Jenner Ag lives by UPTIME – and so does Bret Hine, Field Service Technician. “We get asked a lot about what ‘Uptime’ means; everybody has their own take on it. When I think of the word ‘Uptime,’ I think of our inspection program,” he says. “If we can limit downtime in the field through annual inspections, that ensures more Uptime.”
That’s just one way Bret works to maximize Uptime for his customers – he says it’s a focus year-round. “In the winter, I talk with customers about any issues they were having at the end of their last season. During planting, which is our busiest season, I’m taking inventory daily on what machines need attention and trying to get to all my customers in a timely matter to ensure their uptime,” he explains. “Certain times of year are more critical than others, and I have to keep that in mind to give my customers the best service possible.”
Bret says the logistics of being in the field can be challenging, but he thrives on it. “During peak season sometimes, it can be frustrating that you can’t be in more than one place at a time,” he explains. Bret manages it by thinking ahead and taking steps to guarantee he can get parts to give customers fast, efficient solutions that keep them running: “They are fully relying on me and whatever I can do for them.”
No matter the time of year or what he’s working on, Bret says the most important aspects of his job is communication. “I strive to be an excellent communicator. Communication is first and foremost with a customer,” he says. “I’m big on double checking things. If a customer says something is broken, I will double check twice just to be extra sure.”
His main motivation? Bret is passionate about doing the right thing for the customer and the industry. “I grew up in agriculture, and being a part of this industry allows me to feel like I am contributing to the rest of the world in some way,” he says. “I enjoy being a part of an industry that serves the world.”