Love of labor yields labors of love

Statistics show that only one third of all Americans like their job. This Labor Day, I’d like to recognize five of them, all of whom brightened my day in a two hour span. 

Early one morning I met a friend for coffee at Chocolate Perks in Duluth where our lattes were adorned with cream swirled in the shape of a leaf. When we raved about the artistry, barista Erick Noetzel, said, “This is such a great place to work. I get paid to be nice to people and they encourage us to experiment. I’m learning how to pour a swan.” 

Manager, Jimm Nestoras looked on with pride. 

“I came here with my family from Australia 15 months ago to start a church and loved coming here as a customer,” Nestoras said. “I needed income and I have a passion for coffee and people, so this met all my needs.”

On my way home, I stopped by Lowe’s in Norcross to pick up supplies for a few home improvement projects. Orrin Lynch greeted me with a smile.

“I need some drought-proof flowers,” I said.

“You need to talk to Marko, our gardening expert,” he said.

Marko Lacmanovic, a vendor for Garden Vision, seemed awfully young to be an expert.

“A neighbor helped get me hired in high school and I worked here all through college,” the Croatian native said. “And I’ll keep working here while I get my masters degree.”

Not only did he earn a degree in sociology and philosophy at Georgia State, but he also acquired an on the job education in merchandizing and botany. 

“I believe in my company’s mission statement. If everything looks nice after I leave the store, it has an impact on the customer. I like seeing customers have an enjoyable experience,” he noted philosophically.

For my next project, fixing a hose pad made of concrete pavers that had collapsed, Lynch directed me to Raymond Martinez.

Martinez led me to the paving sand, asked detailed questions about what supplies I already had and taught me how to level things up.

I assumed his specialty was construction supplies, but he told me otherwise.

“I’m in unloading and stocking and I work all over the store. The store provides training as I work which I enjoy because I have a liking for helping people make their job easier,” Martinez said. “I am so fortunate because four years ago I was just looking for work. It could have been any company, but this is a company I can commit to.”

As I pushed my cart up to the checkout counter, Lynch greeted me again with a smile.

“You really seem to love your work,” I said.

“I know how it feels to be on the other end as a customer,” he said. “I love having the opportunity to treat others the way I’d like to be treated.”

Hmmm, I might have to give this “Labor Day” column a second thought. I’m not sure any of these guys consider what they do to be labor. 

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