It was 20 years ago. On 21 February 2000 (to be precise).
At the official opening of the new (and current) Ramsey Bros dealership in Cleve.
Father of four, Wayne “Pilko” Pilgrim had been driving trucks for seven years. Plenty of miles on the road and many nights away from home. Around this time, Ramsey Bros Branch Manager of the day, David Frick, had been pestering him to join the team as a Service Manager.
“You’re dreaming!” Pilko said.
But the seed was sown.
Pilko’s kids were growing up fast and he didn’t want to miss any more important family occasions being on the road all the time.
“Maybe I should give this Ramsey Bros job some thought…”
Not long after, a start date was agreed, the contract signed and Pilko, being Pilko, decided to check out his new employer at the opening event of the Cleve branch.
After a few frothys, and a yarn with some of the Ramsey Bros crew in the new shed, he settled himself down on a cultivator bar for a few minutes.
“Then all of a sudden, this really big bugger with a goatee comes around the corner and starts chewing the fat with me,” Pilko recalled, not quite sure where this stranger belonged but assuming he was a sales rep.
The chat continued with this mystery bloke for a bit before Pilko asked, “Hey mate, who the bloody hell are you?”
“I’m Mark Ward,” said the man with the goatee.
“Oh S*^@!. Fair Dinkum?” Pilko said in surprise. “You wouldn’t be related to Eddy Ward, would you?” Eddy being Ramsey Bros Board Director.
“As a matter of fact, I’m his son,” Mark replied with a grin. “And who the bloody hell are you?”
“I’m Wayne Pilgrim or Pilko. I’m just about to start as your new Service Manager in Cummins,” he said once he’d recovered from the unexpected announcement.
“And I’m just about to start as well but back home in Cleve.” Mark said.
And so, the two ‘new boys’, Mark and Pilko, met in a big shed, over a beer, sharing a laugh – the way many great friendships in the country begin.
Two decades on, they’re still good mates and respected colleagues – and they love catching for a bit of banter and the chance to reminisce.
Today marks Pilko’s 20th year at Ramsey Bros. Happy Anniversary Pilko!
