JustJeeps.com

The Faces of Jeep interview with Adrian Collison, General Manager at JustJeeps

 

FOJ-[Natasha]: “Why did you choose Jeep and how has it influenced your life?”

Adrian: “I chose Jeep as a lifestyle when I was looking for a vehicle for college. I always lived an outdoor lifestyle and had recently moved to Barrie. With the 4×4 drive system for the winter and the convertible factor for the summer it was a no brainer. I had also recently lost a family member who taught me to live each day to the fullest and the Jeep fit right in with that mantra.”

FOJ-[Natasha]: “How long have your been wheeling?”

Adrian: “I have been off roading for 16 years.”

FOJ-[Natasha]: “How many Jeeps have you owned?”

Adrian: “One, My 1995 YJ. It’s been through many different versions but I just love the simplicity and basicness of it. I also can be frequently spotted in the Just Jeeps 2007 4DR JK.”

FOJ-[Natasha]: “Where all how you traveled and where is your favorite place to wheel?”

Adrian: “I have taken my Jeep all the way to Florida and back but primarily use it in Ontario. Our trail system here is quite large and somewhat local as well. The main areas I wheel in are Bobcaygeon, Minden and Haliburton with the occasional trip to North Bay. Southwind Motel (Ray’s Place) is home base almost every weekend from May til October.  He has private trails on property and it also provides a central place to be able to access the crown land trails in Bobcaygeon and Minden.”

FOJ-[Natasha]: “What place would you recommend to other for a great wheeling experience?”

Adrian: “I always recommend getting involved with the OF4WD.  They are a non-profit organization that fights on off roaders’ behalf to keep public lands accessible to recreational 4×4 vehicles. They are primarily based out of Southern Ontario and provide an excellent service through their newbie runs on educating new wheelers.”

FOJ-[Natasha]: “When did your personal Jeep journey/business journey with JustJeeps begin?”

Adrian: “My journey with Just Jeeps began 11 years ago.  I was laid off as a structural ironworker and hung around the shop after attending my union hall. This became almost a daily occurrence and eventually the owner here asked if I wanted to start getting paid. It may have been a joke at the time but it lead to me working here..lol”

FOJ-[Natasha]: “Your roll as general manager, what all does that entail and how has it changed your life?”

Adrian: “Literally everything…lol. I do a little bit of everything and oversee the day-to-day operations of our parts, online and service department. I will assist in the department that requires assistance. I help manage our social media accounts along with providing support to events through attending.We are a relatively small family owned business run by Jeepers that cater to the Jeep community. I always try to separate work from pleasure but it frequently gets blinded together. That is what happens when your passion becomes a hobby and then becomes a job. I love the Jeep community especially when a new Wrangler model comes out. It brings all kinds of new people in and I love providing them with entry into the community through initial modifying of their Jeeps. On the personal side of things there is nothing more rewarding then seeing someone you have assisted in building their Jeep out enjoying it on the trails.”

FOJ-[Natasha]: “Thank you Adrian for sharing your JustJeeps journey with us. Check out their website http://www.justjeeps.com.

Photo from Adrian Collison, Questions asked by FOJ-Natasha Kokkinis & Answers from Adrian Collison

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