I'm very excited to actually report some news.
After over a year On Sabbatical, with close to nil "job" bites, last week I received two job offers in the same day. What are the chances. I was forced to choose between the two. Not super easy, but the decision was carefully deliberated, pros and cons written on lined paper, and I've spoken to many people. Pretty much all people who's opinion I value.
As we know, I've been substitute teaching and working at a Wine Shop. I of course need more money, so I applied for a part time job I saw in the paper last week. Working for a local commercial real estate firm. I walked in we hit it off, he told me he wanted it to develop into a full time position with benefits. Benefits...what are those? It's been a while.
Almost immediately after accepting the position and leaving, I received a phone call from a strange area code. As with most unknown numbers, I didn't pickup. Then an email in the inbox rattles my blackberry. Good ol' Crispin, Porter & Bogusky, informing me I had indeed been accepted into their very competitive summer intern program. They are known as "Agency of the Decade" in ad circles and are behind such campaigns as the Whopper Freakout and the anti smoking Truth campaign. And of course those catchy GAP and Old Navy commercials.
Boulder wanted an answer by the next day...however I got them to extend the deadline through the weekend. Long talks were had, but I have decided to go for it. This could be the break I've been looking for. And a break from ManchVegas will only be healthy for me...
The internship runs May 25 through August 15. I will be driving out there. Never driven cross country before, so thats kind of exciting.
The goal is to get hired full time. Hence, I will be trying hard to bring forth the proverbial "A" game. Let's see if my "A" game jives with anyone else's...
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
An Oaky, Buttery Day
Greetings Earthlings! Utley is still "on sabbatical", still contemplating my life, the future and just what it may hold. I've continuously been sub teaching here and there; finished up teaching middle school PE few weeks ago, but have worked my way into the Memorial High School English Dept. I am much more receptive to the subbing thing when I can plan my days in advance, rather than making the decision when a random phone call comes at 5:30 in the morning. Hence, the English Dept Chair at Memorial will shoot me a text whenever he needs me. Works out well in this golden age of "non-human" interaction. And please don't fret, I do have a couple days booked again to make my triumphant return to the world of middle school Phys Ed.
Quick story as to the methods of my madness: the other day I was "teaching" a Level 2 Mythology class to a group of HS juniors and seniors. I'd taught the same group the week before, so they knew I was "cool." Ha. I knew this group was rather talkative, so as I wrote the day's lessons on the chalkboard, I wrote the word SILENTLY in all caps, as in SILENTLY read chapters 4 and 5 and answer response questions at the end chapter. 15 mins or so pass and one of the students walked up to the board and erased the world SILENTLY. Hmnnm, you want to mess with me do you grasshoppper?! OK that works. "Have you ever seen The Simpsons?" I asked the student. Of course he said no, no student would ever give a straight answer. Indifferent to his answer I replied, "Doesn't matter. Since you seem to have an affinity toward to chalkboard, I'm going to write a phrase on the board, and I want you to copy it all over the board, until there is no room left." Figure I'd at least keep the student busy. So I approached the board and wrote, "I will not erase the teacher's meticulous instruction." And for the rest of the class, Spicoli over there copied the phrase all over the board, in nice neat lines. Bart Simpson style. At least I got some amusement out of the deal!
And now, for my latest gig: I am now working at a little shop in town called The Wine Studio. It's a 2 location little boutique wine and gift shop. Wine tastings every Thursday and Friday evening. I told the owner I'd be willing to work as much as possible. I am interested and do appreciate all things wine, and this will give me an opportunity to learn about the industry. And I believe this new gig will hopefully open some future doors...first, it will give me access to all the wine sales reps that frequent the store; who knows, maybe someday I will enter that side of the business. And 2nd, and I may be grasping at straws here, but the owner is "retirement"age and can't go on forever, so who knows, maybe someday I take over The Wine Studio, and satisfy that entrepenuerial inkling I have. So we shall see.
And now for a "tasting" of my day yesterday. I show up at the shop at 10am, and immediately as I enter, Mo, the owner says, "I hope you had breakfast today." Yes...."Because we have 2 groups of people coming in who would like us to taste their wine," she mentions. Well, twist my arm Mo! The first group entered shortly thereafter. It was a wine rep, who was accompanied Anthony Truchard. Who the F is that, you may be wondering? Anthony Truchard, of Truchard Wines...his family owns a 360+ acre vineyard in Carneros, CA. The bottles say Truchard on them. So this guy was serious. Big time, if you will. We walk to the "tasting table" and begin to get to work. Anthony pulls out 5 bottles, Mo pulls out 4 glasses. The rep pulls out her tasting notes. I stand there, smile and attempt to look sophisticated. As I said, Anthony had 5 wines from his vineyard for us to try. A Roussone, a Chardonnay, a Pinot Noir, a Syrah, and a Cabernet Sauvignon. We start in that order....as Anthony poured, I basically follow everyone's lead. Now, I have had nice wine and think I have a grasp on proper wine etiquette, but I'm no expert, that's for damn sure. After he finished the pour, we swirl the wine around the glass and then take a nice, deep whiff. Followed by a taste. I then nod, pretend as if I'm trying to distinguish the flavors, the oak, the berry, the chocolate, the tobacco, whatever it may be. I do look at the tasting notes and see if I can taste whatever it is that is supposed to be tasted. We go down the line, white to red, lightest to heaviest. Or biggest. It was very interesting to hear Anthony talk about his wines and the processes that go into making the wine and picking the right blend of grape to go into each batch. During wine tastings, a "spitter" is always available, for those who don't necessarily want to drink the wine, just taste. Well, I'm not that advanced yet, so I will drink my wine, thank you very much! He then signed all the bottles for Friday's tasting at the store then left. I then asked Mo if I embarassed her by the question I asked, which was if he thought the movie Sideways popularized the drinking of Pinot Noir. He said it did. I prefaced the question by saying, "Now, this may seem novice of me to ask, but..." Mo said I did not embarass her. Snap!
About an hour later, another wine rep and his "boss" or something came in, this time for us to tasted Prosecco. A sparkling wine, kind of in the Champagne family, just not as sweet. If that is correct. After tasted 3 different levels of Prosecco, we moved onto a couple Italian Reds, which I'd never heard of. But just hearing educated people speak of wine is an interesting experience. Words like approachable, tannens, oaky, buttery to name a few.
So I am enjoying The Wine Studio so far. And this is actually the first time I've ever worked retail, so at least I know how to work a cash register! And, as I said, who knows what doors may open in the future.
And, be assured that I will be reading the book Grapes and Wines next week as I sit by the pool. In St. Croix.
Quick story as to the methods of my madness: the other day I was "teaching" a Level 2 Mythology class to a group of HS juniors and seniors. I'd taught the same group the week before, so they knew I was "cool." Ha. I knew this group was rather talkative, so as I wrote the day's lessons on the chalkboard, I wrote the word SILENTLY in all caps, as in SILENTLY read chapters 4 and 5 and answer response questions at the end chapter. 15 mins or so pass and one of the students walked up to the board and erased the world SILENTLY. Hmnnm, you want to mess with me do you grasshoppper?! OK that works. "Have you ever seen The Simpsons?" I asked the student. Of course he said no, no student would ever give a straight answer. Indifferent to his answer I replied, "Doesn't matter. Since you seem to have an affinity toward to chalkboard, I'm going to write a phrase on the board, and I want you to copy it all over the board, until there is no room left." Figure I'd at least keep the student busy. So I approached the board and wrote, "I will not erase the teacher's meticulous instruction." And for the rest of the class, Spicoli over there copied the phrase all over the board, in nice neat lines. Bart Simpson style. At least I got some amusement out of the deal!
And now, for my latest gig: I am now working at a little shop in town called The Wine Studio. It's a 2 location little boutique wine and gift shop. Wine tastings every Thursday and Friday evening. I told the owner I'd be willing to work as much as possible. I am interested and do appreciate all things wine, and this will give me an opportunity to learn about the industry. And I believe this new gig will hopefully open some future doors...first, it will give me access to all the wine sales reps that frequent the store; who knows, maybe someday I will enter that side of the business. And 2nd, and I may be grasping at straws here, but the owner is "retirement"age and can't go on forever, so who knows, maybe someday I take over The Wine Studio, and satisfy that entrepenuerial inkling I have. So we shall see.
And now for a "tasting" of my day yesterday. I show up at the shop at 10am, and immediately as I enter, Mo, the owner says, "I hope you had breakfast today." Yes...."Because we have 2 groups of people coming in who would like us to taste their wine," she mentions. Well, twist my arm Mo! The first group entered shortly thereafter. It was a wine rep, who was accompanied Anthony Truchard. Who the F is that, you may be wondering? Anthony Truchard, of Truchard Wines...his family owns a 360+ acre vineyard in Carneros, CA. The bottles say Truchard on them. So this guy was serious. Big time, if you will. We walk to the "tasting table" and begin to get to work. Anthony pulls out 5 bottles, Mo pulls out 4 glasses. The rep pulls out her tasting notes. I stand there, smile and attempt to look sophisticated. As I said, Anthony had 5 wines from his vineyard for us to try. A Roussone, a Chardonnay, a Pinot Noir, a Syrah, and a Cabernet Sauvignon. We start in that order....as Anthony poured, I basically follow everyone's lead. Now, I have had nice wine and think I have a grasp on proper wine etiquette, but I'm no expert, that's for damn sure. After he finished the pour, we swirl the wine around the glass and then take a nice, deep whiff. Followed by a taste. I then nod, pretend as if I'm trying to distinguish the flavors, the oak, the berry, the chocolate, the tobacco, whatever it may be. I do look at the tasting notes and see if I can taste whatever it is that is supposed to be tasted. We go down the line, white to red, lightest to heaviest. Or biggest. It was very interesting to hear Anthony talk about his wines and the processes that go into making the wine and picking the right blend of grape to go into each batch. During wine tastings, a "spitter" is always available, for those who don't necessarily want to drink the wine, just taste. Well, I'm not that advanced yet, so I will drink my wine, thank you very much! He then signed all the bottles for Friday's tasting at the store then left. I then asked Mo if I embarassed her by the question I asked, which was if he thought the movie Sideways popularized the drinking of Pinot Noir. He said it did. I prefaced the question by saying, "Now, this may seem novice of me to ask, but..." Mo said I did not embarass her. Snap!
About an hour later, another wine rep and his "boss" or something came in, this time for us to tasted Prosecco. A sparkling wine, kind of in the Champagne family, just not as sweet. If that is correct. After tasted 3 different levels of Prosecco, we moved onto a couple Italian Reds, which I'd never heard of. But just hearing educated people speak of wine is an interesting experience. Words like approachable, tannens, oaky, buttery to name a few.
So I am enjoying The Wine Studio so far. And this is actually the first time I've ever worked retail, so at least I know how to work a cash register! And, as I said, who knows what doors may open in the future.
And, be assured that I will be reading the book Grapes and Wines next week as I sit by the pool. In St. Croix.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Coach
Tomorrow concludes my residency as PE Teacher at Parkside Middle School. It's been three weeks of steady work, getting up each day at 6:15am, and dare I say it, almost getting into a routine again. My jumper has been pretty wet lately, I've been keeping a consistent sweat throughout most days, but most importantly I actually enjoy working with the kids. And, yes, some of them have began calling me "Coach." Ha.
You'd be amazed at how many of these middle schoolers don't give a flying f*ck about anything. Literally, almost a handful of kids each class will receive an "F" this quarter. In Gym class! Their grade is made up of three parts: attitude, participation and bringing a change of clothes. Not bringing clothes is probably the biggest downfall of the students, but usually all three go hand in hand. No clothes and a piss poor attitude will usually lead to lack of participation. Back in my day, I'd never dream of telling a teacher to "f off", but these days its almost commonplace. F'n wild.
Its now been three weeks and I can say that I've been putting in a consistent effort to get the "troubled" kids to bring their clothes and participate. I began this stint right at the beginning of the quarter, and over the first couple days I took note of the students who didn't give a sh*t and just sat on the bleachers while the rest of the class particpated. I began to approach each student individually and attempt to talk to them...to find out what their deal was. I explained that PE Class very well might be the easiest "A" of their lives...and if their other grades suffered, an "A" in PE would certainly help boost their GPA. And I also explained that middle school is a little too early to "cash out" on school, or on life in general. That, even if things at home or wherever sucked, to use Gym class as an escape. Come in, run around for a half hour...and I guarantee you'll feel better.
And I'm happy to say that most of the students responded to me. You see, many of the students in question come from "broken" homes...to put it politely. Latchkey kids would be a polite way of describing them. Parents younger than I am, exposing their children to drugs, booze, abuse on a daily basis. Stuff I couldn't even imagine happening to me in middle school. I would try to keep this in mind as I spoke to these kids, and call me naive, but I think some of them appreciated my efforts, and also appreciated hearing/seeing a young, positive male influence. And they made a difference to me. Each night I found myself thinking about certain students, hoping they'd bring clothes and put in an effort the next day in class. And it's not even about bringing a change of clothes, it's about showing a little responsibility. Taking a little initiative. Knowing that I specifically told them to do something, and feeling the satisfaction of them doing it. And I have gotten feedback that the kids like me, "wishing I was their teacher on a permanent basis..." which definitely makes me feel good.
Anyway, as I have said, I really enjoyed my time as PE Teacher. I found it a unique way to connect/get through to the kids...after all, I always found PE the easiest, most fun class. But I am/was always an athlete so I relished the chance to run around during the school day. Now, being on the other end of it, I appreciate so much more what my old teachers went through. And part of me wishes I could continue my run as PE Teacher....
But, hey, who knows what opportunities the future may hold...
You'd be amazed at how many of these middle schoolers don't give a flying f*ck about anything. Literally, almost a handful of kids each class will receive an "F" this quarter. In Gym class! Their grade is made up of three parts: attitude, participation and bringing a change of clothes. Not bringing clothes is probably the biggest downfall of the students, but usually all three go hand in hand. No clothes and a piss poor attitude will usually lead to lack of participation. Back in my day, I'd never dream of telling a teacher to "f off", but these days its almost commonplace. F'n wild.
Its now been three weeks and I can say that I've been putting in a consistent effort to get the "troubled" kids to bring their clothes and participate. I began this stint right at the beginning of the quarter, and over the first couple days I took note of the students who didn't give a sh*t and just sat on the bleachers while the rest of the class particpated. I began to approach each student individually and attempt to talk to them...to find out what their deal was. I explained that PE Class very well might be the easiest "A" of their lives...and if their other grades suffered, an "A" in PE would certainly help boost their GPA. And I also explained that middle school is a little too early to "cash out" on school, or on life in general. That, even if things at home or wherever sucked, to use Gym class as an escape. Come in, run around for a half hour...and I guarantee you'll feel better.
And I'm happy to say that most of the students responded to me. You see, many of the students in question come from "broken" homes...to put it politely. Latchkey kids would be a polite way of describing them. Parents younger than I am, exposing their children to drugs, booze, abuse on a daily basis. Stuff I couldn't even imagine happening to me in middle school. I would try to keep this in mind as I spoke to these kids, and call me naive, but I think some of them appreciated my efforts, and also appreciated hearing/seeing a young, positive male influence. And they made a difference to me. Each night I found myself thinking about certain students, hoping they'd bring clothes and put in an effort the next day in class. And it's not even about bringing a change of clothes, it's about showing a little responsibility. Taking a little initiative. Knowing that I specifically told them to do something, and feeling the satisfaction of them doing it. And I have gotten feedback that the kids like me, "wishing I was their teacher on a permanent basis..." which definitely makes me feel good.
Anyway, as I have said, I really enjoyed my time as PE Teacher. I found it a unique way to connect/get through to the kids...after all, I always found PE the easiest, most fun class. But I am/was always an athlete so I relished the chance to run around during the school day. Now, being on the other end of it, I appreciate so much more what my old teachers went through. And part of me wishes I could continue my run as PE Teacher....
But, hey, who knows what opportunities the future may hold...
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Big, Busy, BuYaKasha! Week
This could be a big week for Utley...
I'm now spending my days as a middle school Phys Ed teacher. I'm filling in for a "paternity" leave and they have me booked for 2, possibly 3 weeks. I must say it is definitely the best subbing gig I've gotten so far: go to school in sweats, shoot hoops all day, make sure the kiddies bring clothes to change into, take attendance, get a little workout in. And I have a solid 2 hours off mid day, then return for just 1 class at day's end. I know about 5 or so friends who work at the school, which is basically how I got the job. And I teach the gym class with a friend of mine's fiance, and another guy who's very chill, which adds to the fun...I must say I'm really enjoying the experience. I believe this will/could put me in a good mental place for the next couple weeks, possibly transitioning into the next phase of On Sabbatical. As I have repeated over and over, I'm hoping I can build some momentum here.
On top of working all 5 days this week, (which I haven't done in almost a year) I am also working 4 nights this week at the ski area. Double duty b*tches! Really getting in touch with my blue collar roots here, (or lack there of).
But, most importantly, we have a couple employment prospects lined up for the rest of the week...consisting of a phone interview tomorrow and a face to face interview the day after. Phone interview tomorrow is for a summer internship at one of the top advertising agencies in the world. Really, I'm not kidding, they were recently named "Agency of the Decade" by Ad Age Magazine. And the internship this summer would be in Boulder. Colorado. Heard great things about the town of Boulder and have a friend living out there who is willing to put me up for the summer. While I am excited about this possibility, I'm hoping there will be some full time opportunities arising...sooner rather than later.
The face to face interview is with a company in the dental aesthetics industry. Sounds like a decent position, with many of the characteristics I'm looking for in a sales job. I am feeling positive about this meeting, as they have already called me back and emailed me when they said they would. And said they're looking to move quickly...whether they move quickly with me is of course the million dollar question...
Was also presented with an opportunity to sell Marlboro's in southern Vermont. Let me think for a minute...making my living off selling cancer sticks...ummmm, yeaaaaahhhhhh...
So stay tuned, maybe some news coming in the near future. But sure as sh*t don't want to jinx anything here.
In the meantime, you can find me teaching PE, pretending as if I have just landed the best job in the world. And who knows, for the next 2/3 weeks, maybe I've done just that...
I'm now spending my days as a middle school Phys Ed teacher. I'm filling in for a "paternity" leave and they have me booked for 2, possibly 3 weeks. I must say it is definitely the best subbing gig I've gotten so far: go to school in sweats, shoot hoops all day, make sure the kiddies bring clothes to change into, take attendance, get a little workout in. And I have a solid 2 hours off mid day, then return for just 1 class at day's end. I know about 5 or so friends who work at the school, which is basically how I got the job. And I teach the gym class with a friend of mine's fiance, and another guy who's very chill, which adds to the fun...I must say I'm really enjoying the experience. I believe this will/could put me in a good mental place for the next couple weeks, possibly transitioning into the next phase of On Sabbatical. As I have repeated over and over, I'm hoping I can build some momentum here.
On top of working all 5 days this week, (which I haven't done in almost a year) I am also working 4 nights this week at the ski area. Double duty b*tches! Really getting in touch with my blue collar roots here, (or lack there of).
But, most importantly, we have a couple employment prospects lined up for the rest of the week...consisting of a phone interview tomorrow and a face to face interview the day after. Phone interview tomorrow is for a summer internship at one of the top advertising agencies in the world. Really, I'm not kidding, they were recently named "Agency of the Decade" by Ad Age Magazine. And the internship this summer would be in Boulder. Colorado. Heard great things about the town of Boulder and have a friend living out there who is willing to put me up for the summer. While I am excited about this possibility, I'm hoping there will be some full time opportunities arising...sooner rather than later.
The face to face interview is with a company in the dental aesthetics industry. Sounds like a decent position, with many of the characteristics I'm looking for in a sales job. I am feeling positive about this meeting, as they have already called me back and emailed me when they said they would. And said they're looking to move quickly...whether they move quickly with me is of course the million dollar question...
Was also presented with an opportunity to sell Marlboro's in southern Vermont. Let me think for a minute...making my living off selling cancer sticks...ummmm, yeaaaaahhhhhh...
So stay tuned, maybe some news coming in the near future. But sure as sh*t don't want to jinx anything here.
In the meantime, you can find me teaching PE, pretending as if I have just landed the best job in the world. And who knows, for the next 2/3 weeks, maybe I've done just that...
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Thank You For Flying...
As mentioned previously I've been moonlighting 3 nights a week as a lift attendant at a nice little ski area in my town; a small hill, perfect for learning and participating in the fine winter sports of skiing, snowboarding and tubing.
While most "lifties" prefer to isolate themselves in the warm lift shack, I enjoy getting outside in the cold, moving around and speaking with the "customers". As one of the faces of the area, I feel it is important to show these skiers/riders/tubers a good time, make them feel welcome, and make sure they come back for more. While this is of zero financial benefit to me, I think it is my positive upbringing, as well as years of sales and customer service experience that has been cemented into my mentality. Into my steeze, if you will.
Some nights I work the conveyor, or the Magic Carpet Ride as I like to call it. The lift is often packed with small children, and for many of whom it's their first time on the snow. Which can be intimidating. Some are scared. Many are cold. Many wish they were inside playing video games. I make sure to stand outside with a smile, greet them at the "summit" with a high five or fist bump, and thank them for flying, "McIntyre Air, please fly with us again soon." I will also, on occasion, tell them they're getting better and better on the slopes with each run they take, regardless if they are horrible. And why do I do this? Yes, the sales mentality, blah, blah, however on three separate occasions I've had little tykes approach me as they're leaving and say, in a soft, childlike, humble tone, "Thank you very much. You made my night fun." Needless to say, this humbles me.
Last night I had the pleasure of working a private party on the Tubing Park. This particular party included employees of PSNH (NH's monopolistic electric company) and several key clients and families. The wind was whipping and the air was raw. Translation: it was f'n freezing.
As our guests reached the summit, I made sure to have a little fun with them, setting up races on our four lane track, even letting them "bend" the rules from time to time, allowing them to link together and ride down 3, 4, 5, 6 and even 7 at a time. I began races with the mentality of a NASCAR starter, telling them to "start after a 3-count, at the drop of my arm." Kind of like in the Grease, racing for pinks. At one point, I checked in with one particular lady who seemed a bit weary of the fast moving track. I paid attention to her next few runs to make sure she did not die, or at least collide with any of the other Bode Miller/Dale Jr/Cool Runnings wannabees on the track. After she returned from a trip to the lodge to warm up, I explained that we missed her out here in the cold, and that one more run would qualify her as a tubing pro. And that lane #4 had bit of "magic" on it... Just gentle BS'ing, but of course, with a smile on my face.
The party began to shuffle out as their alotted time ended, but before this woman left she approached me and thanked me for rembering her name and showing her party an overall good time. In her exact words, "Wow. You're really good, I can't believe you're rembering each one of us!" Again, I was humbled. "Just trying to make your experience here at the McIntyre Tubing Center as epic as possible."
So as I continue to recieve comments regarding my exceptional customer service, I wonder if somehow, somewhere, someone out there is listening. Someone who is looking to add the Utley experience and repetoire to their firm. Or at least refer me to someone else or something.
And while I'm merely acting in a manner which I consider normal, I can't help but wonder if this good karma will someday, somehow lead to something special...
Followed up today on the email I sent below to the Ad Agency. B*tch receptionist acted as if I was Al Qaida.
While most "lifties" prefer to isolate themselves in the warm lift shack, I enjoy getting outside in the cold, moving around and speaking with the "customers". As one of the faces of the area, I feel it is important to show these skiers/riders/tubers a good time, make them feel welcome, and make sure they come back for more. While this is of zero financial benefit to me, I think it is my positive upbringing, as well as years of sales and customer service experience that has been cemented into my mentality. Into my steeze, if you will.
Some nights I work the conveyor, or the Magic Carpet Ride as I like to call it. The lift is often packed with small children, and for many of whom it's their first time on the snow. Which can be intimidating. Some are scared. Many are cold. Many wish they were inside playing video games. I make sure to stand outside with a smile, greet them at the "summit" with a high five or fist bump, and thank them for flying, "McIntyre Air, please fly with us again soon." I will also, on occasion, tell them they're getting better and better on the slopes with each run they take, regardless if they are horrible. And why do I do this? Yes, the sales mentality, blah, blah, however on three separate occasions I've had little tykes approach me as they're leaving and say, in a soft, childlike, humble tone, "Thank you very much. You made my night fun." Needless to say, this humbles me.
Last night I had the pleasure of working a private party on the Tubing Park. This particular party included employees of PSNH (NH's monopolistic electric company) and several key clients and families. The wind was whipping and the air was raw. Translation: it was f'n freezing.
As our guests reached the summit, I made sure to have a little fun with them, setting up races on our four lane track, even letting them "bend" the rules from time to time, allowing them to link together and ride down 3, 4, 5, 6 and even 7 at a time. I began races with the mentality of a NASCAR starter, telling them to "start after a 3-count, at the drop of my arm." Kind of like in the Grease, racing for pinks. At one point, I checked in with one particular lady who seemed a bit weary of the fast moving track. I paid attention to her next few runs to make sure she did not die, or at least collide with any of the other Bode Miller/Dale Jr/Cool Runnings wannabees on the track. After she returned from a trip to the lodge to warm up, I explained that we missed her out here in the cold, and that one more run would qualify her as a tubing pro. And that lane #4 had bit of "magic" on it... Just gentle BS'ing, but of course, with a smile on my face.
The party began to shuffle out as their alotted time ended, but before this woman left she approached me and thanked me for rembering her name and showing her party an overall good time. In her exact words, "Wow. You're really good, I can't believe you're rembering each one of us!" Again, I was humbled. "Just trying to make your experience here at the McIntyre Tubing Center as epic as possible."
So as I continue to recieve comments regarding my exceptional customer service, I wonder if somehow, somewhere, someone out there is listening. Someone who is looking to add the Utley experience and repetoire to their firm. Or at least refer me to someone else or something.
And while I'm merely acting in a manner which I consider normal, I can't help but wonder if this good karma will someday, somehow lead to something special...
Followed up today on the email I sent below to the Ad Agency. B*tch receptionist acted as if I was Al Qaida.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Live Free or Die
Late last night, I suddenly found myself in one those prickly, "F everyone" type of moods. I imagine other people must get feelings like these. But maybe not. How did I channel these thoughts, you must be wondering? How about sending out a balls to the walls email to a potential employer!
The company in question is a local Ad Agency. If anyone can think outside the box and appreciate a well crafted email, (at least I thought it was a well crafted email) its gotta be an Ad Agency, right? Not to mention an Ad Agency, who, on their website, proclaim to love the great state of NH. Swell, me too. And it went a little something like this:
To the Minds in Charge of Hiring at The Angela Bauer Ad Agency:
Please contact me if you're looking for a young, creative, big thinking addition to your team with versatile experience in business development and a strong background in marketing. A unique mix of the proverbial hunter and gatherer, with an added dose of conscience. Someone with a natural knack for captivating an audience, but capable of wearing many hats to get things done behind the scenes. An eloquent speaker and writer. Self-confident yet coachable. And also a deep-rooted New Hampshire boy who migrated back home from the city, for no better reason than to enjoy the simplicity of our mountains in the winter, our rivers, lakes and beaches in the summer, and most importantly that Live Free or Die attitude that lies deep in the hearts of any true Granite Stater.
I am an Individual. And if the Bauer Agency is in the market for Individuals, as I think it may be, feel free to reach out. You will not regret it.
Sincerely,
Mr. Utley
The goal of that email was to appeal to the mind of someone with a f'n personality. Someone who appreciates a little humor. A little passion. A little g*damn, mf'n chutzpah.
And in the words of that chick from the movie Dazed & Confused: Lick Me! All of You!
The company in question is a local Ad Agency. If anyone can think outside the box and appreciate a well crafted email, (at least I thought it was a well crafted email) its gotta be an Ad Agency, right? Not to mention an Ad Agency, who, on their website, proclaim to love the great state of NH. Swell, me too. And it went a little something like this:
To the Minds in Charge of Hiring at The Angela Bauer Ad Agency:
Please contact me if you're looking for a young, creative, big thinking addition to your team with versatile experience in business development and a strong background in marketing. A unique mix of the proverbial hunter and gatherer, with an added dose of conscience. Someone with a natural knack for captivating an audience, but capable of wearing many hats to get things done behind the scenes. An eloquent speaker and writer. Self-confident yet coachable. And also a deep-rooted New Hampshire boy who migrated back home from the city, for no better reason than to enjoy the simplicity of our mountains in the winter, our rivers, lakes and beaches in the summer, and most importantly that Live Free or Die attitude that lies deep in the hearts of any true Granite Stater.
I am an Individual. And if the Bauer Agency is in the market for Individuals, as I think it may be, feel free to reach out. You will not regret it.
Sincerely,
Mr. Utley
The goal of that email was to appeal to the mind of someone with a f'n personality. Someone who appreciates a little humor. A little passion. A little g*damn, mf'n chutzpah.
And in the words of that chick from the movie Dazed & Confused: Lick Me! All of You!
2010: The Year of Still Here.
And a Happy New Year to all! (All those of you who still visit this blog, that is...) Utley is, despite widespread rumors, still alive and still unemployed. Or maybe the term these days is underemployed. For some reason, I think there may be greener pastures out there for me other than standing 5 hours a night outside a ski lift shack. But, hey $8 an hour is better than $0 per hour.
It's been a while. I hate to say it, but it's coming up on almost a year of being "On Sabbatical." My parents are so thrilled...
Not sure if I mentioned it last time I blogged, but had a great interview 2 weeks ago. Was/am excited about the company, industry and people who work there. Built super rapport. Looked sharp. Usually love to flash my Mont Blanc Pen around during an interview, of course to take notes, but also to show that not only am I a man of taste, but a man who has achieved the type of success it takes to purchase a $200 pen. But that was years ago. I recently went into a jewelry store to get my Tag fixed, and the effeminate gent behind the counter told me that my particular Mont Blanc now goes for up to $500. But I digress...and point being that this fine piece of art/pen ran out of f'n ink as I was taking notes. Still was able to write invisible scratches on the paper, but hopefully that didn't send a bad message.
That was exactly 2 weeks ago. I called yesterday. "Still status quo," the nice HR Lady said. You know, with the holidays and all that, haven't had a chance to "sit down and talk." Which I buy. However, when I have not been able to get past the first interview, I do begin to worry...
And Christ, I turn 30 in September. Let's all hope that some big mf'n sh*t is gonna go down real soon. Real soon, my people.
It's been a while. I hate to say it, but it's coming up on almost a year of being "On Sabbatical." My parents are so thrilled...
Not sure if I mentioned it last time I blogged, but had a great interview 2 weeks ago. Was/am excited about the company, industry and people who work there. Built super rapport. Looked sharp. Usually love to flash my Mont Blanc Pen around during an interview, of course to take notes, but also to show that not only am I a man of taste, but a man who has achieved the type of success it takes to purchase a $200 pen. But that was years ago. I recently went into a jewelry store to get my Tag fixed, and the effeminate gent behind the counter told me that my particular Mont Blanc now goes for up to $500. But I digress...and point being that this fine piece of art/pen ran out of f'n ink as I was taking notes. Still was able to write invisible scratches on the paper, but hopefully that didn't send a bad message.
That was exactly 2 weeks ago. I called yesterday. "Still status quo," the nice HR Lady said. You know, with the holidays and all that, haven't had a chance to "sit down and talk." Which I buy. However, when I have not been able to get past the first interview, I do begin to worry...
And Christ, I turn 30 in September. Let's all hope that some big mf'n sh*t is gonna go down real soon. Real soon, my people.
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