From The Supply Post Archives: Survival 1982

Apr 27, 2021 - 4 years ago

It doesn’t sound like much of a reason to celebrate but that depends on your point of view.

According to Jim Blanche of Blanche Equipment Sales, it’s all a matter of attitude — if it’s “give up” and close-up then maybe that’s what one should do but not for Jim who decided to show his determination to the whole lot of us by throwing a big bash and inviting all his customers and competitors. Pins shouting “we’ll survive ‘82” were pinned on over 500 people who showed up to enjoy beer, wine and pop chilled in “buckets” of ice, and hot dogs and hamburgers served by a bevy of cute little gals. Bottles of “Bubbly” were given out and stereo music during the day was replaced by a live band in the evening for a good old hoedown to finish the day.

A successful party — you bet. Jim accomplished what he set out to do — a lift your spirits up and get your ass out of the mud!

Survival 1982

The general attitude of the crowd was “what a helluva idea — a real gutsy things to do — the guy deserves a lot of credit” and so on — best put by someone who said “Survival ‘82, how about a Reunion ‘82!”

For those who don’t know Jim we’ll try to introduce him to you. He’s a fellow who has served his time running machinery and getting to know the difference between a backhoe and a front end loader. Don’t laugh...there are many people like your illustrious editor who still don’t know (as many of his customers would vouch for).

Getting back to Jim – he’s a pain in the butt to call on because he’ll virtually make us wait until he rakes his yard before letting us take pictures of his equipment. “It’s not junk,” says Jim, “so I won’t have it looking like junk in your paper.” this would seem to be Jim in most of the things that he does.

There was however one fellow we talked to who really helped us understand Jim’s idea of survival. His name is Gene Anderlini of Hillcrest Construction Ltd. Gene wanted to bid on a contract with the Langley Municipal Dump. The bank okayed his funds and one week later backed off. (Another example of how little the banks are doing towards helping the economy). This sort of thing would normally mean End of Story. Not so to Jim Blanche who approached it as something that could be worked out.

Gene needed several pieces of equipment. Jim bought a BowMag and sold it to Gene on a lease-purchase. He also supplied Gene with a 931 Track Loader on the same basis. Both machines were put on a conditional sale for 2 years, straight monthly payments with no payout payment at the end.

Conclusion — Jim sold 2 machines, Gene got a 3-year contract with the Langley Municipal dump, both have made a contribution to the economy, which is what it’s all about. More of us should do the same.

And you bet, Jim, how about a Reunion ‘83!!

This article first appeard in Supply Post, October 1982.

Editor’s Note: Blanche Equipment is a long-time supporter of Supply Post newspaper. Please see their ad on page 5 in their latest incarnation as Langley Excavator Parts.