my first job

Michael Reagen

President and CEO, Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce

>>My first job, at age 14, was selling children's and women's shoes at the Kinney Shoe Corp. store in Livingston, N.J. I looked to be 16 at the time, and since they didn't ask, I didn't tell them my real age.

I remember my mom getting me ready for the interview. She made sure I dressed properly and helped me rehearse what I was going to say to the manager. His name was Mr. Perisi-a nice guy who spoke with me for about a half an hour. I remember him telling me that the "two As"-attitude and aptitude-were most important to him. I promised to try hard and learn, and he gave me the job. My mom took me out for vanilla ice cream in celebration.

I worked 20 hours a week and made about $2 an hour plus a 5 percent commission on every sale. At first I was really scared to talk to the customers. The other sales clerks were there full-time and older than me. Luckily, they were kind and encouraging. After a few weeks on the job, I was chatting away and felt completely comfortable with the customers. My mom said I was vaccinated with a phonograph needle, so she wasn't surprised. I ended up working there for about two years.

I mostly sold plain, black pumps with three-inch heels and Buster Brown shoes for kids, in several styles. I remember them being hard to fit on wiggly kids.

The least favorite part of my job was the nasty customer. Some people were very abrasive and looked down on people in service jobs. Dealing with those people taught me to treat everyone with respect. It also taught me that all feet need daily washing and all socks get holes.

-As told to Lauren S. Bernaldo