Employee Focus: 30 years with Phil Walker

Phil Walker celebrating his 30 year milestone with a morning tea at the Geraldton branch.

30 years. Not many people can say they have worked for one company for that long, but our service technician Phil Walker can!

Our Geraldton branch recently held a morning tea to congratulate and celebrate this major milestone with Phil, and we had the chance to ask Phil a few questions about his career.

What’s your role at McIntosh & Son? I am a Service technician.

What is a typical day like? Normally working on headers. It can be hard, working on equipment in the field in the heat but I enjoy it.

Have you always worked at McIntosh & Son? I have been working since I was 15 years old. I have done a bit in farming, I used to be a truck driver and also worked on building the regional gas pipeline before McIntosh & Son.

How has your role changed over the years? I’ve never really thought about it, but I was the first to work Morris air seeders.

Have you seen the dealership change over the years too? In the beginning, we had less staff so were very busy working long hours building up the McIntosh brand. I have seen a lot of changes and people come and go.

Is anyone else notching up a few years under their belt like you? Yes, but no one is close to 30 years, and I don’t think anyone will break my record.

Can we talk about some favourite moments? I know Ian McIntosh well. He always comes to say hello when he is at the dealership and remembers me when I was a kid. They are a great family.

What’s something you’re most proud of during your time here? I have been a company man. I am not a show-off. I don’t talk much about what I do, I just get it done. I have built good friendships and trust with the local farmers; they like to call me directly.

What’s the best part of your job? I have always been mechanically minded so I like repairing headers and fronts. Also being here this long, working closely with farmers has meant a lot have turned into friendships.

Do you think you might retire anytime soon? I am 65 and I don’t think I will ever retire. Semi-retire maybe but I am too active.

What’s your favourite way to unwind after a busy day? Go home and have a beer! I make sure when I drive out the gate, I forget about work. When I drive back in, I think about it again.

How are you going to celebrate? Just low-key, go home to my wife & dogs.