Initially learning some skills with agriculture equipment, Todd’s main focus has been construction and he enjoys working with the large machines. (Photo credit: Zachary Traverse)

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RME is committed to providing reliable and consistent service to both the agriculture and construction industries, from ensuring customers have the equipment they need to get the job done, to keeping their equipment in top shape for maximum efficiency out in the field. With the latter being an important part of the day-to-day in the RME service department, it’s important to recognize the individuals behind the scenes who make this happen.

Journeyman Heavy Equipment Technician Todd Ylioja has been working with equipment since before RME’s inception. Starting off his career in Saskatchewan, he moved to Alberta and began working for Hi-Way Services in Lethbridge in 2002. When Hi-Way Service and Hammer Equipment merged, Todd continued providing his services to the newly formed RME and it’s customers.

“What I enjoy most is the interaction with customers and after 22 years, I know many quite well and have seen them grow their own companies from one machine to many,” said Todd. “I feel like I have been a part of their journey.”

Working mostly with CASE equipment and out on the road, Todd is quite dedicated to ensuring his customers have their machines up and running as quickly as possible so they can get the job done efficiently.

RME Construction Equipment Sales Manager Zachary Traverse said Todd is an important member of the team.

“He is such a devoted technician; he does everything he can to make sure a customer’s down time is minimal and he doesn’t leave the worksite until the equipment is fixed,” he said. “He can fix anything you put in front of him no matter what colour the equipment is.”

Zachary continues on to say, “no matter what time it is, Todd is always ready and committed to help customers when they need it most.”

“His mechanical knowledge is wildly impressive, he is an outstanding mechanic, a great guy, and a massive part of the success of the Lethbridge CE team.”

Todd got a lot of his experience growing up on a farm and working on the farm equipment with his family. However, due to allergies, he couldn’t continue working on AG equipment and that’s how he found himself in the construction industry.

“I enjoy tackling a problem on a machine that makes you think and once that machine is fixed, being able to leave knowing the customer can go back to work.”

In terms of advice for newcomers in the industry, Todd says to stay in school and learn the basics before fully coming into work.

“Take any training you can get at the dealership. I thought I knew a lot coming off the farm but it was a full year at Olds College and then an apprenticeship that really gave me the knowledge I have today.”

RME is proud to have such dedicated technicians like Todd on the team to help keep customers working hard on their projects. By doing , RME ensures they have the tools and education they need to be able to fully support our customers and keep their equipment running.

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