When a Career Change Leads You Back Home

Back in his zone: Daniel stocks the Electrical shelves in the Kimco warehouse, where he gets materials ready for the technicians heading out on jobs.

By Narini Dzimwasha, Reception/ Admin & Marketing Support at Kimco | September 2026

Sometimes, Changing Direction Doesn’t Mean Leaving

Daniel recently found himself reconsidering the career path he had started down earlier this year. After spending time as an apprentice and getting a firsthand look at what working in the field would be like, he came to realize that returning to the warehouse was where he felt he could make the most of his skills and continue doing his best work.

At Kimco Controls, we try our best to meet our employees halfway when it comes to career transitions, whether that means adapting to a new chapter or exploring a different direction. We saw this with Monique, who continued working remotely with Kimco after moving back to Ontario, and with Daniel, who decided that returning to the warehouse was the right fit for him.

Daniel had come to terms with the fact that he needed to change direction, even if he wasn’t sure what that conversation with Kimco would look like.

“I was a bit hesitant, but I had to make a choice. I mustered up my courage to email my bosses when I got accepted with offers from other companies.”

At that point, Daniel also understood that returning to his former role might not be an option, as the warehouse position had already been filled.

But when Daniel sent in his resignation, he received an unexpected response.

“On the day I sent my resignation email, Mark Hartwick called me about an hour later saying that my resignation was declined. I laughed a little, to be honest. Mark had already talked to Kris Weins and Ken Watt about having me return to the warehouse.”

Rather than seeing Daniel’s change in direction as the end of one path, Kimco was able to find a way to bring him back into a role where he could continue to contribute his skills.

“Now that I am back in my zone, I can do what I do best: material handling and providing for the technicians.”

Daniel’s Perspective

How was your apprenticeship experience?

“My apprenticeship experience started out strong. I came in with huge enthusiasm to learn, absorb everything I could, and even apply my skills and knowledge from the materials department. I was already familiar with the materials and devices that we were installing; it was just a matter of learning how to install them.

Everyone had their own way of doing things, and I was taught multiple ways from different people to fix a single problem until I figured out my own way to solve it. I was enjoying every moment in my new environment.”

What made you decide to return to the warehouse?

“After a month of working, I began to lose the feel and sensitivity in my hands. It was diagnosed as severe carpal tunnel by my physician. After therapy, my hands were still feeling the same due to the repetitive type of work being done in the field.

I had to make a decision: continue working as an electrician or return to the materials line of work and allow my hands to recover. I chose the latter.”

Daniel’s experience is a reminder that changing direction doesn’t always mean starting over. Sometimes, it means recognizing where your skills are best suited and having the support to make that transition.

For Daniel, that meant finding his way back to the warehouse, where he could continue doing what he does best and supporting the technicians he works alongside.

Thinking about a career in the skilled trades? Want to work with a tight-knit team that will have your back through career transitions? See what's open at Kimco.

About Kimco Controls

Kimco Controls has worked in the BC Interior since 1984, with local offices in Kelowna, Penticton, and Cranbrook. Our team handles commercial HVAC, building automation (BAS), and electrical services under one roof. We offer 24/7 emergency support from people who live and work in the communities they serve. We promote from within, take on a lot of apprentices, and every one of our owners started as an employee. Meet our people or explore careers at Kimco.