Join host Francis Brazeau as he welcomes the long-awaited guest, Chris Kollar, a true icon and veteran of the Tomlinson Group. With a career spanning nearly four decades (split into two separate stints), Chris shares his remarkable journey from painting crushers as a teenager to his current multifaceted role. This episode dives deep into the history of Tomlinson, offering a unique perspective on its evolution, the values that have shaped its culture, and the lessons learned along the way. Chris recounts memorable projects, technological advancements, and the colorful characters he’s encountered, all while peppering the conversation with his signature sayings and euphemisms.

Episode Highlights:

• Chris Kollar's introduction and background, spanning nearly four decades with Tomlinson Group.
• Reminiscing about his early days painting crushers, working on blasting crews with Kenny Tomlinson, and hauling rock at the Moody Drive quarry.
• Anecdotes about missing his high school graduation while working and earning his diploma on the job.
• Stories from the 416 highway project, including dramatic equipment failures and quick-thinking solutions.
• A discussion on the evolution of safety practices at Tomlinson, transitioning from common-sense approaches to formalized policies and procedures.
• Highlights from Chris's experience in the waste management business, including managing landfills and the demolition of the south side stands at Lansdowne Park.
• Insights into the capital equipment process at Tomlinson, focusing on the adoption of GPS technology in yellow iron and the use of T-Pass leasing for staying current.
• A look at the transition in the trucking industry with the implementation of DPF filters and the growing exploration of CNG vehicles.
• The origin and significance of Chris’s unique euphemisms and sayings.

Key Takeaways:

• "Every excavator and bulldozer at Tomlinson is GPS equipped."
• "Safety was common sense. You got an earful if you did something unsafe."
• "It's technology is going to move us forward"
• "You just had to get back on the horse"
• "Technology moves so fast"
• "No matter where you go, there you are" - Chris Kollar