Neil’s Retirement: A Tribute to Over a Decade of Dedication
Recently, we all came together at Pacific Building Systems, across several divisions, to celebrate a pillar of the company’s success over the years.
This pillar is better known as Neil Chambers.
Neil’s legacy with Pacific Building Systems spans over a decade. The impact he has had here on the team, as well as on our customers, is immeasurable.
We wanted to share some stories that we now fondly look back at when thinking of Neil. We concluded his final day of clocking in with a retirement party and send off that included plenty of food, fun, and fond farewells.
Read on to learn a little more about Neil.
A Tribute From Chris
One of the interesting parts of Neil’s journey with Pacific Building Systems is the story of how he became a part of the team in the first place. It all came from a mentorship that expanded far beyond a learning opportunity. Masayuki “Soc” Sasaki, a cornerstone of Metal Building Systems and a mentor to many, had the pleasure of working with Neil before he officially joined our team.
Soc, who is known for his exceptional knowledge and expertise, recognized the potential in Neil. Soc’s trust in Neil’s abilities led to Neil’s recruitment at Pacific Building Systems, a decision that we are grateful for every day. Neil officially became a part of our workplace on June 27, 2012, and his impact has been felt ever since.
A Tribute From Kurt
When I look back at the time I spent training with Neil, I was always impressed by his wealth of experience, knowledge in the industry, and the solid relationships he has cultivated in the community. Neil wasn’t one to gatekeep either. He was eager and willing to share what he knew with anyone who possessed a listening ear. Even after sharing his insights, Neil remained available to answer any questions I had and was always willing to provide guidance when it was needed.
Perhaps one of the most significant accomplishments during his transition to retirement was his assistance in repairing our relationship with Mountain Construction—a true testament to his ability to bridge gaps and foster positive connections. I am grateful that Neil left the territory we shared in excellent shape for me to step into fully.
A Tribute From Stephanie
I had the privilege to work with Neil over the last year and a half. We spent this time together collaborating on opportunities that would best serve our customers for their metal building components, all while working within the Component Direct Store. During July of 2023, I started to spend time working side by side with Neil, learning his passion for metal buildings while assuming his role as a Relationship Sales Manager. Neil was dedicated, diligent, and attentive to his customers that he served in the Northwest Oregon Territory.
What I learned from Neil will always be a part of my day-to-day activities; such as providing the best customer service, communication, and dedication as he did while he served our community. I couldn’t be more grateful to have such a great mentor and I wish the best in all his future endeavors.
Neil’s Retirement Party
On Neil’s final day with us at work, we issued him into this next phase of his life with a celebration as we recognized everything he had done for us while he was here. This party included stories, shared laughter, and plenty of well-wishes.
During the party, we enjoyed a meal of sausages, potato salad, and a delicious cake; though it’s worth noting that the potato salad disappeared in the blink of an eye-it was a big hit. Our Co-President, Sandy, delivered a heartfelt farewell speech to commemorate the occasion. The speech concluded with the presentation of a gleaming gold watch to Neil, signifying the end of this chapter and the beginning of a new one.
The event saw a steady stream of well-wishers, with friends and colleagues dropping in throughout the party to offer their congratulations to Neil as he embarks on his next adventure.
While we’re all going to miss having Neil here with us at Pacific Building Systems, we can’t wait to see what this next chapter of life holds for him. We’re grateful for the many years he gave to serving our customers and we’ll remember him as we continue to implement his strategies in our work today.
Thank you, Neil!