WELCOME RANGER SCOTT MARTIN
By Dan King
Scott Martin became Camp Ondessonk’s Ranger and Director of Maintenance Monday, April 15, 2024. For three years, Scott worked under the supervision of Camp’s veteran Ranger Mike Jennings, who retired April 12.
Originally from Minooka, Ill., a once quiet village Southwest of Chicago, Scott earned his Associate Degree in Automotive Technology from Joliet Junior College. In 2006, he completed his Bachelor of Science Degree in Automotive Technology from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He then returned to Martin Cement Company, the family-owned company he grew up in, to become a Warehouse Manager and Mechanic. As the company grew, Scott’s responsibilities and skills expanded. He was eventually in charge of performing regular maintenance and repairs for the company’s equipment assets, including electric motors, small engines, diesel engines, gasoline and diesel vehicles, medium and heavy trucks, trailers, forklifts, skid steers, hydraulic systems, and various specialized concrete installation equipment.
In February 2017, Scott made a bold move by leaving his family’s successful business (and the chaos of the suburbs) to move to Southernmost Illinois with his wife. They own a home on a spectacular piece of heavily forested property adjacent to the Shawnee National Forest. Scott was self-employed during 2017 and 2018. He worked on vehicles and heavy equipment, performed tractor and backhoe work, worked on homes as a jack of all trades, and built pole barns. Scott then went to work at Auto Trim Design in Marion, where he installed custom vehicle accessories and bed liners while also working as an Assistant Manager.
Camp Ondessonk was very fortunate when Scott accepted an Assistant Camp Ranger position three years ago. He has proven himself as a good-natured, intelligent, and crafty problem solver with talents in various trades beyond his strong vehicle and equipment mechanics background, including carpentry, electrical systems, plumbing, hydraulics, HVAC systems, and grounds maintenance.
Scott is eager to continue Mike’s successful efforts to build meaningful relationships with Camp’s Community of devoted maintenance volunteers, its vendors, supporters, and staff. Scott is tasked with filling big shoes. Your encouragement and patience will go a long way in assuring his success, and ultimately, Camp’s success.
We congratulate Scott Martin on becoming Camp’s eighth Ranger, following in the footsteps of notable Rangers Ralph Rheinecker, Jim Klein, Morgan Rheaume, Royce Reeder, Larry Barger, Dave Bretscher, and Mike Jennings. Please give Scott a warm welcome when you see him.
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