Meet the Team: Jared Olsen
Jared Olsen’s official initiation into heavy equipment began back in high school when he took a job with Penco in Eager, Arizona. At only 16-years-old, Jared was already operating a backhoe and helping to build log homes.
But even as a toddler, Jared had been exposed to heavy equipment.
“My family is from Safford, Arizona, and they are all ranchers and farmers, so I was able to see equipment up close at a young age,” said Jared. “I didn’t work for them because we moved to Eager when I was two-years-old, but I was familiar and always interested in heavy equipment.”
By the time Penco relocated to the Phoenix area and shifted gears into grading and paving, Jared was hooked. He made the move to the Valley as well, and added scrapers, excavators, front-end loaders and motor graders to his operating repertoire.
In 2008, Jared joined the ranks at Freeport-McMoRan as an equipment operator. After two years, he moved on to an aggregate plant in Green Valley, an experience that honed his skillset and led to career advancement.
“I was trained by some old timers who really knew the business, but eventually they retired,” said Jared. “For about the last 8 years of my time there, I was in charge of the plant, which brought on a whole different side of the mining business. They got me nationally certified as a crane operator. We did a lot of welding, fabricating, operations, ordering all the parts, maintenance of the site. It was really enjoyable because I learned so much and they treated me well.”
But after 17 years with Freeport, Jared found himself ready for a new challenge as he headed into 2024.
As a longtime, devoted customer of Cutting Edge Supply, Jared had gotten to know a few of the salesmen pretty well over the years.
“I really liked my job at Freeport, but I have also always wanted to challenge myself,” said Jared. “It never really dawned on me until towards the end of my career at Freeport that Cutting Edge could be a possibility. But, I have always loved Cutting Edge’s product. I’ve always thought it was the BEST, and so, I asked my Cutting Edge sales rep if there was an opening in sales and it just so happened there was.”
Jared officially joined the Cutting Edge Supply team as an Outside Sales Rep in February 2024. His mining experience and prior first-hand customer use of Cutting Edge products has made for a smooth transition as he covers nine mines across the Eastern part of Arizona.
“After dealing with sales reps from different companies, I had a very good idea of how I would treat my customers and how NOT to treat them,” said Jared. “I came in with extensive knowledge about mining, and like I said, I also honestly believe that Cutting Edge is the best product out there. It’s what the old timers taught me at Freeport, and what I experienced for myself. Our product and our capabilities are top of the line; I don’t think anyone can match it.”
Located in Vail, Arizona, Jared is constantly on the road, making sure to hit all of the mines in his territory every other week.
“I think the biggest thing for me is just consistently showing up so they know they can count on me,” said Jared. “I’m a loyal and honest guy, and I just want to be there if they need any help.”
In his spare time, the father of two loves being outdoors.
“With growing up in the mountains, I love to camp, ride side-by-sides, hunt, fish, skiing, snowboarding or tubing with the kids,” said Jared. “We just love spending time outdoors.”