This time it is someone I luckily personally know. I met Brian in December 2012. That time I lived in Miami and went for Christmas holidays to Canada with my brother and another friend.
Ever since my brother spent one summer in a wooden house when he was a kid, he wanted to have such a house himself. Thus we three met in Vancouver to find the perfect logs for our home.
At first I was not fond of the idea of having a wooden house. But back then I also was not an outdoor and nature lover like I am now.
My brother found Brian’s company online, he established the contact and by the time we arrived in Vancouver, Brian had already received the plans of our future house from our architect.
The first encounter was at the Vancouver airport. When I entered the baggage claim area I saw my brother and his friend who shortly arrived from Europe and were also waiting for their baggage. Next to them I saw, what in the opinion of an European person is probably the prototype of a Canadian man, Brian. Tall as a standing bear, blond long hair, circle beard, brown leather jacket, blue washed jeans, several rings on his fingers and a bright smile on his face. He took my 20 kg bag as if it was a feather and brought us to his, of course, huge red pickup.
The next couple days were amazing. Brian showed us his work yard where wooden beauties are born. His team consists of professionals from all over the world. Starting in Canada through Europe to Asia. Just like himself, he only hires people with the highest demand for perfection.
We spent Christmas with Brian and his friends. We were very moved to be invited to one of the most sacred holidays although Brian hardly knew us. We spent a warm and happy night.
After the joy moments it was time to get down to business. We drove through cedar forests and literally looked for trees to be taken for our home. Brian would mark the ones we liked with his initials. That way the logging company knew what trees were reserved by Brian for his projects.
It took us three full days to pick enough trees for the size of our planned house. In Brian’s office we then finalized the project, talked about some questions that arose and shook hands to see each other in October 2013 when the house should be assembled .
My diary entry from October 22nd 2013:
„Brian arrived one week ago. He stays with us in our current home. His presence is in no way burdensome. He is a pleasant and interesting conversational partner. He gladly shares his life stories and his experience with me. Brian is a very open person, but he seems to spend a lot of time within himself too. His outward appearance is very important for him. His hair is cut perfectly and his beard is trimmed to the same lenght. His clothes show that high quality and not expensive brands is the reason why he buys them. His outfits are completed by his accessory (rings and bracelets) that jointly tell a story.
His physical power is impressive. Even men who are considerably younger could not keep up with him. Brian’s charisma is overwhelming. Men and women feel good around him (each gender for another reason). For men he is a leader, women feel „touched“ by him.
It is a good feeling to know that such a strong person is in control of the building of our house.“
My opinion from 2013 just grew into even a more positive and stronger one.
It is a rare thing that out of business and between generations real friendship arises.
I am glad and honored to call Brian a friend.
Max
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