisherman. I enjoy bass fishing. The Ottawa Valley is full of water – you’re always within 10 minutes of a lake!