Published at 12:01 am. Updated at 06:00.
At the Sobeys distribution center in Boucherville, Richard Potvin looks like a Swiss Army knife. The work of the sixty-year-old, who has 38 years of professional experience, goes beyond driving a semi-trailer to deliver to IGA supermarkets. It is he who takes the recruits under his wing and acts as a kind of barometer for road safety.
In summary
- Name: Richard Potvin
- Age: 64 years old
- Title: Driver Trainer
- Employer: Sobeys
The good news for his employer: the increase in roadworks, obstacles and orange cones has not discouraged the passionate driver. Letting go of the wheel is out of the question. At best, he might reduce the number of hours he works per week.
“I’m not thinking about retirement yet,” Mr. Potvin said with a laugh during an interview with La Presse. It's a passion. You have to have it because you can't hide it: being a driver has good days. Today is my lie-in, I started at 5am. It's usually 3:30 in the morning. I get up without a clock. If you get up without a dial, it's because you love your job. »
Mr. Potvin divides his time between the driver's seat and the passenger's seat. The reason ? He has also been a trainer at the site – one of the company's five distribution centers across Quebec – for drivers for more than 25 years. His professional career also led him to teach at a private school for more than seven years.
For him, the exchange of knowledge is essential. Many recruits complete road transport training centers before becoming professional drivers. The tricks of the trade that cannot be taught in school are often taught by Mr. Potvin.
“For example, if you don’t have any anticipation and brake at the last moment, you should take the bench down,” he explains. As you lower the bench, your head goes back. You see further and can anticipate better. It's things like that. It cannot be learned. It's experience. »
A trainer with a profile like this is worth his weight in gold. If Mr. Potvin gives the green light, the company will be reassured, says the head of the distribution center, Daniel Parisé. She knows the driver will be “100% autonomous.”
We have a very good coach and we trust him completely. Over time a good relationship developed between us. Especially with Melita [Robinson], who is transportation chief. You can be a good driver, but you don't necessarily have to be a good trainer. If you have one, try to keep it as long as possible. We are lucky to have Richard with us for a few more years.
Daniel Parisé, director of the Sobeys distribution center in Boucherville
PHOTO PATRICK SANFAÇON, THE PRESS
Richard Potvin, driver and trainer at the Sobeys distribution center in Boucherville. Right: Daniel Parisé, head of the distribution center.
“When I hired, I already interviewed the candidate,” Ms. Robinson added. Richard judges him. Then we compare. If the candidate has good potential, we say yes. We work together. We won't let him go if he's not safe. »
Mr. Potvin's expertise behind the wheel of a heavy truck is evident outside of Sobeys. He regularly participates in the provincial championship for professional truck drivers organized by the Saint-Jérôme Road Transport Training Center. Due to the pandemic, this skills competition, which focuses on maneuvers in confined spaces, has not taken place since 2019.
Still, he is the reigning champion. In addition to first place in the “Five Axes” category, it was Mr. Potvin who also secured the title “Grand Champion”.
“Theoretically, it should start again next year,” says Mr. Potvin.
Bad news for his opponents: he seems to have a desire to defend his title.
“I always say that at some point you have to know how to step back. “Every year I get asked to come back,” Mr. Potvin says with a laugh. I like it. It's not a chore. I like that, the performance. »