This is a guest post written by Casey Schiel.  Casey and Ashley grew up together during elementary, junior high and part of high school.  He shares a story of how he got his first job working with Sergio at Ace Hardware.

I will never forget my first job as a teenager. I was walking up the street a few blocks to my local Alco retail store with my very first completed application in hand. A block from the store a random minivan pulled up (I think red) and asked me one very simple and to the point question. “What are you doing?”

“Applying for a job at Alco.” I said puzzlingly

Motivationally and assuredly he said, “I am a manager at the Ace Hardware store, why don’t you stop by there first”.

I didn’t think twice, I took his advice by applying right away. I became a proud part-time employee at Ace, as a janitor. My first job, my first team, my first boss Sergio Sanchez. During my short time employed, I had no idea what a lasting impact the experience would have after moving to another town.

After 10 years of numerous part-time jobs and internship experiences I can say that having a personable, knowledgeable and fun supervisor is crucial when creating an enjoyable work environment. I was very lucky to have Sergio provide that leadership, and guidance. He had an enthusiastic way about him every day I spent working at Ace Hardware.

Becoming the man I am today I have always felt timing has been very fortunate. I can’t help but believe that timing has been strongly connected by my religious beliefs, loving family, and past relationships built through simple interactions that most people would tend to forget or take advantage of.  My interaction with Sergio that day walking to Alco happened for a reason and I am very grateful he pulled over to say hello.

I’d go back to those days clocking in only to appreciate Sergio even more supervising me. It was a necessary job to keep the day to day operations running and he was sure to trust me with it. Sergio conditioned this same assurance with everyone to create a uniform and successful working environment. I will never forget my first job as a teenager, thank you Sergio you were a great supervisor and a cool dude!

Thank you Casey for sharing your story!  Read another guest post from one of Ashley’s classmates on how Sergio affected him as a teacher. 

If you have a story to share e-mail it to ashley@thewheelsofgrace.com to have it featured on our blog.