Time with Marathon: 29 years, started June of 1988.
For Marathon Coach employee Mike Wilson, affectionately referred to as “Big Mike,” there’s more to hunting than catching his prey. It’s a retreat from the everyday, an exercise in challenge.
What is your favorite thing about working at Marathon?
Probably the group of people I work with and the quality of the coaches. You know, it’s not always easy getting there, that’s for sure, but we get there no matter what it takes.
What is your favorite movie?
That would be, “The Others.” It’s a Nicole Kidman movie. It’s kind of obscure, but it’s very interesting.
What do you think people should know about Marathon?
I think we’re unique because we have a group of people who have a lot of experience, as well as some talented newer people. In the end, that makes for a great product.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
I grew up next to Fern Ridge Lake, and my brothers and I used to spend all summer long swimming and fishing and whatever else we were doing. That was great. Those were good times.
What is your favorite free time activity?
Most of my hunting has been for deer with a muzzle loader — I make my own bullets for those. I’ve taken a couple with a bow and about half a dozen with a hand gun, so I try to make it a little difficult for some challenge there. I’ve even made seven or eight laminated long bows. I hunt ducks, as well. I’ve been doing that since I was a teenager.
What do you do at Marathon?
I do cabinetry, but there’s some lamination involved in that, working with different hardwares and fabrics at times, prototyping occasionally.
Who was your favorite singer/band in high school?
Don Henley.
Who is your favorite singer/band now?
Don Henley.
What brought you to Marathon?
I worked at another coach manufacturer before here, and hearing about it and seeing the quality (again, going back to the quality), I wanted to get involved with Marathon.
Star Wars or Star Trek?
Actually, Star Trek was one of my favorite shows as a kid, so Star Trek.
Oregon Ducks or Oregon Beavers?
Since they’re both from Oregon, I root for both of them. I know that’s not a very popular way to be.
What has been your most memorable vacation?
A motorcycle ride or two my wife and I have taken. We lived in Bakersfield years ago and came up here on a motorcycle a few times. That was pretty exciting.
What has been your most memorable camping trip?
Odell Lake with my family in the early ‘70s. That was a lot of fun.
What sets Marathon apart from other luxury RVs?
The quality, of course. We have to have that, which we do. Our employees also set us apart. As well as having the experienced guys, we’ve had some new people come on during the past six months or couple of years that are very skilled and talented. That’s very exciting.
Watch sports or play sports?
At my age anymore, I watch.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, who would you want with you?
That’s pretty easy — my wife.
Where do you most want to travel but have never been?
Probably Alaska for the fishing and hunting opportunities.
What is your favorite memory?
The day I got married.
How would your friends describe you?
I guess it depends on who you ask. I’m pretty driven at my job, and I like to play hard and work hard.
What is your favorite book?
One that was memorable I read as a kid was “Moby Dick.”
What is your favorite song?
It would be the Don Henley thing again, probably “Desperado” by the Eagles.
Who was your favorite teacher growing up and why?
My favorite teacher was also my track coach, Jim Brown. He was my shop teacher, as well. He also got me started in the cabinetry thing. Definitely him.
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