Kondro Electric celebrated Neil Olsen’s, far left, 40 years of service to the company on Friday afternoon with a lunch and grand presentation.
- Andrea Nicholl Photo
By Andrea Nicholl
Executives, contractors and employees of Kondro Electric gathered on Friday afternoon to honour a special foreman and celebrate his 40 years of dedicated service at the Wildrose Pavilion.
Neil Olsen joined Kondro Electric on June 1, 1970 and has continued to learn, grow and expand his knowledge throughout his four decades with the company.
“The best asset any company can have is long term employees, for the relationships you build and the knowledge you have,” said president Willard Kondro. “It just feels great because 40 consecutive years is just about unheard of; we feel very privileged.”
“An achievement of this magnitude does not happen very often,” said Brent Kondro, of the Edmonton office. “I’ve been working alongside Neil Olsen for many years and I can say I could not have had a better mentor.”
Olsen began his career at Kondro Electric as a young apprentice and has watched the company grow from five employees to more than 50, with the establishment of a satellite branch in Edmonton.
“Oh it feels good,” he said of his 40 year service. “It’s hard to believe it’s been that long. I’ve been a lot of places, done a lot of jobs and have met a lot of people.”
Olsen says the decision to stay with Kondro Electric was an easy choice and one that “just happened” over time.
“There’s always been some sort of challenge and there’s always something new.”
Willard says Olsen’s wealth of knowledge is priceless, adding the foreman has gained the respect and esteem of the company’s employees, customers, utility workers and inspection departments throughout the area.
“There’s 40 years of experience locked up inside that head and it’s hard to replace that. He’s there for you if you have a question and he’s the first guy to help you out if you need it,” said co-worker Jerry Daniel at the congratulatory lunch. “Under his direction, there’s been a lot of people become good electricians, good tradespeople and a lot of people respect him for what he’s taught everybody.”
Olsen has been awarded for his committed service throughout the decades receiving a plaque for five years, a watch for 10 years, a diamond ring for 15 years, a gold chain for 20 years, a wall mounted clock for 25 years and a salmon fishing trip to the Queen Charlotte Islands for 30 years.
“For 40 years what can you say,” Willard questioned.
Olsen was presented with $10,000 and a new home air conditioning system.
“In 40 years it hasn’t changed, if you need to know something, you’re not sure of something, you go see Neil because he’s the guy with all the answers,” said Daniel.