A Hand-Up, Rather Than A Hand-Out

Jun 21, 2023 - 2 years ago

Brutus Truck Bodies has developed a program to assist individuals with disabilities in their community by offering them a hand-up. Photos & Story By Ronald Mullins

We may meet them everyday, on the street, at the mall, in the park. They may be strangers, or we may know them personally. They may be our neighbour, friends, even family. But who are they? They are people with disabilities…challenges… and it is important to remember that although some disabilities are not visible, it does not mean their challenges are any less real.

As a society, we are developing a more inclusive attitude. But how we meet, greet or treat our fellow people often reveals more about us than it does about them. Companies, as well as individuals desiring to assist and join this positive move towards inclusivity often struggle with how to best accomplish it. In the past, the default was often to offer those with a disability a hand-out, which they may well need and be thankful for, but in reality a hand-up will often benefit both the receiver as well as the giver…equally.

Today, there are an ever-increasing number of companies that are embracing this move to inclusivity. One such company is Penticton, British Columbia, based Brutus Truck Bodies by Nor-Mar Industries. Brutus Truck Bodies is a company that has gained an international reputation for excellence in management, design and manufacturing and has worked with diligence to develop a program to assist individuals with disabilities in their community by offering them a hand-up.

But It Takes Leadership

With the outstanding leadership of James Bernique, a 28-year veteran employee and the company’s Fabrication and Product Support Manager, Brutus Truck Bodies has reached out into the community and with the assistance of the Penticton and District Society For Community Living has hired two young men with disabilities. Then as a team, has worked to integrate them into the day-to-day staff. James, who has the full support of company president Gerry Turchak, glows with pride as he speaks about these young men, “This has been a great experience for us but it has been a fabulous experience for both Lynden and Taylor.”

Lynden Hicks joined the company a few years ago and started on the clean-up crew. He displayed an insatiable appetite for learning and before long, and with his own initiative, started building mud flap supports and other small parts. When the position of metal-saw operator became available, a job that requires a mix of extreme accuracy and safety, he approached James and asked if he could get a chance. James obliged and the result has been nothing but success for all. James offered, “I’m so pleased with the way Lynden has developed. He is doing an outstanding job and he is just one-of-the-boys.”

Taylor Shea has been with the company for almost six years now and although he classifies himself as the custodian, he does much more than that. James first met Taylor on a bowling team and although Taylor was very shy James liked the young man, he saw potential in him and when an opportunity arose, he hired him. However, this was not without a level of risk as Taylor had tried several other jobs with various companies in the past that regrettably did not work out. But from day one, and under the guidance of James and with the support of the Brutus team, Taylor has developed into an outstanding employee who is respected by every member of the staff. When asked what he likes most about working for James and with the Brutus team, he did not hesitate and with an infectious, glowing smile said, “I like working here. Everyday is different. They like me.”

James added two more items to Taylor’s list of accomplishments, “He started driving the golf carts here at the shop, has moved some vehicles, studied hard and has recently taken the test and has his BC Drivers Learner’s Permit. Recently, Taylor has been promoted to manage Chassis Check-In, where he inspects every truck that comes in, logs mileage, VIN numbers, matches it with the work order and adds any other truck details logging everything on the server and I’m proud to report he is doing excellent at his new position.”

It’s a Win-Win

Although there is nothing unique about what James Bernique and Brutus Truck Bodies has done and is continuing to do, they have developed a successful way to provide not only a hand-out but a hand-up to deserving members of the community. “I just wish more companies would initiate programs like this.” James went on, “It is so rewarding to see the growth and development in these two young men. It’s a win-win for all concerned… for them, their families and for our crews and the company.”

Brutus Truck Bodies has earned an impeccable, international reputation for excellence in the design and building of custom truck bodies made to excel in the harsh environments of forestry, construction, mining, and the oilfield sectors. This demanding landscape has led Brutus to develop heavy-duty truck bodies that utilizes the finest materials, construction standards, and equipment, so every truck body built will provide a long trouble-free life.

Brutus Truck Bodies by Nor-Mar Industries is located in the southern Okanagan Valley city of Penticton and can be reached at 250-492-7866 or www.brutusbodies.com.

Ronald Mullins is a Kelowna, B.C. based writer / photographer and is a regular contributor to Supply Post.