Lessons Learned (Part 6)
The summer after my freshman year of college, I started hitting the gym again. My mother mentioned to me one day that the supplement store down the street was hiring. I didn’t know what all was involved in working at a place like that but thought I would at least give it a try. The first time I went to apply at a nutritional store I was dressed nicely when I went in for an application. When I went to return it, I was dressed for the gym to show that I was into working out and getting in shape. I would not advise this to anyone in today’s time. Always look presentable and polished. The manager asked me a few questions and then gave me a sheet of paper with some math problems, to see if I could do simple math to run a cash register. That was probably the only thing that was easy for me.
The next thing I knew was he was hiring me. At this job, there wasn’t anything that came easy for me. There was so much to learn about the herbs, vitamins, minerals, sports supplements and other products. The manager, who was also one of the owners, spent an entire week walking me around the store and going over each product. At first, I thought I could just remember what he said about each product by him showing me the product and telling me about it. That did not work as I thought it would. I am definitely the type that needs to write it down and memorize it. I remember pulling out this thick nutritional book on all types of products, some we sold and some we didn’t. This became my bible of the supplement world. I remember going through it page by page about every supplement we sold. There was so much to learn, but day by day I learned something from that book, my boss, the magazines we sold, and even some of the customers.
Some of the people who would come into our store had a real passion for certain supplements and would pass their knowledge onto me. I had many long conversations with customers who could spout off all the benefits to taking certain pills, powders, or drinks. A lot of what I learned I still remember to this day. In life everyone you meet can mentor you to some degree or another. I spent so much time learning how supplements improve the body. I also spent so much of my money trying out all these supplements! To say I was a human guinea pig would be an understatement. My body did change and change rapidly. When I went back to school after the summer, classmates were asking if I was on steroids. I would grin and say, “Not at all. I just finally learned how to change my body through proper diet, rest and exercise.” I’m not sure all of them believed me, but it was the truth. I still take supplements to this day, because I just don’t think I can get everything I need in my daily diet.
After being an employee for a while the owner decided to make me a manager, because he was opening another one in another city down. I took him up on his offer and found out what it was like to have to order product, hire employees and have the final conversation with upset customers. I know I didn’t do everything right at the job, but I did cut my teeth there in a lot of ways that made me better down the road. I’m grateful for that position and time in my life where I was challenged.
I also was lucky enough to meet the other owner who was quite a bit older. He impacted my life spiritually outside the business, along with being a good businessman. A few years later, I would go to bible school, where he helped me financially. After graduating, he invited me to a couple of men’s retreats that I really enjoyed. You never would have known all the money he had by the truck he drove, the clothes he wore, and the way he treated everyone like an equal. I was truly impressed by him and his humility. You just never know whose path you’re going to cross and how they will impact your life.
Life Lessons:
Always look presentable and polished.
Write it down.
Everyone can be a mentor.
Brad Rhame 