This Month’s Co-op Community Champion, Patrick Patterson, has spent 20 years in Fort St. John’s hospitality industry.
Co-op highlights people in Fort St. John who should be recognized for their work in the community. Anyone looking to nominate a community-minded person in need of recognition, head to Energeticcity’s website.
Patterson received two separate nominations calling for him to be recognized as a Community Champion based on him as a person and a colleague.
“Patrick is an amazing person inside and out. He is the most hardworking, selfless, heartfelt person I’ve ever met! I’ve worked with him throughout the years, and it just keeps getting better every time! I nominate him because he deserves to be celebrated for his accomplishments and dedication,” read the first nomination.
“Patrick is such a great manager and all around person. He always makes me smile and is very supportive! Give this man an award,” said the second nomination.
Well, to the second person to nominate Patrick, he’s getting that recognition.
After being read the nominations, his reply was short and sweet.
“It’s what I put out in the world coming back to me,” said Patterson.
He moved to Fort St. John in 1992 and spent most of his time working in the restaurant industry, including White Spot, Egan’s McSwiggens. Tony Roma’s, and Casey’s Pub.
Patterson now works as a Sales and Office Coordinator for ESW IT Business Advisors but still has his foot in the restaurant industry working part-time nights at Montana’s.
The restaurant industry can be very close-knit, and Patterson said each place he worked at felt like a family, especially Egan’s.
“We always made sure that we got through the crazy busy nights. We always celebrated the victories and stuff like that.”
“When the chips are down, and somebody is needed, they always come through. That was from the family atmosphere. You won’t get that at other restaurants where it’s just a job. These places we always made, well, I at least did, always made sure that it was more than a job.”
Having worked a good chunk of his life in the restaurant industry, Patterson says he’s got to work with generations of Fort St. John families.
“I’ve seen a lot of faces serve a lot of people here.”
He says the city has changed from the wild wild west to be more family-oriented.’
Patterson says he’s always tried to pay it forward no matter where he’s been.
Outside of work, Patterson can be seen basically living in the gym after some personal battles.
“I’m a recovered alcoholic and drug addict. So I’m hitting four years clean and sober.”
Patterson says he also overcame many mental health issues, saying he was suicidal four years ago.
“I was done being here. [Then, I figured if I’m going to be here] I need to find a way to move forward.”
Patterson hasn’t been alone in his journey, saying the families he created in the restaurant industry have supported him along the way.
“I’ve never been so loved and protected.”
Anyone looking to nominate a community-minded person in need of recognition, head to Energeticcity’s website.
