Interview done by Martha F.H. Mayo, "Martha the Great," great aunt to Will and Larsen.
William (Will) Reis and Larsen Bidstrup are the 2014 Truck Guys. They are first cousins through the Farrington family. Will worked on the truck in 2013 with Kurt Eckhardt, and his brother, Franklin Reis, worked with Kurt in 2010, 2011 and 2012.
When asked why he took the job, Larsen said, "I took the job to be with Will, to make money for my college fund, to be at Squirrel and away from home, and to be with family." Will says, "It was the opportunity of a lifetime. Ever since I was little, I wanted to be a Truck Boy. I have looked up to them all of my life."
Larsen said the most fun part of the job was "Meeting everyone on the Island and driving with my Bro Will. We have hilarious conversations. Early in the summer, we had costumes and different outfits for each day of the week. We enjoyed making people laugh and feel happy. Being on Squirrel makes this job more than business." Will added that they tried to "spice it up" early in the summer with theme weeks for the clothes they wore "to get people in the spirit." He agreed that it was fun being with his cousin because they are so much alike. He said, "It's fun to ride around in a truck all day on a beautiful island. No one else I know has a job like that. It's awesome delivering stuff. Also, I like having coffee every morning at the Farm House with the other workers in their room before we all go out to work." In another comment from Will he says, "It is awesome to have so many little kids look up to us as I did to other Truck Guys when I was younger."
When asked about the most difficult part of the job, Will said it is a challenge to run your own business and be your own boss (even though Rob oversees). "You have to make sure that people get their stuff on time. You also have to be careful and consistent about billing." Larsen commented "Keeping up with all the tasks - time management. We are asked to do a number of side jobs besides meeting the boat and making deliveries. Sometimes it's hard to keep up with it all and still meet the boats. Franklin told us it was not originally part of the job to carry all of the boxes and luggage up and down the ramp to and from the boat, but he and Kurt did it, and Will and I have done it all summer. It is challenging; all those bags can be really heavy. There are long hours. For Wednesdays, for example, we are up at 6:30 AM and work until 10:00 PM."
Larsen says, "The biggest thing we have learned is people skills - how to read them. It is always important to be polite and professional. You put on a work face and do what is needed. We have conversations with as many people as we can. In terms of time management, we have learned to finish one boat and be conscious of the exact minute we have to leave the house (or Tea Shop) to be ready for the incoming boat. For example, at the Tea Shop, we would place an order, go make a delivery, and come back in time for the food to be brought to the table. We treat all boats the same whether there is no business or we are very busy bringing things to the boat or delivering after a boat. We try to pick up luggage for people leaving the Island as fast as possible." Will echoed Larsen's comment about personal skills - talking to people, listening, and getting better at remembering. "You have to be on point with everything."
Martha asks, "If you were recruiting someone for the job, what would you tell them?" And even though Will and Larsen want to return next year, Will says, "I would tell them that it is very hard. You have to know there are no breaks or time off. Be prepared for a long summer. You have to take the job fully on. You can't just do half of it. There is no going to the beach or going swimming. You always have to be on point to work more than 80 hours per week. You have to listen to everyone. You can't pick favorites. You have to love everyone. They are your customers. You can't put off anything.' However, William adds, "There are also upsides to the hard working. You get to be on a beautiful place all summer next to the water. You get to make money. Occasionally you can get to the beach, and when you do have time for a break, you appreciate it more because you have earned it. You're on an island, but busy." Larsen comments, "You have to understand all kinds of different people and personalities." Will further suggests, "If you are going to do the job, I recommend you do it with someone you are close to so you do it happily 24 hours a day. It's OK to be with a friend, but the amount of time together can get frustrating. Larsen and I love each other." Larsen says, "If you have someone you are connected with, it is easier. For example, when you need two trucks, it is easier to split up the things that need to be delivered."
"William and I certainly love our job. That is for sure!"-Larsen Bidstrup
"It is helpful to have loving family with younger cousins who love to help." Even though they are not officially "Truck Guys," Will's and Larsen's siblings and cousins love to help: Brett Bidstrup, Izzy Reis, Gage Neirinckz, Charlie Guild, Colin MacMillan.
Notes posted at the Post Office by Larsen and William
Monday, August 25, 2014
Dear Squirrel,
Summers on Squirrel always seem to fly by. Unfortunately, I will be leaving Tuesday night to return to Massachusetts. This summer has been amazing for me for so many reasons. Having the opportunity to meet and get to know so many more islanders was truly a pleasure. thank you all for the wonderful experience this summer.
Have a great year and, as always, keep on keeping on.
Sincerely,
Larsen Bidstrup
August 30, 2014
Dear Islanders,
Another "Endless Summer"is drawing to a close. I would like to thank all of you for the opportunity of serving you. I have enjoyed getting to know you and getting to know the ins and outs of this special island. It has been one of the best summers I have ever had. Tomorrow is my last day on the island. Next Tuesday I begin classes again at the University of New Hampshire.
My cousin, Gage Neirinckx, will be picking up my truck duties and odd jobs for a period of time in September.
Wishing you a great winter and see you next summer!
Best wishes,
William Reis
William (Will) Reis and Larsen Bidstrup are the 2014 Truck Guys. They are first cousins through the Farrington family. Will worked on the truck in 2013 with Kurt Eckhardt, and his brother, Franklin Reis, worked with Kurt in 2010, 2011 and 2012.
When asked why he took the job, Larsen said, "I took the job to be with Will, to make money for my college fund, to be at Squirrel and away from home, and to be with family." Will says, "It was the opportunity of a lifetime. Ever since I was little, I wanted to be a Truck Boy. I have looked up to them all of my life."
Larsen said the most fun part of the job was "Meeting everyone on the Island and driving with my Bro Will. We have hilarious conversations. Early in the summer, we had costumes and different outfits for each day of the week. We enjoyed making people laugh and feel happy. Being on Squirrel makes this job more than business." Will added that they tried to "spice it up" early in the summer with theme weeks for the clothes they wore "to get people in the spirit." He agreed that it was fun being with his cousin because they are so much alike. He said, "It's fun to ride around in a truck all day on a beautiful island. No one else I know has a job like that. It's awesome delivering stuff. Also, I like having coffee every morning at the Farm House with the other workers in their room before we all go out to work." In another comment from Will he says, "It is awesome to have so many little kids look up to us as I did to other Truck Guys when I was younger."
When asked about the most difficult part of the job, Will said it is a challenge to run your own business and be your own boss (even though Rob oversees). "You have to make sure that people get their stuff on time. You also have to be careful and consistent about billing." Larsen commented "Keeping up with all the tasks - time management. We are asked to do a number of side jobs besides meeting the boat and making deliveries. Sometimes it's hard to keep up with it all and still meet the boats. Franklin told us it was not originally part of the job to carry all of the boxes and luggage up and down the ramp to and from the boat, but he and Kurt did it, and Will and I have done it all summer. It is challenging; all those bags can be really heavy. There are long hours. For Wednesdays, for example, we are up at 6:30 AM and work until 10:00 PM."
Larsen says, "The biggest thing we have learned is people skills - how to read them. It is always important to be polite and professional. You put on a work face and do what is needed. We have conversations with as many people as we can. In terms of time management, we have learned to finish one boat and be conscious of the exact minute we have to leave the house (or Tea Shop) to be ready for the incoming boat. For example, at the Tea Shop, we would place an order, go make a delivery, and come back in time for the food to be brought to the table. We treat all boats the same whether there is no business or we are very busy bringing things to the boat or delivering after a boat. We try to pick up luggage for people leaving the Island as fast as possible." Will echoed Larsen's comment about personal skills - talking to people, listening, and getting better at remembering. "You have to be on point with everything."
Martha asks, "If you were recruiting someone for the job, what would you tell them?" And even though Will and Larsen want to return next year, Will says, "I would tell them that it is very hard. You have to know there are no breaks or time off. Be prepared for a long summer. You have to take the job fully on. You can't just do half of it. There is no going to the beach or going swimming. You always have to be on point to work more than 80 hours per week. You have to listen to everyone. You can't pick favorites. You have to love everyone. They are your customers. You can't put off anything.' However, William adds, "There are also upsides to the hard working. You get to be on a beautiful place all summer next to the water. You get to make money. Occasionally you can get to the beach, and when you do have time for a break, you appreciate it more because you have earned it. You're on an island, but busy." Larsen comments, "You have to understand all kinds of different people and personalities." Will further suggests, "If you are going to do the job, I recommend you do it with someone you are close to so you do it happily 24 hours a day. It's OK to be with a friend, but the amount of time together can get frustrating. Larsen and I love each other." Larsen says, "If you have someone you are connected with, it is easier. For example, when you need two trucks, it is easier to split up the things that need to be delivered."
"William and I certainly love our job. That is for sure!"-Larsen Bidstrup
"It is helpful to have loving family with younger cousins who love to help." Even though they are not officially "Truck Guys," Will's and Larsen's siblings and cousins love to help: Brett Bidstrup, Izzy Reis, Gage Neirinckz, Charlie Guild, Colin MacMillan.
Notes posted at the Post Office by Larsen and William
Monday, August 25, 2014
Dear Squirrel,
Summers on Squirrel always seem to fly by. Unfortunately, I will be leaving Tuesday night to return to Massachusetts. This summer has been amazing for me for so many reasons. Having the opportunity to meet and get to know so many more islanders was truly a pleasure. thank you all for the wonderful experience this summer.
Have a great year and, as always, keep on keeping on.
Sincerely,
Larsen Bidstrup
August 30, 2014
Dear Islanders,
Another "Endless Summer"is drawing to a close. I would like to thank all of you for the opportunity of serving you. I have enjoyed getting to know you and getting to know the ins and outs of this special island. It has been one of the best summers I have ever had. Tomorrow is my last day on the island. Next Tuesday I begin classes again at the University of New Hampshire.
My cousin, Gage Neirinckx, will be picking up my truck duties and odd jobs for a period of time in September.
Wishing you a great winter and see you next summer!
Best wishes,
William Reis