Staff Profiles
Eddie Davies
“I taught Stephen Swap to drive trucks!”
Having been with J Swap Contractors since 1985, Eddie has seen a lot of changes in this family business. Moving into the Stock food business being one of which Eddie has a strong sense of pride, being the very first driver of Auger trucks.
Learning to drive these specialised trucks was a steep learning curve for Eddie. Trying to figure out where the trucks could go and how best to load and unload them. The precision backing of the truck and maneuvering of the ‘stinger’ all takes practice and Eddie still believes he is learning, even after 25 years. He firmly believes the day you stop learning is the day you die.
Now driving the newest addition to the fleet of three Auger trucks, a new Hino 45 ton truck, Eddie loves the variety the job gives him. Not being one for being stuck in an office Eddie’s work day starts at 4am and often doesn’t finish until 6pm. This is because of the growth in demand of the Auger trucks – specialised trucks to transport stockfeed for delivery to silo’s. The growing trend of more farmers installing silo’s on farm see’s the fleet of three running 24/7. A 14 hour day for Eddie is often the norm which can see him travel from his base at Matamata to the bulk store depot in Taranaki.
When asked what he likes best about working for J Swap Stockfoods Eddie is quick to say “it’s the team. There is lots of camaraderie among us and we all like winding each other up. Swaps are a family company and we all feel like we are part of it. I can ring up any one and talk to them about anything. And – we all pitch in when needed”
It’s this culture of pitching in that Eddie talks fondly of. Recalling years ago the younger members of the Swap family being made to get out in the truck wash or spend hours degreasing machinery. “I’ve seen all the sons ‘do their time’”. Eddie’s claim to fame is teaching Stephen Swap to drive trucks.
When Eddie is not found behind the wheel of a J Swap Stockfoods Truck you will most likely find him indulging in his other passion. Being in the boat with a rod in his hand, preferably though, with a fish on the end!
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