VB
AN EMPLOYER OF CHOICE
See what it’s like to work for Van Bree. Read stories about real experiences that demonstrate VB’s culture of listening, mentorship, and putting our people first.
MENTORSHIP
When a new driver named Guy joined the VB team, his Manager, Chris paired him with Eric, a seasoned driver known for his calm attitude, sharp skills, and quiet professionalism. Eric didn’t just explain routes or procedures, he shared the why behind each step. After one week, he helped Guy find his rhythm, not just as a driver, but as a representative of the company. What started as a mentorship relationship quickly evolved into a two-person team. Turns out, Eric and Guy were cut from the same cloth - both detail-oriented, bike riders, talkative, always smiling, safety-focused, and big believers in doing things right the first time. By the end of the second week, he was no longer “the new guy, Guy.”
When a small generator rolled into the shop coughing smoke, new apprentice Kazeem called to Joe: “This thing smells like raw fuel. Must be running rich.”
Joe gave a half smile. “Maybe,” he said. “But don’t jump too fast. Smoke always has a story. Pull the dipstick,” he said, handing Kazeem a rag. The oil looked thin and clear, almost like water. Joe gave a nod: “Smell it.”
“Gasoline in the oil?” Kazeem asked.
It appeared to be a fuel wash. Fuel was leaking past the carburetor and filling the crankcase. “That’s why it’s smoking. The oil’s thinned out and burning off,” Joe explained. “If we keep running it, we’ll trash the bearings.”
A Senior Technician at Van Bree, Joe has seen every type of machinery break down - more than once. He wanted Kazeem to see the smoke as the symptom.
Kazeem drained the crankcase, cleaned the carb, and refilled the oil. When the engine still smoked faintly, Joe clapped Kazeem on the shoulder. “See? That’s why we don’t stop at the obvious fix. Now we dismantle it, piece by piece, and find the root cause. That smoke is trying to tell us something deeper.”
As they took the generator apart to find the source of the fuel leak, Joe pointed out each component, showed Kazeem where fuel could be leaking, and explained how to trace a problem back to its source.
By day’s end, Kazeem had learned how to think like a seasoned technician: patient, methodical, determined - and always searching for the story behind the smoke.
CAREER GROWTH
AIdan wanted to transition into the vac and video division - his goal was to operate a vac truck. Even though moving him into that role meant the construction team would be short a driver, Van Bree prioritized his development and made the decision to begin training him in his new position.
Sue began her journey in the scale house and now manages daily trucking operations at VB Sand & Gravel.
Bill is a heavy equipment operator who expressed a desire to expand his knowledge and was given the opportunity to run pit crews and mentor new hires.
​When Paul first applied to Van Bree, he was looking for a driver position. While this role wasn’t the right fit, Van Bree saw someone passionate and dedicated. Recognizing his potential, a new role was created for Paul as a Shop Helper at the gravel pit. There, he stood out for his commitment to safety and his care for those around him. So, when a part-time opportunity opened up in Health and Safety, Paul was a natural choice. Today, Paul is working full-time in the role and Van Bree is proudly supporting him in earning his health and safety credentials, turning his passion into a profession.
In another example, Karter in our drainage division, shared with his VB manager, Griffin, that he was looking to take the next step in his career. Recognizing the opportunity, Griffin reached out to the VB Sand & Gravel division, because he knew they were anticipating the need for additional support. As a result, Karter has now taken on a part-time role with the gravel crew, where he's actively training on the loader and learning aggregate production - building toward a full-time transition in the near future.
CAMARADERIE
Kazeem was a new tech - fresh out of trade school, and new to the country. On his first day in the VB shop, he arrived with a quiet nod and a packed lunch. The space was loud and fast-paced, full of seasoned techs moving with the ease of experience. Kazeem kept his head down, double-checked every torque spec, and stayed on the periphery - focused, respectful, and determined to earn his place.
At lunch, he sat alone, unsure how to jump into the shoptalk around the break table. Joe noticed — not with judgment, but with understanding, remembering his own early days. Then Kieran, a first-year apprentice, made the first move. With a friendly smile and an easy line, he walked over and broke the ice - saying something that made Kazeem blink, then smile. From that moment on, they were laughing like old friends. A few days later, Aaron saw Kazeem struggling with a seized bolt. Without hesitation, he handed him a torch and said, “Try heat first. Trust me.” It worked, and they ended the day, laughing and talking together.
Kazeem’s coworkers ensured he was folded into the rhythm of the VB shop. No big speeches. No forced friendships. Just quiet support that said: You’re not alone here. By month’s end, Kazeem was clearly part of a team bound by a shared work ethic, early mornings, and the kind of respect that isn’t given, but earned.
Interested in Building a Successful Career with Van Bree?
Visit our Career Page for available positions and more information.