I'm moving to Calgary from Toronto and I need people to work...

[Granite]

Hey all, I'm new (just signed up), and I hope I've just found the perfect forum for what my employer is looking for.

I work for a company which specializes in distributing granite, and marble slabs to kitchen counter-top fabricators. They're based out of Concord, Ontario (just north of Toronto), and they have been in business for about 10 years.

They're planning to introduce a warehouse in the SE side of Calgary. I've been busy looking for a place around that area, but that's hard to do from Toronto (where I am now). I'll probably visit there in the middle to end of August, and do some real research.

So the company didn't ask me to do this... it's an idea I have now, so I have no clue about numbers, in terms of compensation that they want to offer.

I'll be there to manage the warehouse. Further to my position, I know that they need at least 1 driver / warehouse help, and someone to act as a receptionist. I don't know for sure, but they may need (or perhaps eventually need) a salesperson, a bookkeeper, and if we become busy enough in a few months , a second person to help in the warehouse full time.

The work itself involves handling bundles and slabs measuring (on average) about 10 feet wide by 5 or 6 feet tall and 3/4 to 1 and a quarter inch thick. They're pretty heavy, and you have to respect it like the weather. Hopefully, you're strong, AND smart.

The driving will not take a major part of the day to begin with, but it's hoped that eventually, the driving position will be 80% driving 20% warehouse.

Anyway, I hope I've been as thorough and straightforward as possible. It's possible that a lot of you may not wanna consider it, because we're not talking numbers. I want to say that, whatever they're offering.... if they realize that they've hired some quality people, they will show their appreciation. I don't say this cause I think it's gonna be low (cause I really don't know), I'm saying it because it's been my own experience. I've been with them for 3 years.

Thanks for reading, and in advance, for any feedback.

Mike

 

[OpnSrc]

Granite...
Cow Town is a great city with lots going on year round... Compared to Toronto, you will find the people have a greater attitude in general and getting around town is a heck of alot easier... However, you will be forced to compete with higher wages, as the oil and gas dominates the economy in Alberta.
I just came back to Ontario, (Peterborough) for the summer as my dad passed away unexpectedly. I was making an average of $2000.00 a week after taxes swabbing oil wells in southeastern Alberta. Expect an unusually high turn around of employees, as jobs are a dime a dozen; with exception of spring time when road bans are in full effect.
Housing in Calgary can get quite pricey... similar to Toronto.
Good luck.

 

[Impetus]

Can you get me a deal on a granite countertop and thresholds?

Muz

 

[Granite]

Hello all. Thanks for the responses so far. First, let me address Muz...

Unfortunately, no - I'm not in a position to influence any of our customers to grant any deals. We are only a distribution company. I myself am trying to get a good price on a kitchen countertop, and bathroom vanity. It's not as easy as I had hoped. But if you're in Calgary, and you want to visit our warehouse to see some material, you're welcome. We're at unit 12 of 11133 40th St. SE, but we won't be open until mid-October or November. As soon as I know more information, I'll post it.

OpnSrc, much of what you've said, I've heard before. I anticipate a lot of difficulty trying to hire (and especially keep) some good employees. It has become obvious to me that many people would rather get dirty working in the oil fields, and being paid very well to do so. I can't say that I blame them. For me, that kind of work would not be worth the money.

I'm sorry to hear about your father's passing. My parents are both elderly, and I wouldn't have accepted this position if my brother and sister weren't around to be there for them. I hope you get through this rough period a stronger person.

I don't know how permanent my stay in Alberta will be. I'm going to give my company a 2 year commitment and decide then if I want to return to Toronto, or stay in Calgary. In the meantime, I'll try to find a reasonable rental near work, and not worry about buying real-estate. Besides, I just bought a condo in Toronto last year, and I'm not willing to flip it so soon. I'll rent it out.

I guess my only other option is to hire a temp agency, but that's a difficult thing to do when the training for this position is extensive. I don't know... I might be getting in over my head. And hey, if worse comes to worse, I can always use my awesome poker skills as a fall-back. Geez, I heard you guys have like 6 or 7 casinos there.

Anyway, enough ramblings. Let me ask you though Opn.... how many hours a week did you have to put in to make that much money??

Thanks again,

Mike

 

[OpnSrc]

OpnSrc, much of what you've said, I've heard before. I anticipate a lot of difficulty trying to hire (and especially keep) some good employees. It has become obvious to me that many people would rather get dirty working in the oil fields, and being paid very well to do so. I can't say that I blame them. For me, that kind of work would not be worth the money.

I'm sorry to hear about your father's passing. My parents are both elderly, and I wouldn't have accepted this position if my brother and sister weren't around to be there for them. I hope you get through this rough period a stronger person.

I don't know how permanent my stay in Alberta will be. I'm going to give my company a 2 year commitment and decide then if I want to return to Toronto, or stay in Calgary. In the meantime, I'll try to find a reasonable rental near work, and not worry about buying real-estate. Besides, I just bought a condo in Toronto last year, and I'm not willing to flip it so soon. I'll rent it out.

I guess my only other option is to hire a temp agency, but that's a difficult thing to do when the training for this position is extensive. I don't know... I might be getting in over my head. And hey, if worse comes to worse, I can always use my awesome poker skills as a fall-back. Geez, I heard you guys have like 6 or 7 casinos there.

Anyway, enough ramblings. Let me ask you though Opn.... how many hours a week did you have to put in to make that much money??

Thanks again,

Mike

Mike,

Thank you for your sincere consideration. My dad was on a business trip to Calgary when it happened, he was only 56.

The Oil patch is a tough ol' girl to compete with for employees, but if you stay the course you will find good people who don't want to work in the dust and mud, dirt and blood.
I worked 12 hours a day; 7 days a week - but I was home every night, (swabbing wells). When I was water hauling; I worked 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and was never home - mind you water hauling isn't really working... Both jobs I took home about 300 bucks a day. Swabbing is hard and dirty work and I really miss it and when I come home to Alberta, my job is waiting for me.

A Temp Agency is a great idea to weed out the ones who aren't interested in staying for the long haul and it'll take the pressure off you. Otherwise you may find yourself interviewing a lot of people before you find the right person for the job.

I hope your endevours prove to be fruitful. Have you been to Calgary before?

Noah

 

[Granite]

Hi Noah,

Thanks for the response, and the encouragement. I get the feeling that I won't know the whole story until I actually get in a couple of month at least. I've got a pretty strong character so I won't easily give up that's for sure.

I've only ever been to Calgary once, and I can't say that it counts as a visit. I used to work as a dry van transport truck driver. I still have an AZ license, which is also a fall-back if I fall in love with Calgary. Anyway, one of my trips was to Calgary, slept in the coffin, then left again. The life of a transport driver - travel everywhere, see nothing.

See ya buddy.