Power Behind the Pull: Michael Turner

Lasers, a few years back we only saw them in movies like Star Wars, but today they are more and more a part of our everyday lives. Whether used in the medical field to cure eye issues or in law enforcement to catch a lead footed driver, they have become pretty common. However, their technology is still pretty complex and the people that work with them have to be on the cutting edge. Chief’s LaserLock™ Measuring Cabinet is no different, and Michael Turner, our resident LaserLock guru fits the description pretty well.

Michael is the builder of the the LaserLock machines, and we couldn’t ask for a better man for the job. So let us take a few minutes to get to the guy that makes the LaserLock so great.

Q: How long have you been with Chief? 

Michael: I actually started with Rotary Lift 21 years ago and moved over to Chief when they joined Rotary in 2009. I actually spent a month in Grand Island, Nebraska, where Chief was located, learning the LaserLock™ Measuring Cabinet.

Q: What do you enjoy about your job? 

Michael: I enjoy going to and setting up for trades shows, like SEMA and NADA. There is a great deal involved in putting together a good looking booth, it’s a lot of work, but fun at the same time. I also like walking around the shows and seeing what some of the competitors have in the way of equipment.

Q: What is one thing about working in where you do that people may not know? 

Michael: You must be very adaptive and able handle many different tasks. There are several components to our measuring systems and you need to be well versed on all of them.

Q: What is one of the biggest challenges to your job?

Michael: The collision industry is constantly changing and becoming more in depth. Keeping up with the constant change and new technologies is tough, but definitely necessary.

Q: What is one fun fact about you that people may not know? 

Michael: I love to fish. One time a friend, who shall remain nameless, asked me to take him fishing. About 1 hour into the trip he tried to stand up and ended up falling out of the boat. The moment was priceless and one that he nor I will ever forget.

Q: What do you enjoy doing in your time away from work? 

Michael: I love my family and spending time with them. I also enjoy fishing and now, after about a 10 year absence, golfing.

Q: Are you a music person or a sports person?

Michael: Can’t I be both? I am a huge Indianapolis Colts and Indiana Hooisers fan, although neither team gave me much to cheer for this year. I also love music, Classic Rock and Blues to be specific. The Rolling Stones, Neil Young and BB King just to name a few of my favorites. 

Q: What product in Chief’s full line do you think is the most interesting or has the most to offer to the customer? Why? 

Michael: It would definitely be the LaserLock™ Measuring System. Its a great tool and allows our customers to watch their pulls being made in real time.(plus I help build them, so I am a little biased.)