Celebrating Paul Banwait’s 10-Year Journey at Van Kam

At Van Kam, every employee brings their unique story to the table. For Paul Banwait, a P&D Driver based in Surrey, that story started ten years ago when he made a life-changing decision. He traded unpredictable night shifts for a schedule that let him spend time with his family, and he hasn’t looked back since.

A Life-Changing Move

Paul’s journey to Van Kam started after ten years of working erratic shifts that kept him away from his young children. “I couldn’t see my kids growing up. One day I was working nights, the next day mornings, it was all over the place,” he said. Everything changed when he spotted a hiring sign outside Van Kam’s yard.

“I dropped off my resume, and two hours later, I got a call,” Paul said with a laugh. “It was Robert Henry II, the owner of Van Kam, but I didn’t realize that at first. By the end of our meeting, he asked, ‘When can you start?'” After giving two weeks’ notice at his old job, Paul began his first Van Kam shift with a Whistler run at 6 am, delivering to the scenic mountain town in British Columbia. “For the first time, I had evenings with my kids. That’s what mattered most,” he shared.

A Welcoming Team

From the moment Paul joined Van Kam, he felt supported by his fellow drivers and other employees. “When I started, other drivers helped me figure out the routes and gave me tips about the job,” Paul said. Their guidance made the transition smoother and gave him the confidence to settle in quickly.

Over the years, Paul has made it a point to return the favour. “Everybody helped me when I started, so I try to do the same,” he said. For Paul, trucking is not just about the work, it is about the connections you build along the way. “It’s all about working together. That is what makes everything run smoother,” he shared.

Driving with Purpose

Paul takes pride in his work and approaches every task with care. “For me, it’s simple. You do the job right, you do it safely, and you go home to your family at the end of the day.” Whether navigating snowy mountain passes or handling a challenging delivery, Paul relies on patience and experience. “There are no shortcuts in this job,” he said. “You have to do it properly every time.”

Family First

Outside of work, Paul’s world revolves around his family. Saturdays are dedicated to his son’s soccer games, a commitment he never misses. “My wife takes him to practice, but game day is mine,” he said with a smile. Paul also cherishes time spent with his daughter and values being there for his kids as they grow.

Paul also enjoys helping out friends and colleagues when they need a hand. “Whether it’s training someone or fixing something, I like being useful,” he shared.

Ten Years of Gratitude

After a decade with Van Kam, Paul reflects on his time with an appreciation for the experiences and people he has encountered. “I’ve never had a bad memory here,” he said. “It’s simple. Do your job right, respect others, and you’ll be treated the same way.” For Paul, choosing Van Kam was about more than work. It gave him the balance he needed to be there for his family while doing a job he could be proud of.

Paul’s journey is a reminder of the importance of making choices that prioritize what matters most. For him, it was finding a career that allowed him to be present for his family while contributing meaningfully at work. We are proud to celebrate Paul’s milestone and look forward to seeing him continue to thrive at Van Kam. Thank you, Paul, for being part of our story.

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