Episode Transcript
Speaker 0 00:00:00 Good morning, Fort McMurray, wood, Buffalo, and the rest of the world. You've tuned into the Mac city morning show. I am your host Dahlia, Pierre, and we're going to start the show off the same way we started the show off with the moment of gratitude. I know you could be doing a million things if your time and the fact that you spend it with us truly does mean the world to me. So thank you on that note, Tanner hit him with the intro
Speaker 5 00:00:31 Hey, everybody. He sends in here from their Alto data. We support the . We've joined the drive-in movie theater. We're involved in the marathon here in Fort McMurray, and that's what makes this community such an amazing place to live.
Speaker 0 00:00:45 We're a back big shout out to neuronal Toyota for being the title sponsor for today's episode, um, Keith fad numer, and all the boys and girls down at NARAL. We really do appreciate your support. So thank you very much now on with the show, as you guys know, I don't introduce my guests because they can do a better job at that than I, so can you please tell everybody who you are and what you're about?
Speaker 6 00:01:05 Oh, hello. My name is Sherry Herman and, um, I've been a forever resonant on his hair. Yes, I've grew up here an important Murray and in my nation Chippewan Prairie first nation. Just about an hour south of here. Right?
Speaker 0 00:01:22 Um,
Speaker 6 00:01:23 So hi, I'm also an entrepreneur, a business owner, a mother, a grandmother, and, um, pairing proud of all those things. It's been an excellent journey from my LinkedIn and my adult life. So
Speaker 0 00:01:38 Very cool. So let's chat about where you grew up here. So you, you grew up, like you said, down south and in Fort McMurray. So what schools did you attend while you were growing up?
Speaker 6 00:01:49 I was in, um, west view St Anne's.
Speaker 0 00:01:54 Okay.
Speaker 6 00:01:54 And then all the,
Speaker 0 00:01:57 All the mark, there we go. Yeah. That's right school to go to. Yeah. Okay. Yeah. All right. And now you said you're a business owner as well. What business do you have?
Speaker 6 00:02:07 Well, it started out as any sky site services and 2005. Um, we're heading the airport site services contractor. Okay. Um, and then about four years ago, I was approached by a north American construction group. Okay. Um, they came in and, um, we formed a partnership, so kind of just the holding company now and all of our operations are done in any north site services Enabled us to expand on what initially and then, um, diversify into two different services or larger scale projects. And, um, and then even this last few years, there's been a shift in the economy. So, um, when you first and a little bit, and we're doing a lot of sites support services as well now with something we probably were more primary, heavy appointment while we still do that right now have, um, expanded into, um, uh, steam trucks and fuel and live trucks, all in the mine and servicing all the thing here out it.
Speaker 0 00:03:19 Yeah. How did you get into that industry?
Speaker 6 00:03:23 It was, um, I first I took power engineering and I went out to site 90. I did not for a couple of years and, um, it just wasn't for me. And, um, I went home, my children were little and I'm like, I need to need something from homes. And, um, there was a lot of work that time. So I started out just supplying labors to the oil sands clients and stuff, and so manpower. And then eventually they're like, oh, do you have a dozer? And I'm like, um, yeah,
Speaker 6 00:04:01 And then I had to learn all about heavy equipment and all the differences in size. And then I did. And I've loved it ever since, you know, I mean, there's a wide range of yellow iron, right. From skid steers for dozers to, um, Raiders excavators and rock trucks and, you know, so it was a learning curve. Uh, I loved every part of it. So
Speaker 0 00:04:25 That's amazing. It's funny when opportunity presents itself, sometimes people would just say like, no way I don't have a dozer. And then some people would say like, ah, I'm willing to figure this one out. Yeah. Give me a few days. I'll get back to you on that one. Right?
Speaker 6 00:04:39 Yeah.
Speaker 0 00:04:39 That's cool. And so with this process, when you were approached by another entity to partner up with you, um, I'm fascinated by that. So I'm glad that you're here. So I can talk to you about that a little bit. Yeah. You're seeing that more and more informant Murray now where you have like indigenous organizations partnering up with, um, uh, of the bigger players in town. How does that process even begin? How does it start? And
Speaker 6 00:05:02 Yeah. Yeah, I think there's, there's probably many different ways. Um, sometimes you're approached by them. Um, I've also been to them right. Under projects and they got to know me not way. Right. And, uh, I was doing a lot of, we were very busy in that time, so I think we had a lot of, um, visual happening and, um, so they came back and it was probably nine months of negotiating. And then we finally agreed and partnered up. Right. So it's been a whole new journey all over again and, and learning things, you know, from different, different viewpoints. Right. And that, you know, continues to help me explore and expand. Um, some people probably, I know NAB has been a great source. Like they, um, have a lot of events where they meet with people. So I think some relationships for that way.
Speaker 0 00:06:02 Right.
Speaker 6 00:06:03 There's just so many different things or different ways you can do it to benefit both partners. Right. Right.
Speaker 0 00:06:09 Now speaking to Napa, like we've never actually met to have a conversation before, but obviously like if you're in Fort McMurray, you hear, and you see one another, every once in a while, I'm used to be very engaged in ABA in regards to, and I know you still are, and I know your company falls underneath it, but you used to be the president of now, but for a while, it's not Vice president right on. So how did you, uh, get involved with Napa and play such a crucial role in regards to that decision-making process?
Speaker 6 00:06:35 Well, like, you know, when I first started out, it was really essential because we were able to go and needs oil producers and other contractors. And so as I joined them and then grew with them, and then I, then I ran somebody on the board, like I just wanted to try it out and see what it was like. And I have, um, when I've done it, a couple of different terms at different points in my career. So I just finished three years with them and, you know, I love the organization. Yeah. It's so interesting to sit on a panel of some of the most, um, you know, engaging indigenous entrepreneurs and, and, um, and just to meet everyone and be in that space. So we have an event coming up here soon, and we're looking forward to that, you know, a little bit of in-person yeah. After all this last couple of years. So
Speaker 0 00:07:32 I'm
Speaker 6 00:07:33 Excited for,
Speaker 0 00:07:34 Yeah, no doubt. Now you're doing something else that obviously you like to try new things and like push boundaries. So I've heard recently that you are running for something. What is that?
Speaker 6 00:07:43 I am, I'm running for chief, um, Chippewan Prairie first nation. That's my nation. And, um, I thought about it long and hard on an awful over a year. And, you know, I thought maybe not. And then I'm pretty busy as it is. Um, but I also looked at it as a new challenge and a new opportunity and, um, I have a great, great staff of managers and like, people are your best assets, so they're like go for it. And we support you. And, and, um, so I'm going to keep it my hardest try. I have a lot of great ideas for the nation and, and, um, it would be super cool to be the first female chief, right. Our nations. So I don't know, I'm just, we've got a lot of great people running, so I'd, and I'd be happy have any one of us bought in and, um, but the whole experience is in journey, right?
Speaker 0 00:08:41 Yeah, no doubt. Yeah. So now in regards to that role in particular, if you were to, um, when, what does that entail? I think there's a lot of individuals like myself who really don't know what being achieved really means. What what's the job description? What are the responsibilities and that type of role?
Speaker 6 00:09:00 Well, you're responsible for the health and wellbeing, in my opinion of the nation and the nation is, is the reserve settlement. Now we live on and, um, where we have our band office and the place where we grew off in our traditional lands, but it also includes offers, reserve, um, treating people that belong to our nation. So we, we have, uh, we have a big list and, or we have maybe a quarter of people living on reserve and then three quarters officer. So we have to think about the ones offered third that are also getting educated and, you know, trying to start their own careers and have children and families. And so it's like encompassing both worlds, right. As even our nation diversifies right. Into different worlds.
Speaker 0 00:09:55 Right.
Speaker 6 00:09:55 Um, I think it'll be such an interesting challenge on other things you will look after is revenue for, for the nation, right? Like you have to think about how you're going to run that nation and sustain it and make it flourish. Right. So a lot of that matter, intentional partnerships in hand-write life, finding meaningful partnerships, you know, where it'll benefit the nation it'll benefit the people.
Speaker 0 00:10:22 Right. And
Speaker 6 00:10:23 I really want to look at also, um, I, I feel in our nation, the private businesses, but neglected in this downturn. And, um, so I want to make them a priority and lane page, shouldn't be partnering with the nation as well. Right. So we all help one another and it just becomes one big full circle.
Speaker 0 00:10:45 Very cool. Very cool. Well, listen, a little while ago, Tanner gave him the signal that he's ready with his question. So we have a segment here called the Mac CD minute. Tanner is going to ask you some questions. I don't know what they are, so I wish you nothing but the best of luck. Well, before we get into the questions, we got to give a big shout out to Napa because they are the sponsor of the segment. So big shout out to Napa. Thank you very much. We do appreciate you. And like, you've already mentioned, they have a, an event coming up, so please go onto their website and, or the Facebook page to sign up for that awesome event. It's going to be virtual and in person. So a lot of fun. So thank you. Now on that note, Tanner hitter with the Mac city minute.
Speaker 8 00:11:19 Alrighty. Question number one. What is your favorite part of running your own business within the community of what Buffalo?
Speaker 6 00:11:28 I was kind of be working with the people, you know, like their people or their being his assets and, um, and, um, you know, there's so many different types of, um, people and their knowledge and their experience and, and grasping that and working with them, that's probably my favorite part and also creating employment opportunities and in and around the region. Yeah.
Speaker 8 00:11:55 Question number two. What part of running your business was the biggest shock to yourself?
Speaker 6 00:12:03 Oh, it would probably be, you have to learn so many different areas that you really weren't educated in. Right. And like, especially, um, yes. Are meeting your bidding, right? Like I had to learn how to do that all myself in the early days, you don't have the resource. And so it's like, you know, just learning all the differently health and safety, managing people and, um, and, and building your business. So lots of different factors,
Speaker 8 00:12:38 Question number three. What is one thing that people would be surprised to learn your business does?
Speaker 6 00:12:47 Hmm, I would think maybe, oh, we just opened up a near Shaw and taken over and it isn't really public yet. We're just moving in and that is going to be a light weight maintenance facility.
Speaker 0 00:13:06 So
Speaker 6 00:13:07 We're going to be able to handle hundreds and hundreds of late meal meals and small equipment and not have some brand new diversification that we are doing.
Speaker 0 00:13:17 Very cool.
Speaker 8 00:13:19 Question number four. What is one thing about being chief that makes you want to make the run the most?
Speaker 6 00:13:26 Oh, the most is my people. Um, there's a lot of struggle going on in our community and I just can't sit by and do nothing when I feel like I think we're waiting on me.
Speaker 8 00:13:42 And your final question, what is one way you and your company like to give back to the community?
Speaker 6 00:13:49 Well, we love having two events and, um, one of my favorite one is one in our, in our nation center and it's a vital, vital, um, home. I asked my safe place for all the kids to go and they have crafts and they do a lot of interventionists. Um, you know, this may be around doing a fish pump and, uh, it's just been great. I think had a lot of traditional and lime base knowledge and it's just a safe place for them to go. That's one of my favorite I love hearing about Tippins like that.
Speaker 8 00:14:26 And those have been your five questions.
Speaker 0 00:14:28 Yeah. There you go. Good job, buddy. Always killing with those questions.
Speaker 8 00:14:32 I try my best.
Speaker 0 00:14:34 So at the top of the show, you mentioned that like you're a mom and a grandmother. That's crazy. How's grandchildren. Do you have,
Speaker 6 00:14:44 I have three and two on the way
Speaker 0 00:14:48 To, on the way twins.
Speaker 6 00:14:49 No, I have my son and his wife are expecting a mate. Okay. And my daughter and her husband are expecting in June or July. Sorry. That's
Speaker 0 00:14:59 Going to be so fun
Speaker 6 00:15:00 Yet. Hopefully.
Speaker 0 00:15:02 And do a, your children still live in like the Fort McMurry region? My goodness. Those two that are born on the same, uh, at the same time, we're going to be best friends.
Speaker 6 00:15:14 Yeah.
Speaker 0 00:15:14 They're going to grow up together, go to school together. Okay. Your family has like a little bit of a gang going on.
Speaker 6 00:15:21 Yeah. And four grandsons and one granddaughter. So
Speaker 0 00:15:27 She has no boys coming to her.
Speaker 0 00:15:33 That's awesome. So with yourself, growing up in this community, raising children and now being a grandparent, what are the things that, uh, you share with your family that are the same as when you grew up here?
Speaker 6 00:15:46 Oh, it's definitely. And we all love just our boreal forests though. It's pretty burdensome bit, but we're, we're always out on the land, hunting, fishing, owning, like, you'll find this out the Athabaska or Clearwater, they all enjoy it. Right. So we do a lot of that.
Speaker 0 00:16:07 Yeah. No doubt. And then you live south of the city, so there's tons of outdoor activities that you can do. Um, like just around the corners, um, the ski hill Vista Ridge, which is amazing, the amount of amenities that facility has now.
Speaker 6 00:16:24 Oh, Lynch's fabulous. Like they've really expanded in the last few years and it's great to see. And it's nice when we live out there to have access to all of that.
Speaker 0 00:16:35 Yeah. So my background before getting into and starting a marketing company was human resources. So I'm always fascinated, especially nowadays, because I've been removed for about five years now, from the oil and gas and the recruitment process. How do you find recruiting talent and staff now? Especially during COVID. Cause I know a lot of it was fly in, fly out before. Um, and well, based on flying in, flying out in provincial requirements, that's something that would be a bit of a challenge. How has that component of your business change over the last few years?
Speaker 6 00:17:06 Oh, it's been, it's been definitely a challenge. Um, you know, and you kind of lose those lose, had the ability to fly people in and out. We always look to hire local first, right? Not that spin. That's something that we do all the time, but um, even just finding people right now is so difficult. Like we have many, many open positions and, and it's just been difficult to fill evolves.
Speaker 0 00:17:38 Yeah, no doubt. Yeah. So if anybody's watching the show right now and is looking for employment, uh, how it, or how can they get in contact with your organization to apply for opportunities?
Speaker 6 00:17:48 Go to our website at, uh, Tenney, north.ca. And um, we have all of our, on the employment page. All of our physicians submit a resume and, um, it's actively watch. So that's probably the mess that's waiter. Yeah.
Speaker 0 00:18:04 It's an interesting time where I do see a lot of companies may be oil and gas or even service industries. Like you see that help wanted sign up and you see the posts online, Which is great, but then it's a hurdle to actually get those people. So, yeah, it's a form of Murray. It's all like I remember I used to, uh, struggle to recruit people and you have to literally, I would fly people from around the world to come here. Um, and so, yeah, I was wondering whenever I have a chance to talk to somebody who's in industry right now, I'm just like, Well, Lencioni, like
Speaker 6 00:18:39 I think what hurt us too was as we had the downturn in the economy, a lot of people left port me Murray. Right. So we lost that influx of people as well. And um, so it's just another, you know, when you had to hit people, covering battling, and as our economy starts to build, and You're a part of our community, for sure.
Speaker 0 00:19:00 Well, listen, Tanner tapped his watch. So that means we're at the end of our 20 minutes. That being said before I cut you loose it, everybody gets a shameless shout out or a plug. So you have the mic lights and the cameras have fun.
Speaker 6 00:19:12 Oh, I'll give a shout out to my new fiance, Norman pain. And, um, I'm just so grateful for him and support me journey that I travel on.
Speaker 0 00:19:25 Okay. There we go. That's a nice shout out Norman. There you go. Well, thank you very much for coming today. Definitely appreciate it. Uh, if you ever want to come back, that spot is always open for you. So please feel free to come back again and again and again.
Speaker 6 00:19:38 Thank
Speaker 0 00:19:38 You. Awesome. Well for of wood Buffalo and the rest of the world, that's been another episode of the Mac city morning show. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for tuning in, it does mean the world to me, big shout out to our title sponsor Laurel Toyota and to the Mac city minute sponsor Napa for helping us keep the lights on. We really do appreciate your sport. Other than that, I hope everybody's having a great day and we'll see you tomorrow. Peace
Speaker 2 00:20:03 Dalio Wade. And another morning show later by us.
Speaker 10 00:20:11 You
Speaker 11 00:20:20 Talk about quenching your ugly thirst.
