For this week’s West Herr Wednesday, we visited West Herr Chrysler Jeep of Orchard Park to get to know Sales Professional, Michael Ratchuk.
Growing up in South Buffalo, Mike attended Timon High School until his sophomore year, when he moved away for hockey.
“At 16, it was my first time leaving home. I went to play hockey for the US National Team.”
Following two years in that program, Mike’s hockey career took off.
“I went to Michigan State for two years and was fortunate enough to win a National Championship. I was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the summer of 2006, before my freshman year at MSU and then signed after my sophomore year.”
Mike ended up playing at different levels of professional hockey for ten years before returning home a year ago.
“After two hip surgeries and five concussions, it was time to figure out the next chapter."
Mike was also dealing with something else that had greatly impacted his life.
“September 1st will be 15-months sober for me. My hockey career wasn't what it should have been, and a big part of that was because of drinking."
Coming back to Buffalo, Mike realized all he had known since he was 3 was playing hockey and needed a new path in his life.
“I was actually looking at trucks with Mark Caruana who I had skated with over the years. He had always been good to me and told me I should try selling cars.”
Mike was nervous at first about his lack of car knowledge, but knew he loved talking to people and decided to give it a shot.
“I submitted my application and got a call from Gene Hart, who I have known since I was a kid."
Gene had Mike come in and after a great discussion with himself and Mike Lindstrom, Mike was offered the job.
“I just told them all my goals for myself and what it is I really wanted to accomplish.”
After a year of selling cars at West Herr, Mike considers himself “blessed” to have found this opportunity.
“I am truly spoiled to have my first career job outside of hockey be at this company, with these managers and coworkers, who truly care about you. Even a year into it, I love driving to work each day."
Despite the drastic change in his career, Mike has actually found similarities between hockey and West Herr.
“The same way I formed bonds with my teammates in hockey, I have spent the last year doing with my coworkers. While there is a sense of competition in sales, it is nothing like trying to earn a spot on a roster over someone. It allows you to really get to know the people you work with and care for them. Also, it's nice to now not have my mistakes viewed by thousands of people."
When it comes to working at West Herr, the people really make all the difference to Mike.
“We have four amazing managers that do so much for all of us. Then there’s Scott Bieler who greets each person with a handshake and a smile. He always asks how I’m doing when he sees me. You can tell people in this company just care.”
In terms of his future at West Herr, Mike is focused and driven.
“To keep from getting frustrated, sometimes I have to remind myself I am very new to this. My goal is to get so good at my current job that it is natural to advance. At that point, the sky is the limit.”
Outside of work, Mike still finds ways to be involved in the sport he loves.
“Right now I work at the Cazenovia Buffalo Ice Rink on my two days off. I also plan on getting involved in coaching junior hockey this season as a way to give back to the sport that gave so much to me. I work seven days a week, but the routine is good for me and all a part of my recovery.”
Mike comes from a big Irish Catholic family that includes four sisters and one brother and when he does have free time, he spends it with them.
“I am the baby of the family. My older brother was drafted in the first round of the NHL Draft, but my Dad always tells us that all four of my older sisters are the better athletes.”
Mike was recently offered a contract to once again play hockey overseas, but decided to turn it down.
“For the first time since I was 16, I am able to see my family on a regular basis. Being able to be close to them again is something I never take for granted. They are part of how I have gotten to this point in my life.”
When it comes to what Mike wants people to know about him, it’s that he truly loves engaging with others.
“I always apologize for being long-winded, but I am a storyteller. With my drinking, I always felt like I needed others to take care of me. Now I am so thankful for a chance to rebuild my life.”