A Co-op Student’s Perspective of Working at the Tube Shack
Last March, I decided to spend my summer working in Lake Cowichan for the Tube Shack, and it may be one of the best decisions I have made during my degree. As a University of Victoria business student going into my first co-op term, I was nervous to find a position that would suit me while helping me further my learning. I have always valued smaller businesses and tourism, which made me excited to work for the Shack. To be completely honest, when talking about this job, I felt a bit out of place, as many of my classmates were going to work for large accounting and marketing firms in big cities, and I was moving back home for the summer. This isn’t a bad thing; it was just different. What I didn’t understand during my job search in the winter semester of my second year was that the best businesses have the best and most caring people running and working for them.
Although I have spent my summers in Lake Cowichan since I was young, I believe I may have underestimated the amount of people the business brings to town. The Tube Shack is one of the busiest businesses in town. We bring in most of the tourists who come to visit in hopes of experiencing a relaxing and enjoyable day on the river. Throughout my summer, I learned so much about customer service and working with the public. Learning how to stay calm in a busy work environment was one of my main takeaways from the job. During busy times, we always try our best to make sure that everyone is getting their tubes as fast as possible, usually running two cube vans at once. Understanding the operations behind this business was also very interesting to me. Everyone on the team works together to make sure that we are as efficient as possible, and I feel that everyone really values making sure that the customers are having the best experience they can.
Working outside all day during the summer was one of the best aspects of this job. I felt so lucky to be working in the sun and not stuck inside an office for the summer. We get to go to Little Beach Park at the end of the day to help with bringing tubes up from the customers and into the van. Working in this job position was great for being able to move throughout my day and be physically active instead of sitting at a desk. I really loved moving around throughout the day and not feeling stagnant. The park itself is truly beautiful and was a wonderful way to end my day.
Along with working at the Shack, this job position allowed me to work for Cowabunga Cones as well. I got to make ice cream for some of my shifts using a unique New Zealand-style machine, which was very fun. At Cowabunga, we also receive all the calls and emails, which helped me learn how to improve my customer service and communication skills digitally and was a great learning experience for me. I found that explaining absolutely everything when you are communicating over the phone or email is the most effective way to prevent confusion between you and the customer.
On top of the great job itself, I got to work with some of the most incredible people I have met and learned what it is like to be a great manager and business owner. The owner, Aaron, was an incredible boss. He is a very busy person but always valued coming and working in general staff positions when it was busy. He would run the second cube van to lighten the load and always put in so much effort and care. I won’t forget about the time I was in Cowabunga alone with a line to the door, and he came in to do the dishes for me so I could keep the line moving. His attention to detail and care for our customers and staff is greatly appreciated by us all. Our manager, Gillian, is truly one of the most patient and flexible managers I have had. Her ability to communicate with our staff members in a constructive way taught me the importance of proper communication skills and how far caring for your staff can go. She is a role model for me, as I am hoping to go into management and would love to pick up some of the traits in her management style.
Lastly, I want to say a huge thank you to everyone on the team. This business runs the best because of the people working for it. This team has such great communication with each other and respect between the different job positions, which I believe is what makes it so efficient and positive. Shack, Cowabunga, storage and beach, shuttle and cube drivers, and all other workers, you all made my summer co-op so special.