Day 18

Well, it's Friday, and it's day 18. Today, I got a few things done at the apartment, and prepped for my interview with Sharp End Athletics. I interviewed their CEO Mr. Ben.


Check back here later for the conversation.


The interview went well. Having sent an email to confirm it, I arrived to find Mr. Himes ready for me. We got a few things sorted out---like where he will sit, got the lapel mic fixed to his shirt and mine, went over the general flow of the interview---and got started.


Afterwards, I realized I had some time on my hand, and wanted to make the most of it. I caught the bus, and went south to prospect. I picked out a few shops that seemed good, and walked in. My first stop was Jeffes Mexican Restaurant & Catering. I spoke to Rogelio, the owner, and after hearing me out, wanted to set up a 30 minute sitdown for Thursday. I scheduled him.

I quickly checked out a close-by boxing gym, and found the owner busy, and moved on. Without intending it to, I ended up finishing the day with Michael Yost of Yost Automotive.


He was kind enough to hear me out, and even sat down with me to talk about a number of things. Simply a good conversation, this was. I was in no hurry, as I met his son, his associates, and heard the story behind his growth as a businessman. He has worked a number of different jobs---salesman, carpenter, window installer, and others---in the past, and seemed resourceful. 
 
Over the conversation, he shared with me his philosophy of hiring people he liked to work for him, and most of them having worked for him for a good number of years---some 10, some 5, and in between.


He currently runs the shop with his wife, and has created almost a family like atmosphere around the shop. Most of his employees easily approached him and chatted with him, without fear of reprisal, I noticed. 
 
I set a time for an interview on Wednesday at 11am, and gave him my contact information, and took his.


A long week it has been, and it was time to head home. Catching the 1 bus, and the 142 bus, I was home in about an hour or more.


On to day, 19. But a weekend first, and much needed rest.