Sollio Agriculture team: Meet Jonathan Carmichael

As a customer service coordinator, Jonathan Carmichael’s main responsibility is ensuring customer satisfaction. But what really gets him out of bed in the morning is the chance to go beyond business as usual to build close, lasting relationships with our customers.

Question: What does a customer service coordinator do?
Answer: I mainly deal with fertilizers for Québec. My job is to connect our customers—cooperatives and Agrocentres—with the right resources in the company. I also follow up on purchases, sales, things like that.

Question: Why did you choose to work for Sollio Agriculture?
Answer: I was only 20 when I joined Sollio! At first, what interested me was the opportunity for a year-round job with good benefits. I started as a wheel loader driver at the fertilizer distribution centre in Québec City, then moved into supervision and management roles. I’ve been a customer service coordinator for three years now.

Question: What motivates you in your career at Sollio Agriculture?
Answer: I work with about a dozen customers on a regular basis. We’re very close. Those relationships really motivate me.

Question: Do you have a responsibility that you’re particularly proud of?
Answer: I’m very involved in rolling out new computer systems. I’m what we call a superuser. I test out the systems, give feedback, and make sure the tools are well suited to our work. It’s a lot of fun!

Question: Which company value inspires you the most?
Answer: Work-life balance. It shows how much the organization cares about its employees.

Question: Continuing with some rapid-fire questions. Do you have a hidden talent?
Answer: I’m very handy! Carpentry, plumbing—you name it. I’m very comfortable with all that stuff. Whenever something needs fixing up around the house, I take care of it myself.

Question: How would your best friend describe you?
Answer: As someone who likes to help others. When someone needs help moving furniture, I’m the first to show up.

Question: If you could do another job for a day, what would it be?
Answer: Paramedic.

Question: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Answer: Believe in yourself. You can do it.

Question: What was the last book you read?
Answer: Oh man, I don’t read much! I like comic books, so it was probably an Asterix.

Question: What’s your dream travel destination?
Answer: Costa Rica.

Question: What’s your specialty in the kitchen?
Answer: Ha! You’d have to ask my kids, but I’ll say a nice roast beef—I’m pretty good with any cut of meat.

Question: Who’s your most inspiring colleague?
Answer: Gilles Lavoie, who hired me back in the day. He was my boss for a very long time. He’s retired now, but he still calls me once a month to catch up.

Question: What advice would you give new employees starting out at Sollio Agriculture?
Answer: Believe in yourself. You could start out sweeping the yard and become a manager within a few years. There are lots of opportunities at Sollio Agriculture for anyone who wants to learn.