For nearly twenty-five years, RDO Equipment Co.’s Access Your Future (AYF) Program has helped countless students build the foundation for a successful career in the heavy equipment industry.
Although many stores across RDO’s footprint have strong AYF programs, the RDO store in Oxnard, California may just have the most unique one.
Two years ago, Service Technician John Apiado joined the Oxnard team as the store’s very first AYF intern.
However, shortly after his arrival, Oxnard’s only two full-time service technicians abruptly left their positions, leaving Apiado as the sole technician for the store.
Apiado, who is a former Marine and never one to back down from a challenge, quickly took charge and adapted to the situation, even though he was still in the midst of his own education.
“John has an outstanding work ethic and is never afraid to try something new,” explained Oxnard Store Manager Jason Olson. “We relied on him heavily during that time and his success gave us the confidence to continue building the AYF program at the store.”
Within the next six months, Oxnard gained two more AYF interns.
“We learned a lot in that first year,” shared Service Manager Juan Ramos. “But, most importantly, we learned that what you put into the program is what you get out.”
With a strong emphasis on the importance of education, the Oxnard team banded together to create an AYF program that focuses on acceptance, embracing curiosity and developing each team member’s individual leadership style.
“We want all team members to feel comfortable asking questions when they don’t understand something,” said Ramos. “If you give interns the time and opportunity to learn at their own pace, they will be more confident in their work down the line.”
“In a way, it’s almost like parenting,” Olson chimed in. “School should always come first for the interns and we’re constantly checking in and finding ways to help them succeed and find overlap with their work in the shop.”
Looking back, it’s safe to say that both Ramos and Olson’s efforts in the program weren’t in vain, as all three original AYF interns —John Dave Apiado, Chris Foster and Conor Barry— have transitioned to full-time service technicians.
And now, the original interns can take on their own leadership roles, as Oxnard recently signed on three new AYF interns this year.
What started with Apiado two years ago has not only led to a thriving AYF program in the store but also an entire service department made up of six past and present AYF interns.
“Every single one is a superstar,” shared Olson. “We are so proud to be a part of the AYF program and we’re committed to fostering our interns to help them succeed in any way that we can.”
RDO Equipment Co.
Founded in 1968, RDO Equipment Co. sells and supports intelligently connected agriculture, construction, environmental, irrigation, positioning, and surveying equipment from leading manufacturers, including John Deere, Vermeer, and Topcon. With more than 80 locations across the U.S. and partnerships in Africa, Australia, Mexico and Ukraine, we deliver creative solutions so our customers can grow and build the world.
