Dale Mainil has decided to realign his business after staring too long at a full yard of high-quality equipment that wasn’t being utilized. As part of the ownership group for Jerry Mainil Ltd, Dale is leading a sale that will see over 70 assets go the highest bidder in an unreserved auction on Oct 24.
It’s not the end for Jerry Mainil Ltd; just a turning point for a business with a long history and deep community roots. Dale, whose father Jerry started the company in 1961, began taking over the business with his brothers in the early 90s. They saw plentiful opportunities through the 90s – and purchased a lot of used equipment through Ritchie Bros. – to really advance the business.
Dale recalls journeys to Edmonton in the late 70s to attend the big Ritchie Bros. auctions in Nisku.
“I remember as a kid going to Edmonton with my dad and it was a big trip and a big sale,” said Dale. “It was always an educational trip too because you learned about equipment values and how things were bought.”
Dale learned that buyers at auctions look for the equipment and trucks that have been maintained frequently with the highest standard. That’s why Dale and his partners – Dennis, Calvin, and Darcy – keep detailed records and a team of mechanics to oversee their fleet.
Among the highlights in the October 24 sale are a nice selection of yellow iron, including Cat D8 dozers, motor graders, and trucks.
“We have a staff of three journeymen mechanics and apprentices; when our plate is full, we bring in third-party mechanics,” said Dale. “We have records on every purchase. We’re proud of it. If we had the workload, we would put the machines to work tomorrow because they’re well-maintained and ready to go. It takes a team to do that.”
That people-focused, team-orientated attitude is critical to Jerry Mainil’s long-term viability and their respected stature in the local Weyburn community.
“We’ve supported the community for over 60 years and we just kind of don’t even think about it,” explains Dale. “We’re a community-based company that’s been around for it seems like forever, and you just do it because you’re proud of your community. I’m proud of Weyburn. “A key to our success is Weyburn and the people we work with in our community. People I employed as a co-worker and called a friend. And at the end of the day, it’s about respect.”