Employee Name: Oleh “Oleg” Hanushchak
Number of years of service at Pahl’s: I have been working here since 2005.
Briefly describe your job duties at Pahl’s: Working at Pahl’s I’ve been doing something for every season:
Spring –I am part of the planting crew. I plant and take care of all the plants in the greenhouse as well as grow hothouse tomatoes for our market.
Summer and Autumn –I do fieldwork and deliver produce to the local grocery stores
Winter –I help our customers find their perfect Christmas tree for the holidays.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? The most rewarding part of my job is seeing happy and satisfied customers. I also enjoy the contact with nature.
Tell us about your family: I have a wife named Oksana. We have known each other since kindergarten.
Together we have a son named Arsen. He is 7 years old. He loves Star Wars and hockey.
What is your favorite time of day/day of the week/month of the year? Why? I like early mornings, especially somewhere in mountain area.
What is your favorite indoor/outdoor activity? (E.g. Hobbies, talents, crafts etc.) I used to hike a lot in Carpathian Mountains with my friends when we were in Ukraine. I Like photography, camping, bowling, and spend time with family and friends.
What is the farthest you have been away from home? Tell us the most unique experience from that trip?
The farthest that I’ve been from home is the United States; approx. 14,000 miles. Originally I am from the Ukraine, which is in Eastern Europe. Lately I went on vacation to South Dakota. We visited Custer Park, Mt. Rushmore, Deadwood, Sturgis. It was great time.
What are three things on your “Bucket List” ?
-I have one thing already done. I’ve visited Harley Davidson Hall of Fame in Sturgis, SD.
-I want to own and drive a Harley Davidson motorcycle.
-I want to Visit Yellowstone Park.
What do you miss most about being a kid? I miss my parents and good friends from my childhood.
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? I would learn to fix engines (to maintain my Harley in the future), drive a semi-truck, and programming.
What was the first thing you bought with your own money? I don’t remember what it was in the Ukraine, but the first thing I bought in the U.S was a cell phone. I used that call my family and friends back in the Ukraine.
If you could choose anyone, who would you pick to be your mentor? Why? Alexander of Macedon.
He was considered one of the greatest military geniuses of all times. I wouldn’t like to be a conqueror. I would like to learn all of the skills from him.
If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? I would pay off my mortgage, buy a motorcycle, and travel a bit. The rest I would invest into something to have enough for my children and grandchildren.
Which celebrity do you get mistaken for? I am unique. So I don’t get mistaken with any celebrity.
What is your all time favorite movie? My favorite movies are Knockin’ on heaven’s door (1997) and The Patriot (2000, Mel Gibson).
What song do you play the most often? Guns ‘n’ Roses (Knockin’ on the heavens door, November rain, and Don’t cry). I like and listen to Ukrainian and Russian rock.
What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done? I had to leave my wife and 4 month old child at home in Ukraine for a year and came to the United States.
Oleg,
You are one of the nicest people I know at Pahl’s. A quick smile and hard work seem to be what you are made of! Well done my friend!! Jackie
No wonder Pahl’s is my favorite nursery. With people like you helping us make the right purchases, I can’t imagine going anywhere else.
Thanks for telling us about your family. Enjoy filling that bucket list.
Carol
I love seeing you with your wife and son. I can only imagine how hard it was to leave them behind when you came to the USA. Thanks for sharing your story and your wonderful smile!
Oleg,
You are always so pleasant and we thank you for all your hard work at Pahl’s.
You deserve to be employee of the month. Well done
Jane