From 1990 to 2010, I worked for Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers until I retired. It was the most unique place to work. I started working in a house on Bridgeport Rd. across the street from Costco. We were small and a family. Dave Ritchie and Russ Cmolik were the "bosses" and we had a lot of fun at work. We worked hard. We never got overtime but worked it when we needed to. When we weren't busy, we partied! We had a backyard with a BBQ, lawn games and a bar you could help yourself. Lunches were usually at the Abercorn Inn next door and we rarely paid for our lunches.
I remember one Halloween when we were all in costumes, we stopped working at lunch. In full costumes, we created a conga line and went along Bridgeport Road and into the Abercorn Inn. When we went through the restaurant, the bar staff stood at the bar, handing everyone a beer! We continued back along Bridgeport, beer in hand, to the office when the party continued.
In 2004 everything changed when we went public. We were given shares per our years of service and a could purchase them as we worked with the company matching them. It was a great way to save money.
Dave and Russ left the company shortly thereafter. We grew into a huge international successful company. I retired in 2010 and left a lot of good friends. I received an email about a reunion earlier this year and yesterday, I got this. I've had to cancel another cruise I booked that conflicts with this one, but I am looking forward to an awesome reunion!
Here's part of my email:
Congratulations! We can't wait to sail with you in August! Dave and Russ are delighted at the response from our many friends and colleagues.
Thank you for taking the time to fill out the RB Old-Timer Reunion application. We are pleased to confirm your reservation aboard the Celebrity Ship ‘Eclipse’ for its Alaskan cruise departing Vancouver.
Dave and Russ are paying the entire cruise for 250 former employees and their significant other! I am overwhelmed about this gesture. This will be the parties of all parties. At the end of the email, they said they have filled the 250 rooms and are working at trying to include everyone that applied. The cut off was 11 years of service. It had nothing to do with your job title. They are showing their appreciation for former employees. WOW!
