Meet the team: Rick McLean

Born and bred in Dunedin, and now calling the streets (and rivers and lakes) of Southland home, Rick’s weekdays are busy and, with a young family, his weekends equally so.

Our GM is known for his good natured and disciplined approach to the work. Which is why, when we checked if he’d be the next staff profile, his smile may have been with slightly gritted teeth. 

While not one to generally talk about himself, as any good manager knows, sometimes you have to step up and get it done. We hope it wasn’t too painful, Rick! 

What brought you to Earthworm? 

I’ve been here since the start. The attachments side of the business always meant more to me, and I love seeing how this equipment can help our customers stand out from the crowd, ensuring their machines can earn more for them. 

What does a typical day look like in your job? 

Talking to customers and working with suppliers. I love discussing their jobs and finding out if there is a new more efficient way we can do things. It’s a typical family business where I do a bit of everything.

What’s important to get right in your work?

The specs. If we cut corners at the start, it always creates a problem later. That’s why we’re always discussing hydraulics and the flow and pressure requirements.

What do you most enjoy about it? 

Finding unique equipment that can help our customers do better for less.

What type of skills do you need to do your job well? 

One simple and often overlooked skill is being open minded. Our customers know what they are doing, and I’m always learning from them.

How has the work changed since you started? 

Technology has definitely made the world smaller and it’s easier to make connections. On the flipside, there are now suppliers who are using this tech to connect and dump inferior products on the market. They’re basically unaccountable as there’s no back-up when things go wrong. 

What are most well-known for at work? 

Maybe as a Mr Fixit? I made the microwave go yesterday (just don’t ask me how I did it).

What’s it like working with your two brothers? 

We’re all different and bring different strengths to the business, and I honestly couldn’t do it without them. I know that sounds a little cliched but it’s true. After so many years in the business we all still enjoy a drink together, and that counts for something. 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? What do you love doing in the weekends? 

I have a young family that takes up most of the weekends. My young boy is crazy on fishing, and we always enjoy getting outdoors when we can.

What’s your favourite place to holiday? 

Italy springs to mind quickly here. It’s a great place to visit and conveniently we also get some great attachments from there. The companies we deal with in Italy are mostly all family businesses like us. 

What are you looking forward to in the future? 

On the business front we’re looking forward to growing Earthworm, bringing new innovations to New Zealand and continuing to build our reputation for real-world attachment know-how. With the family I’m just happy to enjoy the day-to-day little things (and the occasional big fish).