MEET AN ELITE

Son Wing

40 years still going strong...

Son Wing Came to the U.S. from Vietnam in 1980 not speaking any English. Son went to study English for one year and then went to work for Dickinson and hasn’t left since. There isn’t much Son can’t do, on any given day you may see him doing mechanical work, trailer work, liftgates, and just about anything else we throw at him.

Not just winging it...a stunning 40-year career

When a contract with Pepsi was presented, it was Son’s expertise that closed the deal. Ted Coltrain, VP Operations Fleet Services, recalls the conversation “After all of the information was presented, they had one question for us – is Son Wing still the lead tech for lift gates. We said yes.” Pepsi replied, “Tell Son to get geared up because you got the business.”

Despite a huge endorsement, Son remains true to his roots. “I still like what I’m doing, they want me to stay here until I retire. I’d love to retire from where I started at.” Son said.

Tell us about your proudest moment at Dickinson Fleet Services.

When Ted asked me to represent the company to go out and investigate a component failure for a new customer. Ted asked me to fly into Seattle and diagnose the problem. I was able to diagnose and figure out the issue with the failed component within one hour. Happy to represent Dickinson.

What is a challenge you learned from?

Come in to work every day, not be late, not miss any day and do the best work that I can. In 40 years of work, I’ve never been late or called in late, not once.

What do you think makes Dickinson a great place to work?

They are a good company to work for. They advance and move very fast with growth. I think Cox is a great company to work for. Cox benefits are fantastic.

What is your advice for newer technicians?

Just come in, do your job. If you don’t know just ask your coworker and they will help you out. Do the best you can every day, don’t worry about what others are doing.

In 40 years of work, I’ve never been late or called in late, not once..”

Tell us a bit more about life outside of work—hobbies you enjoy, family, etc.

I enjoy relaxing, fishing, hunting. I like to go on vacation with my family and spending time with them.

Is there a mentor or someone you’ve looked up to – either at Dickinson or in your personal life?

My mentor was my older brother. He’s a straightforward guy and never lied to me. He’s a family guy who really cared about me, and that’s how I am now with my family.

Back in 1975 when the war was over, I moved to a small village as a fisherman in Vietnam.”

Tell us about your background – your journey to America and how did you get started as a technician?

Back in 1975 when the war was over, I moved to a small village as a fisherman in Vietnam. In April of 1977 the owner of the boat I was fishing on decided to leave the country to escape communism. I moved to Malaysia from 1977-1980 waiting for a sponsor in the United States to bring me over. I finally found a sponsor after a few years, and they brought me over. I knew zero English and asked my sponsor to send me to technical school. I studied English for one year, went to Lincoln tech then went to work at the Dickinson shop and haven’t left since.

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