MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — Jason Makin is just another good Kingston boy.

Nine years ago, after a career as a technician with the Canadian Forces followed by some time at Toyota Motor Company, Makin and his wife decided to return to their hometown in Eastern Ontario. He took a job as the fleet maintenance manager with Cruickshank Construction.

Nearly a decade later Makin is the Volvo Fleet Maintenance Manager of the year for 2018. Makin made the drive to the Canadian Fleet Maintenance Summit (CFMS) to be presented with the award.

Although Makin knew he was nominated for the honor, the award was meant to be a surprise to its winner until the moment his named was announced. When he reached the stage Makin said he was suspicious when he saw his son – also a technician – at CFMS, but his wife was a dead giveaway.

The die-hard Leafs fan says it was a learning curve returning to truck maintenance on the Cruickshank fleet after spending years at the Toyota plant, but he says he wouldn’t do anything else.

Makin says it’s the people that makes the difference for him every day, but its Makin that makes the difference for those around him.

Leading by example and with his trademark sense of humor, Cruickshank technicians say the manager creates a positive work environment by making them feel cared for on the job.

Fleet owner Steve Cruickshank said there was no one more deserving of the award than Makin.

Grateful for the support, Makin says he feels lucky that he could work in a job doing what he likes, while living in a place that he loves.

• This article has been updated to reflect the proper spelling of Cruickshank. Today’s Trucking regrets the error.