Griffs Jobs

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Lets Meet up for Coffee
at your service email JBGmg
jbgriffin@jbgmg.com
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“Just as the Pelican must search daily for
their substance for the day, as individuals
we should search for our jobs /careers
with purpose and directon.
Be like a Pelican as you search for your job
/career and hopefully find a job / career
that matches your interests, skills, talent
and job /career goals.” -
“JB” James B. Griffin
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57 Jobs and Counting
A career path less traveled and guide to finding your passion
“JB” James B. Griffin
Job definition according to dictionary.com
Job
1. A piece of work, especially a specific task done as part of the routine
of one's occupation or for an agreed price:
2. A post of employment; full-time or part-time position:
3. Anything a person is expected or obliged to do; duty; responsibility:
4. An affair, matter, occurrence, or state of affairs:
5. The material, project, assignment, etc., being worked upon:
The housing project was a long and costly job.
6. The process or requirements, details, etc., of working:
7. The execution or performance of a task:
Career definition according to dictionary.com
Career
[kuh-reer]
1. An occupation or profession, especially one requiring special training,
followed as one's lifework:
2. A person's progress or general course of action through life or
through a phase of life, as in some profession or undertaking:
3. Success in a profession, occupation, etc.
4. A course, especially a swift one.
5. Speed, especially full speed:
6. To run or move rapidly along; go at full speed.
adjective
7. Having or following a career; professional:
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Introduction
My two primary purposes in writing this book, “57 Jobs and Counting”
is to share my less than traveled adventure /journey in my previous
workplaces; and more importantly is to help you if you are unhappy in
your career or life situation.
Perhaps you are looking for a better direction in your life, and/or a
greater meaning or purpose for your work and your future. It is unhealthy
to harbor unrealistic dreams by living in a future that may never
come.
But it is very healthy for us to anchor our new life and recovery from
other jobs or relationships in the certainty that Christ is coming again.
By trusting Christ with our future, we can better deal with our past and
live a more productive present life.
The best laid plans for your career may not have always worked out as
you had hoped but your FAITH must be everlasting.
I hope you read this book to help you discover your life passion and to
find joy and happiness in your chosen employment or career.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all through your life
journey
“JB” James B. Griffin
Thanks to Writer, Columnist and World War II Veteran Bill Thomas
(pictured) for his thoughtful editorial contributions and review of 57
Jobs and counting.
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Copyright © 2017 by JBGmg
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used
in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of
the publisher except for the use
of brief quotations in a book review or scholarly journal.
First Printing: 2017
JBGmg
16835 Algonquin Street
Suite 337
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
www.JBGmg.com
Did you know that work consumes about 23% of your
weekly activities on average. It is suggested to find
something you enjoy doing in work and in your play.
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Contents
Introduction ....3
Dedication .... 6
Foreword .... 7
Chapter 1 - My Start Up Jobs ....10
Chapter 2 - Education......18
Chapter 3 - Starting my Career ...41
Chapter 4 - Teaching Jobs ....67
Chapter 5 - Insurance / Transportation .... 71
Chapter 6 - Home Based Businesses / Direct Sales .... 78
Chapter 7 - Part -Time Jobs ....80
Chapter 8 - Outside Sales Door Knocking .... 83
Hurricane 5 Jobs & More
Chapter 9 - Business Ventures ....88
Roll-um Baseball / Trimcards / Festival Producer
Chapter 10 - Volunteering...... 100
Chapter 11 - Know your Passion .... 102
Chapter 12 - Real Estate .... 107
Chapter 13 -Current Gigs /Self Employment .... 111
Chapter 14 - Resumes / Job Interviews..... 113
Chapter 15 - Accomplishments .... 122
Chapter 16 - Career Stats .... 126
Chapter 17 - Photos, Ideas, Projects, Memorabilia & More! ....128
Chapter 18 - In Closing........... 136
I once heard at a seminar ..
When you forget your why you
forget your way.
Keep on Paddling as you navigate your career path. You may
encounter some rough waters along the way. Stay positive and remember
to enjoy the ride. Every job is a journey along the employment
or career trail.
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Dedication
This book is dedicated to my parents, wife, children, family, friends, past
employers and co-workers, clients and to my Loving God. My Dad Albert L.
Griffin Jr. a printer by Trade who worked his way through the trade to form
his own company which he ran in Los Angeles from 1961 – 1982 as President
of Porter & Griffin Printers & Lithographers. Dad gave me my 1st real
paying job and showed me that hard work pays off. My Mom Rosalie Griffin,
a career homemaker for most of her life. She gave me encouragement, confidence
and belief that I could do anything within reason.
My beautiful wife Coby a former elementary school teacher and Hall of Fame
Real Estate Agent who has always stood by me in all my job, career paths as
wacky as they may have been at times. My children Brian, Faren and Evyn
who are the apple of my eye. My sisters and cousins who have been a huge
part of my life. My friends who have accepted me for who I am, sometimes
(Lol). My past employers who gave me the opportunity I was seeking, my
co- workers who I had the privilege of working side by side with day in and
day out, some for years, some for months and some for a New York Minute
it seemed. My clients who trusted in me and the companies and services I
represented. To this day I am forever grateful for my clients trusting and
believing in me. To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who leads and directs
my paths as wild as they have been at times. The Lord will always be the pilot
of my ship which can go off course at times. God I believe has a great sense
of humor and allows us to learn and grow from all our endeavors including
our mistakes in life, jobs and careers.
“JB” James B. Griffin
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Foreword
I was Born on July 8th 1955 in Los Angeles, CA, the same month/year that
Disneyland, Walt Disney’s dream park was opening just 20 miles south off the
5 freeway in Anaheim, CA. As a youngster growing up in Southern California I
was fascinated by many things being the youngest of 4 children. I especially remember
the Garbage Truck that visited our home once a week. I loved watching
the overhead lift coming down to allow the garbage collector to load the
trash cans in the bin, secure the bin and see the lift go up and dump the trash in
the large trash container inside the bed of the truck. Every human that has
ever worked in a job has a duty at some point to be a part time trash collector
not only in their home, but also for a business, church or school. Who knows
my future could have been a trash collector. A job /career with security for
sure.
Fast forward 2017 …. the days of stay home mom’s and one income families
are a thing of the past for the most part. Whereas in the 1950’s, 60’s the years I
was growing up most of the Dads I knew were the breadwinners for the family.
They worked at the same job or same industry for all of their careers. If they
were employed at the same company for 25+ years, on retirement they were
lucky to receive maybe a gold watch and farewell party at the local pub.
In 2017 the working couple household is commonplace and changing careers
or jobs or having multiple jobs in a working career are not out of the ordinary.
My job /career path I must admit was a bit eccentric and to this day is not
done. I have looked back at times but never too far. Life is too short!
I hope you enjoy my job /career experiences and a bit more I share in 57 Jobs
and Counting to hopefully help you in your job /career choices along the way.
Some of my job /career experiences were good, some bad and some ugly as
the Western Movie starring Clint Eastwood was titled in the 1970’s.
Whatever job/career path you choose it is important to enjoy your job/career
and don’t ever give up your search for job/career bliss! As the saying goes, if
you love your job or career you will never work a day in your life.
A bit of a play on words I might add.
“JB” James B. Griffin
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“JB” 1955 “JB” & Coby 2014

I hope you enjoy my Book!
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Our home growing up in South Pasadena, Ca 1955 -1974 and pictures below of
my Mom, Dad and my older brother and sisters.
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Chapter 1
Starting my Job Career Adventure. Would you like fries with
your order? The trails were pretty smooth.
My Start Up Jobs
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My Start Up Jobs
Job #1 - Johnny’s Hamburger Stand 1967
Growing up in South Pasadena, CA as kids walking home from Junior
High School we used to love going to Johnny’s Hamburger stand just a
few blocks from our campus located on Fair Oaks Avenue in South
Pasadena. Johnny’s was a one-man operation and Johnny the owner was
probably a WWII veteran I imagine. He did not talk much and was a
bit grouchy. I recall he barely every smiled. I assume he probably was a
cook in the war. I never asked him. What Johnny did was make the best
hamburger for us hungry kids that money could buy. His hamburger
with his special sauce cost us .20 cents and included a 6-oz. small cup
of Coke with one ice cube which I recall was very flat almost watery but
worth the .20 cents. How Johnny made a living at his hamburger stand I
don’t know. He seemed perfectly content although a bit grouchy feeding
us hungry school kids aged 12- 15 years old with his tasty hamburgers
for the three years I attended Junior High. Back to my first job, one day I
believe It was a Saturday, I just happened to be in the area after playing
on the nearby fields at the Junior High with nothing else to do that day.
I approached Johnny and asked if I could have a job. Johnny looked at
me a bit surprised and said I do need the stand cleaned so grab a towel
and start cleaning kid. Hired on the spot I scrubbed and cleaned his
red metal exterior walls, inside counters and red swivel seats in about 2
hours. He paid me $5 for my efforts, it felt good, my first paid job.
Sarita Mandala – The Boss
My Italian Born Grandmother pictured above who immigrated from
Piana degli Albanese, Sicily to Lincoln Heights, Ca in 1921 owned several rental
properties which included the Eagle Rock Movie Theatre.
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During my Junior High School Years on several Saturday mornings,
Nanny as we called her would put myself, brother and cousins I recall to
work scraping gum off the Eagle Rock Movie theatre floors. She paid us
with food. Italian Submarine Sandwiches made with Salami, Mortadella,
Swiss Cheese and Fresh Italian Rolls from Gallo’s Deli in Eagle Rock.
I learned quite a bit from watching and working with my grandmother.
She was fair, knew a bargain and would not put up with nonsense. She
was my role model for later becoming a property manager and real estate
broker / investor in my career. She showed us the value of owning and
maintaining properties for a profit and having a strong faith in God.
High School Jobs – getting my feet wet and arm scraped
Minimum Wages
Job #2
“JB” Visiting McDonald’s in Catania, Sicily - 2003
McDonald’s - Food Server and trash collector
South Pasadena, CA - I was 16 when McDonald’s made me an offer
I could not refuse to work as an order taker and trash collector for
$1.60 an hour in 1971. The best part of the job was my break where I
could order food for free and enjoy relaxing in the basement under the
restaurant amidst all the restaurant supplies and stacks of buns.
My 1st manager who interviewed and hired me was not the most
outgoing person.
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He seemed as if he was not enjoying his work which I picked up.
On the other hand, another Assistant Manager was the opposite. He
was positive, outgoing and friendly. This was something that would be
all too familiar in my many jobs over the years. You learn to work with
all types of personalities in the workplace. You can’t take it personal if
your co-workers managers are not positive, outgoing and friendly to you.
You just don’t know what your boss, co-worker is dealing with so best
to mind your own business, go with the flow and do the best you can at
what job you were hired to do. Not everybody whistles while they work.
I call it the grumpy factor in the workplace and it is commonplace. One
person I will never forget from that work experience at the Golden
Arches was the Franchise Owner Art Anderson. Art was probably in his
late 60’s or early 70’s when I first started working at the Golden Arches
and first met him. When Art showed up at our location (He owned a
few) he was a man of action. He made the rounds, had a million-dollar
smile and said hello to everyone, customers, employees etc. Art
always grabbed a broom and dustpan after exchanging pleasantries and
checking on the business. At that point, he would put himself to work
cleaning up every bit of trash in the parking lot and then to top it off
wiped clean all the indoor and outdoor dining tables while sporting the
McDonald’s Sailor Hat we all wore back in the day. Mr. Anderson was a
special man in the workplace. When you work for an owner who shows
respect for his employees, customers, suppliers, etc. it makes the whole
business better. 46 years after I took my last order at McDonald’s as an
employee I still think of Art whenever I visit a McDonald’s which I do
at least once or twice a week. They do business the right way. Not surprised
they have sold billions of hamburgers and have made many franchise
owners Millionaires through their proven system of consistency,
clean facilities and ease of ordering. If you get a chance read the book
“Grinding It Out” by Ray Kroc a must read for every aspiring business
entrepreneur. The recent movie about McDonald’s “The Founder” also
a very good movie about how Ray Kroc built the Mcdonald’s Franchise
and struggles he faced along the way..
“He either enchants or antagonizes everyone he meets. But even his enemies agree there are three things
Ray Kroc does damn well: sell hamburgers, make money, and tell stories.” --from Grinding It Out
Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for
human masters.
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In 1971 the year I started
to work at McDonald’s the
minimum wage for an employee
in LA County CA was $1.60
per hour. Today in 2017 the
minimum wage in LA County,
CA is $10.50 per hour .
A whooping 556% increase per
hour over what I was paid in
1971 which equates to a little
over 12% increase every year
“Sometimes I think I probably should have worked at McDonald’s for a
career” - Probably not a bad choice ….
Job #3
Sizzler Steak House – Order Taker
After a nice run at McDonald’s I thought it was time to move up in
the world so I applied to Sizzler Steak House which was a very popular
assembly line steak house that was the talk of the town in the 70’s. In the
late 1970s and early 1980s, Sizzler promoted mainly steak and combination
steak dinners with baked potatoes, garlic toast and an optional salad
bar. The restaurant wanted to give the customer the feel of a full-service
restaurant, but at a price just slightly more than that of a fast food chain.
According to Wikipedia the chain was founded in 1958 as Del’s Sizzler
Family Steak House by Del and Helen Johnson in Culver City, California.
What I loved about Sizzler was the food was a bit tastier than McDonald’s
and I could announce the orders that I took for patrons through the
microphone. I thought it was cool to hear your voice resonant through
the restaurant with each order taken. “# 6 Please Medium Rare”, I would
call out for instance. I had some fun with the microphones when my
buddies would come in for visit. I would announce their names as they
were seated to the shock of some of the diners who looked around with
a look of what the heck. One episode is one I will never forget during
my time at Sizzler was when a Manager called me to the back-kitchen
area to lend a helping hand.
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The salad dressing vats at Sizzler were large solid plastic containers and
the Manager asked me to help him stir the Blue Cheese dressing one
evening. What he asked me to do was a bit unsanitary to say the least.
I was told to stick my arm into the vat and start stirring the dressing
which I did. After I stirred with my right arm for about 30 seconds the
Manager then asked me to lift my arm and hold it over the container
which I did. Upon doing this with ranch dressing running down my arm
into the vat he preceded to take a plastic spatula and scrape my arm for
the excess dressing which covered my arm and scraped it back into the
container to not waste a drop. Yikes, I was shocked. A few weeks later I
resigned from Sizzler. You never know what happens in the back kitchen
at Restaurants in the food supply areas and maybe its best you don’t
know.
Psalm 90:17
May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for
us— yes, establish the work of our hands.
Job# 4
1972 How I got Fired….
Pronto Markets –Beer, Soda & Milk Cold Case Shelf Stocker, Trash
emptier and more
Before Pronto it was Mission Food Mart
“In 1958 Joe Coulombe created the Pronto Markets chain in California, which later
became Trader Joe’s. The first Trader Joe’s store started in South Pasadena, California
at the site of the former Pronto Market.” - History of Trader Joe’s
My entry and quick exit in the Grocery Business started at Pronto
Market a small neighborhood store in South Pasadena which later became
Trader Joe’s. Before Pronto Market the store was run by the Lapi
and Modica families’ residents of South Pasadena for many years. I was
hired to work at Pronto Market I recall in 1972. During my time working
at Pronto three of my close friends were also working at Pronto which
made the shifts go by much faster when you are working with your pals.
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Stocking Beer & Milk Cases hour after hour, filling ice bags and emptying
trash was just plain work and at the end of the eve vacuuming the
entire store was not exactly a thrill.
Living just a few blocks from Pronto Market was a perk along with the
incredible pastrami sandwiches that were a favorite on our food breaks.
Pronto subleased out a portion of the store to a man named Wally with
a strong European accent I recall. Wally served up the best Hot Pastrami
& Roast Beef Sandwiches money could buy. For a few bucks, we
enjoyed Wally’s Hot Sandwiches which we would wash down with our
favorite beveridge an RC 16 OZ Cola. At Pronto the theme was Hawaiian.
As an employee, we were issued Hawaiian Shirts to wear during our
shifts which is still the uniform for Trader Joe’s employees to this day.
The end of my employment was a learning lesson and one where I made
a bad mistake which I deserved to be fired for.
Thou shalt not steal……
As a 16-year-old teenager I made many mistakes. Making a mistake
taking something that was not mine in the workplace and not paying for
it cost me my job and It was not eggs.
The Beer Heist gone Bad…
It all started during my shift on a Saturday that was to end at 9pm on
a Saturday night. Part of our duties at Pronto was to break down cardboard
boxes and place the flat boxes in the large trash bins located in the
parking lot adjacent to the store. In my life, I had been caught stealing
on one other occasion when I was 14 years old. I stole a bicycle in
Junior HS from the school bicycle parking area. I took a bike because
someone had taken my bike which was not stolen but hidden in a trash
bin I later found out as a prank. The bicycle I stole in Junior HS happened
to be the bicycle of the Vice Principals son. I was caught for the
crime the very next day at school when I was spotted on the Stolen bike.
For the crime, I received swats by the Principle and Vice Principle of
the Junior HS and was given after school detention for a month. I also
had to meet with Sgt. Steve Podesta (a friend of my Dads) at the South
Pasadena Police Department. Sgt. Podesta gave me a look with a bit of
a smile I guess because he knew my Dad (A Reserve Police officer at the
time) and counseled me on why stealing is wrong and could get you in
serious trouble.
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Back to Beer Heist Gone Bad…
I planned that during my shift on this Saturday night during my last
night trash run to hide a case of beer between the flattened cardboard
boxes in the large trash bins which I did about 15 minutes before I my
shift was to end. The plan was to retrieve the beer after my shift ended
and later enjoy with my friends. Bad decision all the way around. Disaster
struck about 5 minutes before I was scheduled to clock out. My
Manager approached me and he did not look happy. I was asked to
come into his office and he preceded to tell me a lady who was looking
for boxes in the bin had discovered a case of beer in the bins still cold
and reported it him. He asked if I knew anything about the beer in the
trash bin. I admitted that I had placed the beer in the bin. My Manager
did the right thing with my confession. He fired me on the spot. This
was a valuable lesson and one that I never forgot.
Stealing Don’t do it!
Proverbs 12:11
Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase
fantasies have no sense.
Pre employment days photo above with my Brother
Bob and Sisters Colleen and Cheryl
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Chapter 2
K-12 and 4 years of grinding on the trails after High School to earn my
Bachelor of Science Degree. The trails included some steep climbs.
Education
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Griff ’s’ Tips - Before you start your education or career get tested
for what your Vocational Interest are...
Check out www.CareerFitter.com for a Free Online Career test
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I love sports broadcasting, public speaking and announcing.
Find what you love to do.
Education
I did not attend pre-school but I did start my
education at Lincoln Elementary School in South
Pasadena, California in
1961. I was a shy and
bashful kid pictured
above. Picture below left
returning to my elementary
school now renamed
Arroyo Vista where I attended from K-6th Grade.
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High School
My High School experience was not exactly the best experience. For
some kids, they peak in High School and experience sports stardom,
popularity, educational excellence, awards and scholarships to boot. That
was not my case. High School was a struggle for me both academically,
athletically and turned to tragedy toward the end of my Senior Year
when my older brother Bob was killed
in a small plane crash. What would his
career have been? I believe Bob would
have been an Artist which was his gift
and calling. He had a clear vision and was
pursuing that vision at the time of his
death at the young age of 19. Bob had a
passion for art and photography and was
following his passion which I believe is
a key to a successful career. My Brother
With my brother on my left
1968
Bob’s unexpected tragic accidental death
was emotionally devastating to myself, my
family and changed my life forever.
A long life is no guarantee and Bob’s short life in which he accomplished
quite a bit with his artistic and athletic talents through his youth and
high school days taught me clearly at a young age to learn to live life with
purpose, enjoy the time we have and don’t waste time. I truly believe
my brother’s death was one of the main reasons why
I changed jobs at a record setting pace in my working
career. I wanted to make the most of my days.
Staying put in one place for months and years was just
not possible for me. I had to move. I was like a shark.
If I stayed in one job I thought I would die. I needed
to keep moving to seek, grow and to make the most
of my time… Potential employers saw this as a big red
“Bobby” 1972
flag I saw this as my survival. As a sophomore in 1971
I went out for the C Basketball team. I was hoping to
follow in my brother’s footsteps who was a C Basketball player and Star
of the C team in 1970. Bob jumped from C Basketball to Varsity in
1971 which was quite an accomplishment. After a few games into the
season I quit the C Basketball team since I was not playing much. My
dreams of basketball stardom ended. It was not fun to sit on a bench.
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During my Junior Year in High School I played on the 1st ever Golf
Team at South Pasadena High which proved to be a great experience.
My lowest 9 hole score of 39 came against Bishop Amat in a match at
Eaton Canyon Golf Course. When I was 11 growing up I was lucky
enough to the win the South Pasadena Junior City Golf Tournament
in 1966 shooting a 32 in 9 holes, winning in a playoff hole with a birdie
and brought home my 1st Golf Trophy. Some of the highlights of
my Golf Passion was playing in the World Am Tournament in Myrtle
Beach, South Carolina in 2006 and winning 1st place in a Golf Channel
Tour event at a tournament in Simi Valley in 2007.
My Dad was avid golfer and introduced my brother and myself to golf
when I was 8 years old. We spent hours on the golf course with my
Dad. To this day I believe a career in golf may have been a good career
choice for me knowing my passion for golf and sports. For the most
part in our youth we are not given counsel as to choosing a career path
which suits our special gifts, talents, desires. This can go backfire in
career choices that are not our passion but someone else’s passion which
was my case. My emotions were leading my career choices versus being
led by what my passion and talents were. In golf, you are the player and
only sit on the bench if you wish to rest between holes. I loved being
outdoors and getting to play every one of my golf shots whether good,
bad or ugly. That is why I still love and play golf to this day. In golf, it’s
all about you competing against the course and fellow golfers. You get to
play. No bench sitting in golf or coach favoring another player over you.
I was not the star of the golf team but did earn a junior varsity letter my
junior year. One of the two athletic letters I would earn in high school.
I loved to watch sports and read about sports every chance I could get.
During my junior year a good friend of mine and very good football
player who had played organized football from Pop Warner up to high
school convinced me to go out for spring training for the South Pasadena
High School varsity football team for my upcoming senior year.
The only football I ever played was sandlot, playground football in the
past and some flag football in junior high school. At the urging of my
classmate and good friend I did sign up for the football team and jogged
onto to the field for my 1st ever football spring training at any level in
the spring of 1972 not knowing what to expect or what to do due to my
lack of experience.
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Well as Football goes about two days into my Football Career I got
sandwiched in a Spring Training scrimmage when the offensive pulling
guard smashed into the outside of my left knee and the offensive center
smashed into the inside of my left knee. Down I went like a deer being
shot from my Inside Linebacker Defensive Position where the Coaches
had placed me. My Spring Training came to abrupt end after that hit
which caused knee ligament damage. The injury required me to wear
a cast from above the knee to my ankle for a few
months during the Summer of 1972. Not the best
of times in the Summer of 72’
The knee
#85 my Senior Year as a Tiger!
Advise Start your Football Career early to learn
the basics. Anything you wish to do well from
sports to your job, career will take time, patience
and endless hours of practice.
25
finally
healed up
enough
by Fall of
1972 and
I could
test the waters and enter Hell Week for the 1972
Football Season. Somehow, I survived Hell Week
despite developing blisters during the two a day
sessions under the heat. For surviving Hell Week, I made the Football
Team for the 1972 Varsity Football Season at South Pasadena. Being a
new player without any real Experience my Football Playing time was to
say the least limited only seeing brief playing time my Senior Year appearing
in only five games on the Varsity Level in mostly mop up roles.
I recall one game where we were leading our crosstown rival San Marino
late in the 4th quarter 28 – 6. The Coach was kind enough to put us
3rd Stringers in to run out the clock. We did that alright as I ran the ball
from my tailback position getting tackled for loses on every one of my
three carries. I believe I lost 12 yards in the three carries a record which
may still stand for career minus yards rushing at South Pasadena. My
one shining Varsity moment did occur in our 2nd game of the Season at
Cal State Los Angeles against Salesian High School an all-boys Catholic
School. I was standing on the sidelines doing my usual thing that being
watching the game with the best seat in the house when I noticed one
of our starting defensive players limping off the field injured wrenching
in pain. Our Head Coach swirled around and I happened to be the 1st
player he saw and he yelled Griffin get in there. Stunned I ran onto the
field and took my stance at Defensive End not really knowing what to do
or what to expect.

I recall after the ball was snapped charging across the line fighting off
a block to defend the play and seeing the Quarterback coming right at
me … For some reason, he dropped the ball (I must have scared him)
and it bounced directly into my arms. Shocked, I started to run luckily
in the right direction to the goal line some 65 yards away. Never known
as being fast I was dragged down from behind by one of the Salesian
players after rambling for about 20 – 30 yards. I ran off the field in a
bit of disbelief which I’m sure shocked our Coach on my freak fumble
recovery. I did not reappear again in the game that eve in our win
against Salesian. For recovering that fumble I was awarded a Tiger Sticker
to patch to my helmet which I wore proudly for the rest of the year as
a member of the South Pas Varsity Football Oski Club. Sometimes you
get lucky which happened to me on that Friday Night which I will always
remember. Aka “One shining Moment… in a less than brilliant Football
Career. I did get to play quite a bit on the Junior Varsity Games which
were played the following Mondays against the same teams we played
the previous Friday Night. I remember we were playing Blair Junior
Varsity and I was playing Defensive back and was starting to finally feel
pretty good as player gaining a bit of confidence. Early in the game the
Blair Halfback a rather large player broke through the line on a sweep. I
was the last defensive player he needed to beat. As the Defensive back, I
saw what looked like a runaway bull with steam coming out of his nostrils
heading right at me. Being all of 5’ 10’ 165 pounds I smashed into
the bull hoping to stop him. The bull all 6’1 210 pounds needless to say
overran me. Luckily, I slowed him up just enough so our Safety and few
other players were able to wrestle the runaway bull to the ground. The
result of that hit caused me to suffer a hip pointer injury which essentially
is a blunt force injury that makes it painful to be hit again. That
injury early on in our second game of the Season affected my ability to
want to smash into players with full force for the rest of year. Yes, those
football injuries stay with you a long time. I should have stuck to Golf. I
did earn a Junior Varsity letter in Football for enduring the 14 weeks of
mostly getting beat up in practice 5 days a week for the season and made
it through the bumps and bruises which I learned quickly is what Football
is all about. I believe the biggest mistake I made in High School was
to never seek any career guidance/vocational counseling during my high
school experience. My Parents had gone through a divorce while I was
in Junior High School and getting advice from my parents was lacking. I
was barely making my way through Junior High and High School being
pretty much on my own with no direction or real parental guidance.
26

My Dad was very involved in running his business, had remarried and
was pretty much not around to give me advise. I would only see him
maybe once or twice a month for a few hours when we would visit my
Dad at his Downtown LA Penthouse Suite at Bunker Hill Towers where
he lived after being divorced from my Mom. My Mom was caught up
in being a Single Parent and was dealing with the struggles that Single
parenting brings. I helped my Mom out with chores around the house
like taking trash out, cleaning the yard and doing things a Dad usually
does. I remember I resented this a bit. My mom was dating some after
my parents divorced. She never really connected with any of the guys
she dated but it was nice to see her get out and about with the guys that
would come to our house. As a kid seeing your parents with other people
was weird but you got used to it
High School Graduation South Pasadena High School 1973.
COLLEGE - I believe continuing your Education / College is a not
a job. Education is an Investment that may help you land a future job,
help you train for a job you are pursuing, or give you more skills in the
job you currently have. Nobody I know has ever been paid a wage to
attend College so therefore it is not a job in my opinion. It is work
although.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and
not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
27

I had no focus or desire during my high school days and barely
graduated at pretty much the bottom of my Class at South Pasadena
High School in 1973. After I lost my brother unexpectedly in a plane
crash my Senior Year in High School that changed my course. I decided
to further my Education and looked at life differently. Was pursuing
higher education a mistake? Maybe, but that’s in the past.
Griff ’s Thoughts – Don’t rush into getting a Degree without knowing really
what you want to do with it and why. Take your time. Who says you must have a
College Degree before you are 30 or any age for that matter. A college degree does not
define you. Having a College degree is not a path to guarantee career bliss. If you
want to be a Doctor, Lawyer, Teacher, Dentist etc. it will require you to complete the
educational requirements necessary for the career path job you are pursuing.
After completing my High School Education at South Pasadena in June
of 1973 I had no idea what I was going to do in my life. I probably was
not alone in my thoughts. Looking back, I believe my calling was to be
working in Sports since that was my passion. I would not be a professional
athlete but someone working around sports such as a writer,
announcer, statistician or maybe a Golf Teaching Professional … I really
believe I missed my calling but it’s never too late to discover what it is
you really want to do with your life.
I believe knowing your interests, talents and getting career guidance early
in your youth and teens is crucial to choosing a right career path for
everyone.
High School almost Dropout to serious Student @ Pasadena
City College Student 1973- 1974
Titus 2:7-8
In everything set them an example by
doing what is good. In your teaching show
integrity, seriousness and soundness of
speech that cannot be condemned, so that
those who oppose you may be ashamed
because they have nothing bad to say
about us.
Pasadena City College – Where I turned around my grades around enough to
get accepted to a Four-Year College -
28

After I graduated from High School with no direction or course to
follow, still in shock and emotional pain and disbelief from the loss of
brother I asked my Dad if I could work for his business. He seemed
a bit hesitant at first but did hire me. This was a mistake but not the
worst mistake. I had been ill prepared for any job career path and I felt
I needed to connect with my Dad who had been out of the picture
during my formidable years in Junior High and High School. I spent
the following year working as a Floor Boy and Delivery Driver for my
Dad’s Commercial Print Shop during the day while attending Pasadena
City College at night taking courses to improve my GPA so that I
could apply to a 4-year University. It was during this time working at
my Dad’s Printing Business that I decided I would pursue a career in
printing. This was a mistake. I enjoyed working for my Dad but I know
now my heart was not content to be in the printing business. Working
in the Printing Business was not my passion. My passion was sports. I
did not have any sound career guidance to direct my paths so I pursued
the Print Career Path mainly so I could spend time with my Dad since
I felt the need to be around my Dad. Looking back, I can honestly say
now that picking a career based on what your Dad does is not a wise decision.
It is not a good idea to pick a career to emotional connect with
someone even if it’s your Dad. It will never fulfill or define you. Each
of us must find a job /career that you choose based on your interests,
skills & god given talents.
Whether your job is sweeping floors or being the CEO of a multi-billion
dollar company, just make sure you are following your heart and
not your emotions or trying to be like someone else. Be you and enjoy
being you. I can almost guarantee that if you follow your passion and
talents throughout your working days you will avoid a career meltdown
which I experienced.
I really had not ever thought about a career growing up or been counseled
about vocational testing, counseling, etc. During my 1st real job
after High School I had moved into an Apartment in South Pasadena.
It was first time not living at home. My roommate was a High School
classmate who like me had entered the working world at age 17 instead
of heading straight to college. My schedule was hectic as my job hours
were 6:30am until 3:00pm at the printing company in South Central LA
which was about 30 miles from my apartment in South Pasadena.
29

After work it took me usually about 45 minutes to an hour to get back
to my apartment to pick up my books, grab a bite to eat and head to
Pasadena City College for my classes which went from 6- 9pm – 3 nights
a week. I will never forget one of my night classes I was taking in Human
Psychology at PCC. Our bearded professor who we had endured
for four to five weeks was not at class. The note on the Chalk Board
said class canceled. Our Professor had left us, committed Suicide. That
was a shocker. Yes, life is not easy. We hear news all the time that is sad.
All we can do is move forward and continue our chosen path although
we get stopped on our tracks along the way with sad and unfortunate
experiences.
I can relate to what Forrest said – I never knew what I was going to get
with each new job. Some were good, some bad, some ugly just like the
box of chocolates. Make sure you are at least eating chocolate from a
box of jobs that match your skills, talents and passion.
Griff ’s Thoughts -
Know and stay on your career
trail and watch out for some
diversions along the way. If you
do get diverted go back to the trail
you are familiar with.
30

Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester NY 1974-1975
Student / Actor
“JB” At Rochester Institute of Technology where I made Deans List all 3
Quarters 1974- 1975 – Now that was hard work
East Coast Experience - Loneliness and finding a new hope.
In the Fall Of 1974 I drove cross country with Dad to attend Rochester
Institute of Technology. We left at 5am from my Dads home in La
Mirada CA to start our 3000 plus mile journey to Rochester, NY. I was
excited to be heading East with my Dad as my travel partner to continue
my college education. My previous year of improving my grades at
Pasadena City College had paid off and I was accepted to enroll at RIT
to start a new adventure…
RIT had a great reputation for the best Printing Technology School in
the nation. With my Dad being the President/Owner of his own printing
business it seemed like the right school for me to attend although I
was not doing it for me but doing it more for my Dad. A mistake for
sure. The Summer prior to entering RIT I was playing Basketball daily. I
contacted the head Basketball coach at RIT to ask If I could try out for
the team. To my shock the Coach invited me to attend the tryouts. He
told me to report to his office on my arrival for a meeting and get the
Fall basketball camp schedule. The cross country drive to New York
was exciting although my Dad did not say much during the drive.
31

Most of the time I just looked at the scenery which led us through the
desert, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma City, Missouri and outside
of Trenton, New Jersey. In New Jersey we spent a night at my Dad’s
Uncle’s mansion near George Washington’s Crossings on the Potomac
River. My Dad’s Uncle Arthur Stryker was a successful businessman
who owned a manufacturing company and lived in a beautiful brick Tudor
styled mansion situated on over 60 acres in the country, miles from
the city. It was the first time I had ever stayed in a mansion and it was
a nice change from the roadside motels we stayed in during our journey
across the USA in my 1969 Volkswagen which held its own throughout
the road trip. We finally arrived at my dorm at RIT and my Dad helped
me get settled in before I drove him to the nearby airport for his flight
home. Since I arrived a few days early to join the basketball workouts
things would be lonely and quiet over the few days and weekend until
the students started to arrive for fall orientation.
A quick story on my basketball experience. After the tryout period
which included hard workouts and playing against seasoned RIT letterman
and recruits the coach came up to me after one our sessions ended
and said although I was in great shape and working hard he just would
not have a spot for me on the team. I was a bit hurt, depressed but I felt
good that I had given it my best shot and that was not enough. It was
an experience I will always remember. As the quote states “If you’ve
never failed you have probably not tried anything new”. With the student
athlete experience coming to a halt I put my focus into academics with
all my heart and soul. Rochester was an ideal place for me at this time
in my life. I was away from the horrible memories of what happened
to my brother and away from family, friends and familiar places for the
1st time. I was growing up quickly. Being a party person from junior
high school through high school I had more than enough memories of
drinking and partying at the expense of making good grades and getting
ahead. Early in fall quarter I got involved in a fraternity as a new pledge
and quickly saw the writing on the wall. To me it seemed a bit silly with
the antics we were being told to go through to become a frat member. It
involved lots of drinking, pranks and flat out crazy stuff in my mind. I
quickly dropped out of any desire to be a frat boy. I was at school to get
an education and partying was okay for me one or two nights a week but
not every night which it appeared the frat house was promoting. I had
been there done that in high school.
32

During Freshman orientation, I met a guy standing in line waiting for
our class schedules who would become my buddy during my one and
only year at RIT. He was from New Haven Ct. His friendship was a
god sent to make my time at RIT enjoyable knowing I had a connection
since I was 3000 miles from home. I stayed in the Dorms after classes
studying most of the time except for our Friday night Outings. I would
hook up with my buddy almost every Friday Night and hit the Red Barn
a local watering hole. The Red Barn featured beer by the pitcher and pizza
of course. We spent many a Friday night at the Red Barn and sometimes
ventured over to Genesee State with the hopes of meeting ladies
which we struck out on for the most part.
As the beauty of the Fall Leaves started to blow away in early November
and the snow started which did not stop for what seemed like eternity,
my mind and attitude started to change. I spent Thanksgiving with a
High School Friend in 1974 driving my VW from RIT up to Kennebunkport
Maine to meet her. It was a great experience seeing her and
doing some sightseeing including visiting the towns of Boston and
Portland Maine. She made me some homemade granola to take back to
my dorm which I must admit was incredible.
For Christmas Break I boarded a flight and flew home to stay with my
Mom who was living in Newport Beach. I was relieved to be home and
to spend time with Mom who was living on Bayside Drive just a short
walk from Balboa Island. While Christmas shopping at Fashion Island in
Newport Beach I was browsing through books at the bookstore. I ended
up purchasing a Bible from the Store. I had been feeling lonely being
so far away from home and had been introduced to a Christian Group
of Students at RIT who spoke to me briefly about getting to know the
Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, My oldest sister Cheryl had become
a Christian and I was not sure of what a Christian meant since I was
raised a Catholic and believed in God. Little did I know that change was
coming from my purchase of the bible. After Christmas break I boarded
the plane bound for Rochester with my new bible tucked away. I arrived
in Rochester on a weekend.
The dorms were empty since most of the kids were still not back from
the Holiday Break. It was very lonely. I had a bottle of Wine in my room
and started to drink. About halfway through the bottle it was like a light
appeared in my dark room. I know it was God. I felt the presence. I
preceded to pour the rest of the wine down the sink, grabbed my bible
and started to read.
33

I don’t remember what I read but it was enough to perk my interest
to keep reading a page or two at a time every morning for the rest of
my 7 months at RIT. I had discovered a personal relationship with my
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and it was real. Well as a baby believer I
was taking baby steps in my faith. The daily readings were encouraging
and helped me get through the lonely times. The year at RIT was made
longer of course by the weather which made it impossible to go outside
for any length of time since the wind chill factor was at times 80 degrees
below freezing. I did manage to learn to ice skate pretty well and landed
an acting gig while attending RIT. I had a class in Technical Writing and
the teacher of the Class oversaw the Directing of The famous Broadway
Play “Guys and Dolls” which he was producing with RIT Students
appearing in the cast. One day in class he asked to speak to me after. I
met with him and he said that I had the deep voice he was looking for to
play the part of “Big Jule” in the play. I had never been in a play or done
any acting in my life. I did end up playing the part of “Big Jule”. After
a few weeks of Rehearsal, we had a 3-Night run Thursday, Friday and
Saturday when the play rolled out. It was a great experience and something
I will never forget. You never know what comes your way.
Pictured with my Dad’s
Uncle Arthur and his
Wife Harriett East
Coast Road Trip 1974
My reliable VW
which took us to New
York and was my ride
while attending RIT
until the snow came.
She was under Snow
for a few months.
34

Road trip 1974
at Washington
Crossings
Historic Site
When Spring finally arrived in May not kidding I knew my days at RIT
were numbered. I had pretty much decided in early March that I would
not be returning to RIT. My
running away to get away from it
all had served its purpose. I could
not bring my brother or things in
the past back. I had proved that I
could achieve academically having
earned Deans List all three quarters
while attending RIT. I had
made some new friends, accepted
Jesus Christ as my Lord and
Savior and was now ready to head
home. In June, I drove my VW
Bug out of the Student Dorm
Parking lot for last time and headed
to the Rochester Airport to pick up my Mom for our drive back to
California. The ride back to California was one of the best road trips I
have ever experienced to this day. I spoke with my Mom nonstop about
everything under the Sun as we made our way to her home in Alhambra.
Mom had left her rental in Newport Beach and bought a home in
Alhambra to be closer to her Mom who lived in Pasadena. Our road
trip included stops in South Bend Indiana to visit the campus of Notre
Dame, Chicago, Iowa, Aspen, Colorado and Las Vegas, Nevada. Pure
fun it was a joy to be coming home!
35

Bye Bye New York Hello California
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, CA 1975-1976 Student
I decided to return to California during my Freshman year in College
at a Movie Theatre in Rochester NY. It was a movie that was obviously
filmed in California with all the palm trees, green lawns, sunny weather.
It was in the dark theater sitting alone seeing the Palm Trees my mind
was set on returning home to Sunny So Cal. While at RIT I started the
process to transfer to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Due to my excellent
grades at RIT and Program Graphic Communications I was transferring
to I was accepted. RIT was known as a top-notch school for printing
majors back in the day and Cal Poly SLO was right up there with
RIT for students seeking a career in the printing industry or Graphic
Communications Industry. Little did I know then that I was pursuing a
degree in a major and field of study I was not passionate about. I just
wanted to work for my Dad which was my focus. After arriving back in
California from RIT I went back to work for the summer at my Dad’s
Business and was living at my Uncle’s house which was next door to
my Mom’s House. My Uncle Lou who owned a Liquor Store in South
Pasadena had a spare bedroom in their home which they offered to me
which was very generous. My schedule was to get up at 5:00am for the
drive to my Dad’s Printing Company where I was hired for the Summer
for just a few months as a Delivery Driver. My job was to check into the
shipping department in the morning and get my instructions from the
Shipping Manager on what my driving duties would be for the day.
36

I really loved driving around the city. We had two delivery vehicles. One
a cool van which I preferred to drive for light deliveries and the other a
big truck with a lift gate we used for larger deliveries that included skids
of paper or boxes that were on pallets. I became proficient at making my
way primarily around Los Angeles and Orange County where most of
our clients were located. My favorite deliveries were to the office buildings
where all the pretty ladies worked. I
loved walking through the offices I delivered
to outfitted in my green uniform with my
name patch on the shirt “Jim”. I arrived at the
office lobbies with my two–wheeler dolly and
enjoyed taking orders from the office managers
mostly ladies as to where to stack the
cartons. Occasionally I would get lucky and get a date from the single
ladies I met while making the deliveries. Most of the cartons were under
25 lbs. ea. and contained mostly booklets, newsletters, annual reports,
brochures, catalogs and marketing literature. My Dad’s company had a
very good reputation in the So Cal print market and we had some great
accounts such as Lawry’s Foods, Mattel, Walt Disney, Hughes Aircraft,
Security Pacific Bank, Intercraft Industries, Bentley Labs, Western Gear,
Virco, Douglas Furniture, USC, Loyola Marymount and Unitours to
name a few. The Summer of 1975 went by quickly. I had a bit of scare
that Summer when one morning on one of my delivery runs I was
driving through downtown LA and was crossing through an intersection
when a car ran a red light and smashed
into my delivery Van spinning the Van
360. Luckily, I was not injured. The car that
smashed into the Van never stopped. I drove
back to the shop shaken. The Van was damaged
a bit from the hit but still drove okay. After
that incident, I always started to look both
ways before crossing an intersection. Over the
years that habit has probably saved my life a few times. I looked forward
to arriving on the campus of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in the Fall
of 1975 to continue my education in my chosen major Graphic Communications
and I repeat not the major I should have been pursuing.
(Pictures above In Mom’s Kitchen 1974 after a long day at the Print Shop and exterior
photo of my Dad’s business Porter & Griffin Printers and Lithographers Inc.
37

It’s important to know that if you pursue a higher education to really
look deep inside and find out why you are pursuing a certain degree.
Make sure it’s your career and your heart’s desire most importantly
and take your time. As a sophomore Transfer I lived off campus with
three other guys. Ralph a heckuva Football Player attending Cuesta
College, Jeff a Former all State Track Athlete from Novato Ca and
Andrew a local Party guy who attended Cal Poly also. I lived for two
quarters with the Boys and the good news was we all had our own
separate rooms and shared a bathroom. Cal Poly was a unique experience.
I was happy to be back in Cali and able to go home on weekends
when I wanted. It was a 3 ½ drive home to Pasadena from SLO town
as it was called. My grades were not on the Dean’s List Caliber as
they were at RIT but still I was able to maintain a B+ Average and get
involved in lots of intramural sports including Football which were
the highlight on my 2 quarters enrolled at SLO. My roommate Jeff
and myself were hooked on
running the hills around
SLO at least 3 -5 days a
week. We would go out on
Long Distance runs amidst
some of the most beautiful
scenery I had ever seen in
my 20 years. I think
everyone has a stupid
college mistake they made
and mine was when I
decided to go skateboarding the hilly streets of San Luis Obispo with
a new friend of mine named Woody from Santa Barbara. Woody
was a much better skateboarder than me and took off on a steep hill
making the turns look easy and waved for me to follow. I took off and
made a few turns and then missed a turn and bam I was in the danger
zone. I was going in a straight-line downhill and gaining speed. As
my speed kept increasing within seconds the board started to wobble
and all I could do was jump off at that point. Easier said than done.
When my feet hit the pavement, my momentum sent me airborne. For
a few seconds, it was kind of cool I felt like superman flying horizontal
to the pavement. The thrill ended when my body skidded on to the
pavement and kept going for maybe 20 – 30 feet before I was stopped
by sliding into the wheelbase of a parked car. By the grace of the Good
Lord I did not hit my head and was glad to be alive.
38

The pain was brutal from the skidding. Somehow I took myself into the
campus infirmary and was treated for several scrape wounds and skid
marks which kept me laid up for several days until I could move again.
This may have been the closest I came to die while skateboarding and to
this day I do not skateboard at least down steep hills.
Although I was in a beautiful place at SLO I found the weekends a bit
to SLO no pun intended. I was not a pot smoker and not into the party
scene at SLO and too young to go to a bar since the drinking age in California
was 21 unlike the 18-year-old drinking age I was accustomed to
in New York. I had partied way too much in my Junior HS and HS days
and I was motivated to get my education behind me and go to work.
What was I thinking … Looking back I rushed into my misguided career
which was a mistake.
My advice to college kids is to take time to figure who you are while in
college and what you like and don’t like. I was young and restless and
thinking I was doing the right thing. I had no Idea.
I knew I had a job in LA at my Dad’s company. I thought let’s get this
degree ASAP and go to work, get married and have kids. I was damaged
from losing my brother and thought I had to live life in the fast lane
since our days on earth are not guaranteed.
My Days at SLO were numbered. I was ready
to go home and enroll at a College next to
where I grew up and get back in the City life.
It’s called stepping back instead of moving
forward and sometimes that’s okay when you
really don’t know what you want which I did
I traded in my reliable
1969 Volkswagon for a
1963 Ford Falcon Station
Wagon while attending Cal
Poly San Luis Obispo and
Cal State LA . She lasted a
few years before I Started my
career and traded her in for a
Chevy Nova
not have a clue. I did meet a very nice lady
from San Marino while at Cal Poly. On
weekends when I went home she would
sometimes drive home with me and back. I
would leave her off at her parents’ house in
San Marino on Friday Night and Pick her up
on Sunday for our return trip to SLO. She
was a beautiful lady with blonde hair and
gleaming blue eyes. We never dated. Another
mistake I made. We were just friends. I was bit too into the books another
big mistake. Not enough time for dating at least I thought.
39

Cal State University Los Angeles, CA 1976 -1977 Student
I left Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in March of 1976 only after 2 quarters
and enrolled in Cal State Los Angeles aka the Cement City. I kept my
Major in Printing although the program was in the School of Engineering.
My Degree would be in Industrial Technology with an Option in
Printing Management.
My mind was set. I was going to get my degree and go to work for my
Dad. Big mistake. How can a kid who was still not 21 know what he
wanted to do? Believe it or not some individuals know what they want to
do at age 4. I was just pursuing the wrong path.
It was my desire to be around my Dad not my desire to be in the
Printing Business which was steering my decisions. Yes, divorce has
consequences and it causes children of divorce who may not have had
a close relationship with their parents to take career paths that are not
their own but their parents in some cases. This was my case. It came
back to bite me in the butt in the long run.
During my time at Cal State Los Angeles from March of 1976 to
August of 1977 I was determined to get my degree as soon as I could. I
remember taking 21 units one quarter. It was my desire to get the piece
of paper and move on. Not a good reason. Looking back, I think college
should be savored and enjoyed like anything you do in life. I rushed
through it and did not take the time to as they say , “to smell the roses”
and how about seek serious counseling for career guidance.
40

I did join the Cross-Country Team at Cal State LA and got into pretty
good shape running for miles and miles and competing in meets during
my Senior Year at CSULA in 1977. I traveled with the team and competed
in Cross-Country Meets against other State University teams. It was a
far cry from my thoughts of being a walk on Basketball Player at RIT 3
years earlier in 1974. Low and behold In August of 1977 I had completed
all the required units to earn my BS in Industrial Technology with an
Option in Printing Management from Cal State University Los Angeles.
It was now time for a needed break. Europe that is. Upon Graduation,
my Dad God Bless him sent me on a 38-day tour of Europe.
Art Center College of Design, Pasadena CA 1978 Student - I enrolled
in a course at Art Center after earning my College Degree that
was one of the best courses I ever took which taught me about graphic
design. Since I would be calling on Graphic Designers and Ad Agencies
in my print sales days this course was very helpful and taught me quite
a bit about design fundamentals. It’s refreshing when you invest time in
education to sharpen your skills. In whatever field you choose as a career
continuing education is essential I believe. Being a lifetime learner will
never hurt you.
Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, CA 1979 Grad Student - I enrolled
in a Master’s Program in Entrepreneurship at Azusa Pacific College
which I really enjoyed. I earned an A in my 1st class but dropped out
due to getting in a serious relationship with a beautiful lady named Lisa
who worked with my Mom at the bank. The whirlwind relationship was
much needed and took my mind off continuing my education. I had
been in School for 5 years and needed a break …
Cal State Long Beach, Long Beach, CA - 2003- 2004
I was a Grad Student pursuing a Master Degrees Teaching Credential in
Mild Moderate Special Education. My career path as a Special
Education Teacher led me to enter the Master’s Program for a Teaching
Credential in Special Education / Mild Moderate. I was doing good in
my program with a B+ average through 24 units but unfortunately my
Contract as a District Intern Teacher in Special Ed with Long Beach
Unified ended when I was let go. At that point, I decided to not
continue in Education and go back to sales.
41

Fullerton Junior College 2015 – Took a course in Pre-Press Digital.
As in every Industry technology changes. Printing was no exception.
Prior to computers the printing Industry was a very labor-intensive trade
with typesetters, paste up artists graphic designers, Camera Operators,
Dot Etchers, Air Brush Artists, Strippers (not the kind your thinking)
and Plate makers all very involved in the printing process to produce a
printed product. With the introduction of computers Apple / Mac …
printing in the prepress area took a new direction. The artboard was
now a digital artboard and made the printing process digital on the front
end. Digital cameras and popular prepress programs like PageMaker,
Quark Express and now InDesign all but eliminated thousands of
jobs and changed the printing industry … I entered Fullerton College
in 2015 to learn about prepress and getting jobs ready for print in the
digital world. It was a refreshing course. I always say education is never
wasted. It’s always good to learn new things… There was a saying once
you get ink in your blood you never get it out. I still use my printing
experience and prepress skills to produce printed magazines and other
pieces I design and print to this day in my own business JBGmg.
Estimated Education Expenses in my lifetime: $16,300.00
Estimated Income Earned in my Career as an Employee: $660,000
(Luckily my earning exceeds my Educational Expenses which they
should over time …….
Is there such a thing as a Free Lunch? As my Dad taught me. No….
The Real-World Jobs – Defined as something you do where you earn a
paycheck and the employer deducts taxes from your paycheck.
Still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up at age 21 at
my grandmother’s house in Pasadena, CA. 1976
42

Chapter 3
Navigating some rough trails, getting lost at times, enduring switchbacks
along the way and battling with a with a few predators along
the path .
Starting my Career
43

Starting my Career
Definition of a Job: according to the Dictionary: a regular remunerative position.
I have also heard the definition of JOB as “Just Above Broke” .
Santa Barbara 1978
Griff ’s Career Job Tip – Develop a Mission Statement
Job#5
Porter and Griffin Printers & Lithographers Inc 1973- 1982
Floor boy, Press Feeder, Delivery Driver, Bindery Helper, Pressman,
Salesperson Assistant to President. During Summers starting in 1972
- 1976 I worked at my Dads Printing business as a Floor boy, Printing
Press Feeder, Printing Pressman, Bindery Helper & Delivery Driver. Of
course, when I was not working at my Dads Company I was enrolled in
College pursuing a degree with an emphasis in the Printing Industry
After my graduation from College in August of 1977 with a Degree in
Industrial Technology with an Option in Printing Management from Cal
State Los Angeles my Dad made me an offer I could not refuse. His job
offer to me was to promote me from the green uniform working on the
Production Floor to the role of being his Personal Assistant and Salesperson.
Being all of 21 I had never sold anything in my life and knew
nothing about sales but I did understand a bit about printing and what
it took to deliver a quality printed piece from business cards to annual
reports.
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I was very excited to start my career but before I took a nice break and
went to Europe for 38 days a gift from Dad before starting my printing
career. The Europe trip was an eye-opening experience and one I will
always remember and cherish. My Dad’s company had a client Unitours
a very large Travel Wholesaler located on Wilshire Blvd just outside of
downtown Los Angeles.
My Dad offered Unitours an exchange for a deal on a same cost as
printing travel package which allowed me to go on a planned excursion
with Tour Guides, 5* Hotels and tour buses all along the way from Paris
to England with stops in Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Holland
and ending in London. I was the youngest person on the tour other than
a young lady who was traveling with her grandmother. She was a bit
younger than me probably 18 or so and was attending Brooks College
studying to be a Photographer. It was nice to have someone to hang out
with at night as we usually ventured out on the town every night after the
evening meal to take in the nightclubs and nightlife at cities we visited
…. Other than being set up a bar in Rome where I ended up buying
drinks for $75 at an underground club for a lady that faked she liked me
the European experience was just what I needed before starting my new
job.
1st Stop Paris .. Glad I took French in High School
45

Europe Photos Fall 1977
46

Griff ’s Career Tip….
Be sure to plan to travel before you settle into your job/career choice.
See the world if possible. Suggest 3 months of travel .
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With College completed and returning home safely from Europe after
an eye-opening experience It was now time to start a career and work
the same job until I retired (LOL) …At least I thought. I had set my
career sights during College on being a Print Executive like my Dad and
I had made it through college and landed the job I wanted. What I did
not know was that it was not my passion and that would later derail me
and as a result I went through some tough times. I must say I was blessed
to have a job and working for my Dad. My parents were divorced
and I wanted to spend time with my Dad since I felt it was important
to my personal well-being. The time I spent with my Dad certainly was
worth every minute as it helped me find my identity. My Dad had found
his passion and I enjoyed just being part of his life. I remember the
1st year of my new career at Porter & Griffin was a complete learning
experience as any 1st year on the job always is … Like relationships you
must go one year to see the full picture Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
and hopefully learn and grow through the process… What I really loved
about being in the front office was I no longer was on a time clock. I
was paid a base salary of $24,000 and my benefits included a new leased
vehicle, insurance on the vehicle paid by the company, an expense account
for client entertainment, a gas card for my car and company paid
health insurance. I was living in Alhambra, Ca at the time at my Mom’s
house rent free so I guess you can say I was living a nice dream at the
age of 21. In 1977 my Mom’s mother passed away and my Mom moved
to her home in Pasadena, CA where I moved also. The Pasadena house
was a great house and my commute was about 35 – 45 minutes to get to
the office in the morning. The company office manufacturing plant was
in Southwest Los Angeles off El Segundo Boulevard.
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My Dad had the office and plant built by a good friend of his Ernie
Branch and had been at the location since 1966. Another thing I loved
about my new career was unlimited lunch breaks…The downside was
I was working every day from typically 8:00am to 6:00pm. Outside of
work I spent most of my time working out at the Pasadena Athletic
Club where I became a member. It was at the club where I met my 1st
wife in 1978. Back to the printing sales job. As mentioned I knew nothing
about how to sell anything. Most companies when they hire salespeople
will put the rookies like I was through a 7 – 10 day, 8 hours a day
training course … My Dad’s training course was a bit different. He called
me into his office on my 1st or maybe 2nd day as the new executive. The
1st few days I just shadowed my Dad and watched everything he did.
From his arrival in the morning to walking through the plant greeting
everyone with a big smile and chit chat to going to the lunch room to
pour his 1st cup of coffee to carry back with him to the office. A habit I
quickly picked up.
Back to my intensive sales training. My Dad picked up a big yellow
phone book, handed it to me and then said, “Go Get Um Tiger”.
I will never forget those words.
I believe I asked my Dad the question what if no one wants to buy
printing when I call them? He answered saying then you will need to get
in your car and start driving to businesses, walk in and tell them who you
are and let them know you represent a printing company that can print
anything except taco shells. Well that’s all the training it took. Within 1
week I had landed a new account through door knocking which I always
preferred over cold calling on the phone. Within six months I was covering
my base salary with commissions earned. In my 1st year I was handed
a $6,000 check by my Dad’s business partner for billing over $100,000
in one month @ 10% commission which was a commission of $10,000
less my draw of $2000 a month and the additional $2000 I was overdrawn.
Being my 1st year in sales I felt like I may have found something
I loved to do that being sales. In all my jobs I really do feel that sales was
my calling somewhat. I enjoy being out and about meeting new people
and never really took rejection personally. I felt that I could leave no
stone unturned which led me to land some very good clients early on in
my printing sales career. It’s hard to succeed if you are not getting the
support you need in any endeavor. I really was being supported in every
way by the entire team at Porter & Griffin and of course without that
support my efforts in the field would mean nothing.
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Yes, teamwork is the key to success in many jobs…
With my first big commission check I could buy my 1st home. I put my
entire $6,000 commission check as a down payment on a new home development
that was being built in Duarte, Ca. Unfortunately, I sold the
Townhouse less than 2 years after I bought it due to a divorce from my
1st wife. The first of two divorces I went through which is never good
when it comes to smooth sailing in life and your career.
Job #6) Parker & Son Publications – 1983 Print Salesman
Some things in your life change the course of your Career and in my
case my Dad decided to Sell his Printing Business. My dreams of running
the business someday were not going to happen. When my Dad
brought me in to his office to tell me that the company was being
acquired he said the firm buying his company wanted to retain me on
the payroll and would like me to stay on with the Company. My gut said
no so I told my Dad that I was going to decline the offer to stay on as
an employee with the new ownership. At this point in my life which was
about working for my Dad and not my passion the water started to leak
in my career boat. The sinking would take 15 – 16 years with temporary
career patches to stop the sinking but the damage was done. The damage
was done when my Dad sold his company his dream his passion.
Not my dream my passion I was doomed but not done.
My first job after I left my Dad’s business was working with an established
Publication Printer based in Los Angeles which was known for
publishing the Parker Law Directory. They had a niche as a Union
Printer doing various publications and jobs for Union Organizations like
Kaiser Permanente.
I absolutely felt like a fish out water working as an outside printing salesman
at Parker & Son. I went into the printing business to work with my
Dad and hopefully one day take over the business. That road ended. My
new road was a road I was not familiar with. I was in a no-win situation
doing something that I was never passionate about. I was only working
in printing at this time because the money was good and being recently
married I was not able to change my career job since I now had obligations.
Well 6-9 months into the job I was not loving I was called one
morning into a meeting by the General Manager and the rest of the sales
force. The General Manager started the closed-door meeting by saying
(I will never forget the words) “Gentleman after 80+ years of business
we are closing our doors”. I left the meeting a bit numb and on my way
out I was thinking okay now what.
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Within less than an hour after walking out of the meeting I got a phone
call from an Ink Salesman Rick. Rick was a young man like me in the
Printing Business probably because of his Dad. Rick said to me hey Jim
my Dad is the Sales Manager at Welsh Graphics in Pasadena Ca and he
would like to meet you.
Since my 2nd wife was pregnant with our 1st child I was eager to continue
to get a paycheck so I followed up on Ricks advise and the next
morning met with Ken the Sales Manager at Welsh Graphics in Pasadena.
The meeting was cool I recall. Ken met me in the lounge and walked
me up to the Sales Area which was on the 2nd Floor of the Printing
Plant. He said let’s go outside since he was a smoker and he lit up one
of his non- filters, took a drag and said when can you start. I said how
about tomorrow. That was it short and sweet. I was grateful for Rick introducing
me to his Dad and the good news was I had a job. It was not a
passion. It was a job. I knew how to do and it paid the bills somewhat.
The career job boat was a patched temporarily.
Job#7 Welsh Graphics – 1983-1985 Print Salesman
I guess you can say my time at Welsh Graphics was not the worst experience
but in a nutshell, it was a temporary fix for a problem called wrong
career choice that I was now riding in the can’t get off bus due to family
obligations. I did remember that I made some good connections during
my time at Welsh and sold enough printing to keep my job. My biggest
Fish I caught being the Ralph M Parsons Worldwide Engineering Firm
where I worked with their Corporate Communications department and
ended up getting the contract to print their annual report. I was also
able to land a few more accounts to justify my seat including World
Vision based in Monrovia a global Christian Ministry which printed a
boatload of pamphlets and direct mail which was a print salesperson
dream account. The welcome mat at Welsh Graphics started to wear out
for me in my second year and I wanted to move on. The opportunity
presented itself when I met a colleague an old friend of my Dad who
worked at Typecraft a well respected Printer in Pasadena, CA. I knew
nothing about Typecraft but I liked that my colleague Carl knew and
respected my Dad. Carl brought me in the door at Typecraft for an interview.
The interview was not as warm and fuzzy as the Welsh Graphics
interview but the owner of Typecraft Harry did say the company was
growing and had just bought a new 6 – color press and needed sales to
feed the monster.
51

I took the opportunity and left Welsh to continue my print sales career
path which was a career that I knew was not my own but I was doing it
for the money. It was not my passion …
Job# 8 Typecraft – 1985 – 1987 Print Salesman
The move to Typecraft was a good move and I enjoyed the time I spent
at Typecraft. I had some bright shining moments but nothing to indicate
that the printing career was my calling. I was able to bring in over
$650,000 in Sales with accounts that included Bullocks Department
Store, Olga & Olga Bra Company, Huntington Hospital, Marshall Industries,
Vemco, Transamerica Insurance, Plaza Pasadena and several
other accounts such as Junior League of Pasadena and Fellowship of
Christian Athletes.
My background and experience working for my Dad was certainly a
help in my misguided career path but also a hindrance. It was apparent
in the three companies I had now worked at since my Dad’s business
that nothing would match what I had experienced working for my
Dad. I was essentially spinning my wheels. I was working in a career
that I was drawn to for reconnecting with my Dad and not following
my passion. The wheels were starting to fall off. I was realizing I was
not going anywhere career wise in my mind and thoughts. I wanted
more. I was searching for an answer. I did not know how to change
careers now that I had pretty much set my career path that being a
printing salesman. I was married with a young son and feeling like
I was not doing what I should be doing. It was not a fun time. What
kept me going was my christian faith and belief in myself. My faith
and activities outside of work playing softball and going to church
helped me through some tough times while working at Typecraft.
I was fortunate to have outside interests after work which included
surfing, playing slo-pitch softball and being the President of the
Fellowship of Christian Athletes. During this time my golf game took
a backseat due to work and spending time with family which was a
priority. I was following my passions outside of work and deep inside
knew that my passion was working in sports and not the printing business.
I did start to call on sports related accounts so I could keep my
passion for sports going through my job. It did help me. Like every
job there is a honeymoon period which then turns into a daily grind
where you do the work and hopefully find happiness in your daily
work.
52

My end at Typecraft was nearing due to my restlessness which I felt in
a job I was not passionate about. I started to look for another job and
saw an ad for a printer I knew nothing about. Being curious I went on an
interview and was hired.
Celebrating my
30th Birthday
with a surprise
cake from the
staff at Typecraft
1985
Job #9 Westform Industries 1987 - Print Salesman
The new job at Westform Industries was very different and I enjoyed
the change but the problem was the same. I was in an Industry that I
was not passionate about and was doing it for the money. The companies
that hired me I felt wanted to get my account base and knowledge
so It was a use use relationship which was horrible. Probably my favorite
experience at Westform Industries was the company summer party at
Carpinteria State Beach. I had taken up the sport of surfing and surfing
at Carp was a new adventure for me. Kind of a weird twist to the
job was one of the salesman I worked with at the company had been a
student of mine when I taught classes at the Printing Industries of So
Cal called “How to Sell Printing”. At our weekly sales meeting at Westform
the owner would go around the room and ask all the salespeople
to announce their sales dollars on the books for the week. Out of all of
us John my former Student would always say the highest numbers and
sometimes numbers hard to believe. Well John had a huge account that
was giving him all the printing business
which allowed John to sell over
5 million a year. A huge amount for
one salesperson for a small printing
company. It was not until I had left
the company and heard years later
that John and the Print Buyer for
that company went to prison as the
buyer was getting kickbacks from
the salesperson. I know one thing for sure that being I never taught my
students to take bribes or offer kickbacks to get business since it could
cause you to go to jail. Well Westform was not my best job career choice
since I learned pretty quickly that my accounts did not follow me to my
new employer. The hard work in getting and growing accounts at Typecraft
was demolished when I switched employers. Hard lesson learned as
a salesperson in an Industry that sucked your accounts from you when
you left…
53

Another Chance meeting
Job #10 Kenyon Press 1987 Sales Manager
It was at a Printing Industry gathering which I regularly attended and I
met up with a pal of mine whose Dad was a partner in the Menu Printing
Business, in our conversations over a cocktail which was typical at
the meetings I mentioned I was looking to change jobs. My friend said
his company was looking for a sales manager. Almost on the spot he
offered me a position to join his company … Well one interview and
bam I was hired with a salary raise to $50,000 a year and new Title Sales
Manager.
It’s too bad but I only lasted a few months. My career boat was still
sinking and gaining water. I must say of all the jobs this was as close to
all of them as being the shoe that did not fit. The three business partners
one being my friends Dad could not agree on much and I was
nothing but a wall painting to them if that. As Rodney Dangerfield said,
“no respect”. My gut told me to walk before I became a lifeless concrete
statue. What I said meant nothing and I was in disbelief why I
even took the job. Things that don’t fit usually have a short life especially
in the job market. In this case it was bye bye adios amigos. Sometimes
you got to cut your losses. No job in my opinion should be a torture
chamber which this was in my opinion.
Job# 11 Columbia Litho 1987-1988 Print Salesman
Well God is Good and My Dads influence and company from the past
rescued me from my Sales Manager experience gone bad. One of my
Dads former salesman and owner of his own printing company brought
me over to represent his company as an outside print salesman. My Dad
had worked for Ron’s Step Dads company Eureka Press and then Ron
worked for my Dad at Porter & Griffin and now I was working for Ron
talking about going full circle…… Ron was a grinder and a loving man
with a strong faith in God which I could relate too. Ron was a rock solid
Christian Man who treated me with respect which made my time working
with Ron a pleasure rather than a painful experience. Ron supported
me while I was reeling from several career misfires. The good news is
although I was still in the wrong business or career path Ron was a man
that knew my Dad and that made me feel comfortable. I worked very
hard for Ron and of course myself and brought some nice business to
Ron’s company including one of the largest single billings for one print
job I ever reeled in over $85,000.
54

The job consisted of a beautiful presentation cover with expanded
pockets for accommodating multiple marketing pieces inserts for the
now defunct Gibraltor Savings and Loan.
The Designer who produced the piece was from as large design firm
based in San Francisco who came down for the multiple press checks
we did on the job …
I remember the name of the design firm was The Pentagram and my
relationship with the designer was lukewarm at best … Designers as
many print sales persons know can sometimes make a press check a
nightmare and this particular designer was no picnic … We did finally
meet all the designer color tweaks on press and I was relieved when the
Designer finally left us with the last press check signed off…
Ron’s wife and son both worked for him. It was a cozy company with
a family feel which I liked. I became very close with one of the lead
pressman Tony who like me had a passion for Sports and I recruited
Tony to play on my Softball team which played during the week after
the work.
In time, though as cozy and nice it felt to work with Ron it was apparent
I was in a no-win situation as far as going anywhere in the small
family business. One weekend while reading the classified in the job
opportunities which was always a habit for me I saw a job for a Sales
Manager at Gilmore Envelope. Hey if you fail once try again.
Job# 12 Gilmore Envelope 1988 Sales Manager
The Gilmore opportunity was a great experience for me and was loaded
with perks. Base Salary $50,000. Executive assigned parking space at
the plant, paid company membership in the LA Athletic Club, expense
account and my own office that was about 400 sq. feet with a view of
the manufacturing operation from the large window in the office. I
guess you can say I had arrived at a dream job which I was very happy
to have.
My role was to supervise a 12-salesperson staff and 8-person customer
support staff, plan sales meetings, working closely with the General
Manager and Vice President of Sales. Mr. Howard Gilmore who
founded the company I recall had a very large office. My only interaction
with Mr. Gilmore was about a 2-minute hello, and good luck meeting.
His office was surrounded by trophies from his wild animal hunting
skills in Africa.
55

The big game hunting trophies were busts of animals which were common
back in the day, but unheard of in today’s world. In addition to being
in Management I was also able to reel in a few accounts of my own
with permission of Management and worked with Toyota USA which
was based in Torrance Ca and printed a very unique Envelope for them.
Our Major Accounts were Union Oil 76 and the So Cal Edison company.
Our warehouse was full of envelopes we shipped on a daily, weekly
and monthly basis to our accounts throughout So Cal and Beyond.
The Accident
While things seemed to go well at Gilmore at least I thought, it was a
home accident that may have caused my job to end at Gilmore. It was a
beautiful weekend in So Cal and I was waiting for my wife in the backyard
of our home in La Verne, CA. before heading to a barbeque at a
friends house. We had a swing with a heavy wood seat hanging from our
large tree in the backyard of our home. We also had an exercise rebound
machine positioned in the back yard next to the swing. Well me being a
bit of a show – off while waiting in the yard with my son watching I decided
to stand on the swing on the heavy wooden seat and start swinging
standing up which was no big deal. What was stupid was that I noticed
I was swinging close enough to the rebound machine and if I jumped
off the swing I could land on the rebound machine and get catapulted
off the machine I thought. Big mistake. I said to my son Brian who was
about 4 at the time watch this. In flight standing on the swing I jumped
off but somehow my foot slipped as I jumped and it shot the heavy
wooden bench at least 8-10 ft. in the area over my head as I fell onto the
lawn. You guessed it the swing bench came down with a thud directly on
my head and within seconds blood was squirting from my head as a laid
on the grass somewhat stunned and semi knocked out. Well thanks to
my wife, 911 was summoned and the ambulance came and whisked me
away in a stretcher and within a few hours I was home with probably 25
stitches on the top of my head and lucky to be okay other than having
received a concussion. Believe it or not we still went to the barbeque.
Well come Monday I reported to work and of course let my employer
know about the accident. On Monday driving home from work my
world did a complete somersault as my brain was still being rattled by
the blow I took over the weekend. Luckily the somersault was for only a
few seconds and I could safely drive home. I just was not feeling right.
56

Over the next few weeks I thought I was okay but apparently the Gilmore
Executives thought otherwise. I was invited to lunch I recall by the
VP of Sales on a Friday and the GM in my old hometown in South
Pasadena at the Crossbow Restaurant not far from the Gilmore Plant in
LA. As we sat in our booth the GM handed me an envelope and said we
are letting you go with no explanation given. Let’s just say it was a shock
to me and threw me by surprise. My career ship was now in a full sink
mode. I must say that was one of the worst lunches I was ever invited
to. The toughest part of course in job/ career disappointments is being
fired . Painful to your self esteem and painful to family members who
rely on your income for their security. In this case my wife was very hurt
and upset as can be imagined. My career road was under major construction
at this low point and it would be a tough project to get back on
track after this latest setback.
Job #13 Z Graphics 1989 Print Salesman
Reeling from the loss of $50,000 a year income where I pretty much put
all my eggs in one basket was a tough blow. I tried to find a replacement
job in the same income range but unfortunately my resume and track
record had finally caught up with me and I was like a used car with high
mileage to my potential employers. It just so happened that there was
a small commercial printer near my home that I dropped in to inquire
about a job and I was hired on the spot. It was not a good move both financially
and career wise. I had pretty much had my best days as printing
salesman years ago and starting over was not in the cards. I lasted a few
months. My printing sales career was pretty much over for the most part.
It was a low time for me and I needed to move on and that’s what I did.
Job # 14 Crown Lift Trucks 1989- 1991
After leaving Z Graphics which was a blip in my career path I attended a
sales career fair in search of a job and not knowing where I might land.
I had a home mortgage, a wife and 2 kids and my debt was mounting.
At the career fair, I saw long lines for companies like Coca Cola, Insurance
Companies and other recognizable brands where potential employees
were standing in line ready to put their best foot forward and apply. I
was a bit overwhelmed thinking what am I doing. To my surprise I saw a
booth that had no one in line. The companies name was Crown Lift who
I really had never heard of. I ventured over to the booth/display and met
with a few guys in Suits and was given a quick overview of the company.
57

They were looking to fill multiple Account Manager positions for their
branch in the City of Industry. I had a nice meeting with the General
Manager and he invited me to a personal interview at his office the
next day. Well the next day arrived and I met the GM at the office and I
was offered the position of Territory Account Manager for Crown Lift
covering the Rancho Cucamonga /Ontario area which was not far from
my home. The pay was $600 a week which amounted to $2598 a month
or $31,176 a year which was a bit of pay cut from my Sales Manager
position but it was the best I could find at the time. Crown upon my hire
put me through a 2 week in house training program and then sent me to
New Bremen OH for a 10-day intensive training program. I had never
been to Ohio so it was nice experience and refreshing to be learning
something new and meeting new friends and getting paid. Sometimes
in our work lives we never know where we are going to be at. My career
had been derailed due to my own career choice mistakes and I felt that
I was on my way to some stability with Crown although it was probably
still not my passion but more less something I had to do to keep afloat.
I ended up being successful at Crown in my 2 years and made some nice
commissions and even led the company in sales for Pallet Jacks selling
over 100 in one month to customers in my assigned territory.
After a period, I started to feel burned out being in the field every day
and making calls to the required 25- 40 accounts a day. I also was not
overjoyed having to meet with my no personality sales manager at a
monthly meeting I dreaded where we met in the field for breakfast to
go over activity accounts etc. The Managers of course were lining their
pockets with gold due to our hand to hand combat fieldwork and I felt
I had done my time since I did not see myself going up the ladder at
Crown. Lacking direction and not knowing my future I decided it was
time to leave Crown and I would start my own business as a Printing
Broker (mistake). It was more of an out than a burning desire as I just
wanted to get away … I resigned from Crown Lift and gladly told my
sales manager I was leaving to start my own business It felt good to say
goodbye to a job I was not longer enjoying and feeling like I was being
somewhat used.
Let’s just say my venture as a self-employed Broker was not successful it
was more less just a way to disengage from Crown. I was never feeling
the urge to succeed at this point in my life in my chosen jobs or career
path. I was searching for something and job hopping had now become a
full-fledged addiction. Not a good addiction I might add.
58

Job #15 Phoenix Graphics & Printing 1991 Print Salesman
Shortly after I started my Independent sales business as Print Broker
I saw an ad for company in nearby Pomona that was advertising for a
Printing Salesman. I took the bait and was hired. What was I thinking. It
was apparent that companies were hiring or rolling the dice on me in the
Printing Industry for one reason that being my experience and what I
could bring to them. Well Phoenix turned out to be a disaster.
A month after starting my wife filed for a Divorce and Phoenix followed
suit by letting me go immediately knowing that I was going to be a
burden which was exactly true. Divorce is a devastating experience for
anyone that has gone through it. My career was going nowhere, my wife
wanted out and I was basically a wreck. No money, no honey and kids
that I would now only see every other weekend. I was 37 years old and
had pretty much hit the bottom. Thankfully I could move in with my
oldest sister who was generous enough to keep me from being homeless
by offering me a room to rent in her home which was in the same city as
where my home was which I was no longer allowed to be in. I remember
the feeling of not being able to be with my kids and what a huge
hole in my heart it was. It was only through my strong faith in the Lord
and the support of my Family that I could make it through the difficult
days that I went through. I remember playing golf with my Dad shortly
after the announcement of my impending divorce and he said there is
light at the end of the dark tunnel which gave me hope to continue advancing
down the path I was on one day at a time. Although my career
was a failure along with 2 failed marriages, I had my faith, health and
desire to keep on trucking. I had made some horrific choices in my life
at this point and it all finally had caught up with me.
Job# 16 Springfield Industries 1992 Paperboard Salesman
One thing I learned in my life is just keep moving forward. I was told
once I was like the inflatable swan in the swimming pool. Although
down the inflatable swan always comes back up. The air in me was my
faith, my love of my children and the belief that I could succeed in
something. Once bombs on the Divorce announcement had somewhat
subsided I was able to get back to looking for a job again knowing that
life goes on no matter how bad things get.
59

I answered an ad for a paperboard salesman paying $2,000 a month and was
hired probably based on my print experience and knowledge of paper. I knew
at this point that printing was not my passion but it was something companies
still were willing to hire me for which was a bit shocking to me. I guess I was
lucky they still saw something in me that I did not. As usual the job at Springfield
was another brief pit stop that ended quickly when I accepted another
opportunity at another Printing Company, Lombard Graphics in Pico Riviera,
CA.
Job #17 Lombard Graphics, Pico Riviera, CA 1993- Print Salesman
I think the reason the owner of Lombard Graphics hired me was because he
had gone through a divorce like I was going through and he had empathy for
me. I appreciated his support and giving me a job while I was as he said, “like
a one-legged man in an ass kicking contest”. For those that know, the Divorce
courts are brutal and not only do they take most of your earnings sometimes
as high as 60% but also limit your ability to see the kids which is criminal in
my opinion. Well the truth of the matter is there is not much you can do to
fight with the system and appointed judges. In my case I just started to create a
new life as a child support paying Dad seeing my kids every other weekend. I
heard of guys that sometimes just bolted out of the Country when they were
delivered Court Orders similar to mine which limited my time with my kids to
20% for me to 80% for my ex – wife. I was paying close to 50% of my Gross
Income as Child Support. My Job brought me just enough income where I
could rent a room in a mobile home believe it or not in of all places Newport
Beach CA.
Job #18 Calsonic Miura Graphics, Irvine, CA 1994 Print Salesman
Crazy as it seems I made a move to Calsonic for a pay raise to $36,000 a year.
Life was slowing getting better although my career was still in shambles. I was
a used car leaking oil when Calsonic Miura hired me. I was hanging on to jobs
for dear life just to stay afloat. Calsonic was a disappointment, another failure
as I was fired within 4 months by a Sales Manager who I did not see eye to eye
with me and actually was a bit of a user in my opinion. This was not the worst
thing that could have happened to me as I had pretty much been run over by a
Mack truck at this point in my life and survived.
Job #19 Minute Man Press–Corona Del Mar, CA 1993 Assistant
Manager / Counter Sales
It was maybe a week after I was let go from Calsonic Miura when the owner of
Minute Man Press in Corona Del Mar offered me a job to help run his small
quick Printing Business…The Pay was pretty good $30,000 a year and it was
fun interacting with the clients that came in for copies and more.
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I must say I was still a square peg in a round hole but I was working only for
money at this point in my life and was not in love with my job. Work had become
a necessity and I was doing the best I could to pay child support and have
a job where I could still be with my kids every other weekend.
I was getting used to being a single parent and started to date again. I was
enjoying my life again as my Dad had promised me a few years earlier telling me
there would be light at the end of the dark tunnel.
Being a retail guy at an Instant Print Shop I knew was just a job and not what I
wanted to do nor did I want to own a print shop. After a period, as usual I started
to look in the ads for jobs and I found an opportunity paying more money
that seemed more up my alley although it was still print related
Job # 20 Colorscope – Monterey Park, CA – 1994-1996 Asst. VP Marketing
Joining Colorscope I was impressed that I was able to get paid a salary again of
$44,000 annually which put less stress again on my wallet. I moved from the
Newport Beach Mobile Home where I rented a room to a nice two story house
in Irvine which I shared with 3 divorced guys. Living in a nice home in quiet
neighborhood was a bit of an improvement over the Mobile Home Park living
arrangement but ended quickly. Shortly after moving in I came home late probably
at 2AM from a night out on the town. I was startled when I entered the
house. Standing at the top of the stairwell was one of my roommates pointing
a gun at me with a crazed look on his face. Apparently he thought I was an intruder
and luckily, he did not pull the trigger or my life would have ended right
then and there possibly. Well the next day I packed my belongings and moved
out realizing how lucky I was to not have been shot accidentally.
The job at Colorscope turned out to be a very nice job with my own office and
cool hours. I worked from 9am–6pm with some longer days. It was a 5 day
work week with weekends off. My job was selling prepress service to catalogers
nationwide. I landed some pretty cool accounts for my employer including
Fredericks of Hollywood, The Walt Disney Studios, Walmart and the May
Department Stores (almost). For 18 months, I worked diligently calling on May
Department Stores which at the time was based in St Louis MO. I had developed
a nice rapport with their prepress catalog buyer and it took me 18 months
in working on the account to get the chance to bid on doing all the prepress of
the Stores multiple different stores nationwide. After a lengthy bidding process
and travel to several of the Stores Properties which included Meier & Frank
based in Portland, Kaufmann’s in Pittsburgh, Lord & Taylor in New York and
Filene’s in Boston we were informed by the buyer I was working with that we
had been awarded the contract to do all the May Dept. Store Company Store
Catalogs for their various stores nationwide. The contract was worth millions.
My Supervisor was elated and excited as I was that the hard work, investment in
time and foundation had been laid for what we both felt would be a long term
profitable win win relationship for both parties.
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Then came probably one of the worst phone calls of my career. Myself
and my Supervisor Agatha had our flights booked to meet with the
Buyer at May Dept Stores to sign the deal and toast champagne when
I received a horrendous phone call I took from the Buyer who advised
me that we lost the contract and if I had any questions to call the legal
department.
I was in disbelief, shocked a multi-million dollar contract that I had
worked so hard to get with the support from my employer had been taken
away. What the heck happened? I was dumbfounded. I was dating a
lady at the time and we were going to celebrate that eve. I made a call to
her and asked her to put the champagne on ice.
It finally came out that the new head of Print and Prepress Purchasing
at May Dept. Stores had done business with my Employer while he was
in the same capacity at Bullocks Macy’s and my employer and this individual
were involved in a Discrimination Lawsuit less than five year earlier.
When the May Dept. Stores executive in charge of prepress catalogs
got wind that Colorscope had been awarded the contract that we worked
so hard for he nixed the contract since there was bad blood from the
past when he was at Macy’s that was not to be forgotten apparently.
Well that was the end of my career at Colorscope. I was shocked and
devastated to say the least. I could not go on. I resigned knowing that it
was just not in the cards for me to be employed anymore at Colorscope.
I gave it to the Lord and said now what.
Job #21 Superior Lithographics, Vernon, CA 1996 – 1997 Print
Salesman
Unemployed again I went back to the want ads. After a brief search, I
secured an Interview with the President of Superior Lithographics. We
met for breakfast off site for the interview near the Farmer John Plant
in Vernon, CA. Over breakfast I clicked with my potential employer and
on the spot he made me a nice offer of a $50,000 a year base salary.
I was back to the salary I had when I lost my job at Gilmore Envelope
almost 10 years earlier. It felt good. I was in my 40’s now and used to
my new life as a single parent. I was now a crusty print sales marketing
guy who had been fired a few times, almost shot and had gone through
a devastating business let down. Yes there is light at the end of dark
tunnels we go through in life.
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I had plenty of experience to bring to the table but no accounts. My
Employer had the accounts and even handed me accounts to call on. He
never put pressure on me which was good and it made me work harder
knowing he cared. Well within a year I had landed a few nice accounts
including Orcolite, a Lens Manufacturer based in Azusa, CA. We were
able to secure a rather large ongoing order to print lens envelopes which
was a specialty item that I first learned about during my days as Sales
Manager at Gilmore Envelope.
I must say I enjoyed my time working at Superior and learning about
large format printing and packaging. An opportunity presented itself
which caught my eye during my 2nd year at Superior. I decided to take
the leap of faith again which proved to be a mistake.
Job # 22 Uarco / Standard Register, Chicago Il 1997-1998 Regional
Account Manager
As a career job hopper which I had become the next hop was a bad hop.
I was recruited because of my Printing Management degree to be Western
Regional Sales Manager for Uarco one of the oldest and most successful
Business Form Manufacturing companies in the USA. Business
Forms were dying off and Uarco decided to get into the digital printing
business which had caught fire. They hired me to help them grow in that
area and help educate their sales force which knew little or nothing about
the process of selling commercial printing.
I was flown to Chicago and met with the CEO along with a few other
new hires. After a nice luncheon, we returned to the impressive boardroom
and the CEO left us with these words. Always dress British, Act
Irish and think Yiddish and you will succeed.
Well it all sounded good including the pay which was $55,000 annually a
bit of raise from my last job and offered bonuses for performance over
salary always a plus.
Two months into the gig I was informed the company was sold to
Standard Register our competitor. The Standard Register takeover meant
changes and it took them about a NY minute to see they wanted nothing
to do with their newly hired Impressions Regional Account Manager
which was me so I left the company in a mutual meeting. I was not to
be retained. As you may know by now I was used to change and crazy
things happening in my jobs. As a seasoned veteran, I was not to phased
knowing that another craft I had boarded hit an unexpected glacier and
sunk but luckily, I had a life-jacket called faith and belief in yourself
despite all odds.
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Job #23 Crestec Document Engineering Solutions, Los Angeles,
CA 1998 Sales Manager /Member of Executive Committee
It was my job to supervise and trained the Sales Staff and
coordinate with production on daily basis orders. I was also responsible
for Customer Service, Contracts, pricing, Business Development and a
few more things.
Well staying close to your Industry colleagues can be both a good and
bad thing It just so happened that a Print Industry headhunter Leslie
who I had met at an Industry function called me knowing of what I
had been through with Uarco and asked if I was interested in a Sales
Manager Opportunity she was trying to fill. I said sure let’s check it out.
Well before I knew It I was hired as Sales Manager for Crestec Document
Engineering Solutions and paid a base Salary of $70,000 which
was more money than I had ever been paid in my life. I had somewhat
rebounded from hitting the bottom a few years earlier when I was delivering
Pizzas for extra cash. I was now living with my current wife had a
nice job and was living in a nice home in Belmont Shore, CA.
My wife had never had children and was a very successful real estate
agent who taught school for 10 years before deciding on becoming a real
estate agent. I always say in joking I had to accept her 3 dogs when we
met and of course she had to accept my 3 kids which she did with open
arms …
Getting knocked off the High Chair
I must say the Crestec experience was interesting.
It was what I thought a nice fit for me from
all my past job experiences. I was able to travel
quite a bit working on some special projects and
visited Toronto, Canada for my 1st time where
we were working with Corrugated Box Plants for
a special project for one of our clients. Being a
Japanese owned company was really cool. When the CEO from Japan
was in town we went to fantastic Japanese restaurants and to this day I
love Japanese food. All good things do end sometimes and in this job,
I was terminated after only 11 months. I believe I was terminated in
what was a case of the sales force never really accepting me as the Sales
Manager. The Sales staff of course being the lifeblood of any company
have great clout.
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When I let go 2 of the sales staff members I inherited for legitimate
reasons including insubordination and brought in my replacements game
was on.
The staff who had been at Crestec a long time took it in a way saying
who is this new guy firing our colleagues which I believe led to my
demise. Management is a tough job and if you are not in sync with the
sales force who are bringing in the cash flow your days are numbered
which was my case. Unfortunately, my General Manager who I heard
passed away a year after I was let go turned on me and sided with the
sales force which led to my termination. My multiple stop printing
journey was over for the most part except for a few more brief rides. It
became pretty clear to me after this latest episode that I needed to run
my own show instead of being a cast member in a show with little or no
control of your future.
Not a Job - Independent Agent Century 21 Sparow Long Beach,
CA
After I was let go from Crestec I studied for my real estate license passed
the test and became an agent in my wife’s office. In my 1st year I was
named #7 out of 70 agents in the office. I must admit it was great to
have my wife help me learn the business and having her as a mentor that
helped me tremendously. It was great to be in a position where you were
no longer in a political match and watching your back. As an independent
real estate agent, you were your own boss pretty much. I thought
my printing job seeker days would be over after I set sail as a real estate
agent.
That was not the case. I was doing great in real estate but being on
straight commission I was tempted to get a bit more security what was I
thinking and saw an ad to be a Sales Manager in a Yahoo job posting. I
thought okay why not. Yep I got hired at the interview and put my real
estate license on hold to take a job again. I was like an old ballplayer
placed on waivers and then being picked up again. I had been to this
rodeo before.
“By trusting Christ with our future, we can better deal with our past and live a more productive
present. It is unhealthy to harbor unrealistic dreams living in a future that will never come
about. But it is very healthy for us to anchor our new life and recovery from jobs, relationships
that went sideways in the certainty that Christ is coming again. The best laid plans for careers
sometimes don’t always work out but your faith is everlasting.
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Job #24 K-1 Packaging Group, Industry, CA 1999 Vice President
Sales & Marketing Business Development and Supervised Staff
This Job opportunity was an offer I could not refuse. Salary $80,000 as
VP of Sales and Marketing. I did not know the job would only last nine
months
Although… At this stage in my life I was a bit more secure although
having experienced success as a real estate I had a fall back plan and I
was not putting all my eggs in one job… I felt the opportunity at K-1
was a good one because I was hired to help train a younger sales force
and set up a sales plan and marketing plan which I effectively did in a
few short months. I enjoyed training the sales representatives, interviewing
and hiring one rep during my tenure and of course handling my own
book of business which I brought in and making calls with the reps who
needed my support. I believe my employer got the most out me and I
got the most out them in 9 months and we parted gracefully after the 9
months… I had come to a point in my life as a seasoned professional
with a horrible resume that I would be a hired gunslinger it appeared
for the rest of my career in was not worried about it too much since
my track record was pretty much established and I knew that my heart
and soul was not selling printing and probably mot managing a printing
company from my experiences to date. At age 44 I was pretty much as
one of my friends had reminded me a balding tire to corporate America.
The fight in me was still there but the jobs I had taken were just not the
right fit. At this point I was open to anything and to my surprise another
printing opportunity surfaced which would not be last one but close to
it.
Job #25 Westamerica Graphics, Foothill Ranch CA
2001 Print Salesman
Yes, I kept repeating the same pattern of taking a job that I was not suited
for or really had a passion not the best time in my life…thankfully my
home life was great and work was something I just was going through
the motions on I recall at this time in my life… I was paid a Base Salary
of $50,000. I was spinning my wheels. Unexpectedly the tragedy of
9/11/2001 hit me like millions of Americans with Shock, Disbelief. 911
was a wakeup call to America and I’m sure If I was younger I would
have joined the Military to help in any way I could. After 911 my desire
to do something different led me to resign from my position at Westamerica
Graphics to become a Teacher something I had thought about
and was interested in trying.
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Pictured with my Dad and Mentor 1974 - Of all my employers I
worked the longest for my Dad 1972- 1982 with a few short leaves of
absence to pursue other jobs. Dad was kind enough to always take me
back after my adventures went sideways.
My Mom and Dad ...1961 South Pasadena, CA
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Poem I wrote shortly after 9/11/2001
68

Chapter 4
A valley with clear streams along the way. A refreshing time to
reflect, regroup and gain strength for the trails ahead.
Teaching Jobs
69

Teaching Jobs
Teaching is a Job. Yes, I was a Teacher too…. Rewarding
Job #26 Printing Industries of Southern California – How to Sell
Printing and Marketing for Printers. During my Days working for
my Dads Printing company I also became a teacher for the Printing
Industries Association of Southern California from 1978-1988 Teaching
How to Sell Printing & Marketing for Printers. I also served as President
for the PIA Sales Club a Volunteer Position during that time.
Job #27 – 2001 Bassett Unified School District Substitute Teacher
on Call
After resigning from Westamerica job #24 after 911 to pursue my new
employment path as Teacher I was hired by Basset Unified School District
as a Substitute Teacher. I must say it was a lot different than being
an outside Sales Representative. It was a nice change to try something
different. I worked as a Sub for 6 months and was then hired by Long
Beach Unified as a District Intern.
Job #28 – 2002- 2004 Long Beach Unified School District Teacher
Special Education Intern & Resource Specialist Taught at Middle
School & High School
I was hired by the LBUSD for the 2002-2003 as a District Intern School
Teacher and was assigned to Washington Middle School for the School
Year. The Salary was $37,000 annually with a 2 month break in the
Summer. I thought with my teaching contract that I had found a job/
career I could do maybe for the rest of my career. The year was very
rewarding working with students who had disabilities and the staff at the
school I worked with were awesome.
When the school year ended I was offered to move to Wilson HS in
Long Beach. I was still a District Intern. The job was my own Special
Day Class teaching (ED) Emotional Disturbed Students. This was an assignment
that my Grad School Counselor said not to take. I took the job
against the advice because I wanted to teach at the High School level.
It was a mistake. It was apparent from the 1st week I was not a good fit
with the School Administration. My wife who had been a Teacher for 10
years said to me that in education there are some school administrators
that got your back, some that don’t care and some that can get you fired.
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In my case I lasted from Sept – March. One day unexpectedly the Principal
and VP visited my room, stayed for 5 minutes and within one hour I
was called into the office where I was told I was being terminated. The
reason I was terminated was I was told I was not teaching to standards
and was given a zero across the board on my stull evaluation. I was told I
had no control of the classroom which I believe was totally not the case
in my opinion. The Teachers Union did nothing for me to save my job
or to get reassigned. My teaching career at Long Beach Unified School
District was over. I was 2 years into a graduate studies program at Cal
State Long Beach when I was terminated so I pulled the plug on getting
my Masters and Teaching Credential after the abrupt termination. I
was a bit upset but not broken since I knew It was a personality clash
and I was not one to be shy and not heard. Not the norm in education I
understood. I went into my teaching with a business background. I had
left a voice mail message with the Principal a few weeks earlier asking
her to return my phone call which she didn’t for some issues I was having
with a student and behavior. I think that was the straw that broke
the camel’s back as they say at least for my employment future at Long
Beach Unified School District. I was a bit too direct for the administration.
It was not the right fit as it had been during my 1st year as a teacher.
My 1st year I had an excellent relationship with the administration
which is essential to longevity I believe in a teaching position.
Job #29 2004 CGX - American Litho– Sacramento, CA Regional
Print Sales Representative
Crazy but true. A bit stunned by the teaching career backfire I took a
job as an area sales rep for CGX a nationwide conglomeration of print
companies. I was hired to rep their Sacramento plant and was based in
So Cal. It was a short lived and a failure. I would have more printing
failures in my jobs before finally saying enough is enough but never
saying never. As of this writing I am not looking to hook up with any
printing companies for employment. A consultant maybe but employee I
don’t think so but again never say never.
Job #30 2012 -Inglewood Unified School District – Substitute
Teacher - Have nothing but high regards for my time teaching at
Inglewood Unified School District. Once again it’s all about the fit and
personalities in teaching. I had a great teacher I worked with during my
long-term sub assignment at Inglewood Unified.
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Job #31 2013 -Oceanview Unified School District – on Call Sub –
Another great experience. I finally realized that I had enough of the
teaching Job Market. I felt like I did what I wanted to do and it was time
to go elsewhere.
Job #32 -Certified Golf Teacher Instructor Rancho Duarte Golf
Course
I did fulfill my passion to become a part time Golf teacher and worked
for the Rancho Duarte Golf Course teaching a six-week Beginner Series.
Being a Golf Instructor is something I am passionate about and am
currently still looking again for a facility to teach at if it fits my busy
schedule.
Job #33- Supreme Graphics, Hawthorne, CA 2016-
Folding Carton Salesman
I did take one more Print Position as a Folding Carton Sales Job. The
job was mainly inside sales with some field work. I negotiated a 4-day
work week to bring into some extra income so I could continue my
golf passion and work my real estate property management business on
Fridays where I was being paid to manage an 8-unit apartment building
which I still do to this day. I had a fun run for the most part of seven
months. I decided after bringing in about 8 accounts it was time to get
out of printing again and go back to Real Estate and my other passions.
I feel the seven months were a win win for both my employer and myself
which is the way work should be.
72

Chapter 5
As the trails opened up and forks in the road appeared we came
across some unfamiliar territory and used all our energy to learn
quickly how to safely pass through the trails ahead.
Insurance / Transportation
73

Insurance
Proverbs 12:24
Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.
I do love Pelicans ….
Insurance
We all need it to some extent – Easiest job to get hired for … a tough
business but great Job Security if you are able to do what must people
will not do and that is sell. Sell.. sell and sell some more…and then do it
over again every day every week every year
# 34 Equitable Life Insurance 1980
Yes for a 3 month period in 1980 I left my Dads printing company to
pursue selling Whole Life Insurance.. That lasted 3 months before I
asked my dad to rehire me which he did thankfully. Griff ’s Thoughts –
A fascinating concept Insurance is I would encourage anyone to pursue
a career in Insurance every person will need insurance at some point in
their life.
Job #35 Pelican Insurance Solutions 2015 – 2016
After obtaining my P&C and Life and Health Insurance License I put an
effort into making it with my own Independent Insurance Agency.
I decided to dissolve my own agency after about a year and did retain
and kept my Insurance licenses active. I am now considered an Independent
Resident Agent Producer in the State of California under my own
name and not a DBA as Pelican Insurance Solutions was.
Job #36 - Independent Insurance Agent James B. Griffin Licensed
in P& C and Life & Health 2016 - Current
Griff ’s Thoughts - Insurance is a fascinating Business always good to have a backup job if you
have not landed your dream job. I suggest Insurance for anyone wanting to pursue a career as a good
choice since it is not going away.
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Transportation
Job #37 Bus Driver serving the Disabled / Transportation
Adventures
Diversified Industries. Long Beach, CA 2007
Bus Driver for individuals with disabilities. After my regional account
manager sales job with Safelite which I started in 2005 and ended in
2007, I pursued a passion I had to drive after owning an RV. I thought it
would be fun to get paid to drive for a job. I earned my Class B commercial
driver’s license while working at Diversified which involved
transporting disabled adults from their homes to their day programs
and back to their homes at days end. My hats off to the ladies and men
that do this job for a living. I saw the job as an opportunity to earn my
Class B License which I did as a result of going through their training
and on the road testing through DMV.
Job #38 Greyhound, Dallas TX 2006 Coach Operator
The Class B License with Passenger endorsement led me to pursue a job
with Greyhound to be a Coach Operator. The prerequisite to the job
was passing a 10-part test which I did with flying colors and then go to
Reno for a 10 Day Road Test Training Certification … I was transported
to Reno on none other than a Greyhound bus. My gut said I was spinning
my wheels as I was housed in a Greyhound bus Depot Dorm that
1st Night. Before I could even start I checked out of my dorm room
with bags packed and in the middle of night somehow caught a cab to
the Reno airport where I waited until day break to catch the 1st flight
home which I did. I had made a huge mistake and was glad that I corrected
it. Greyhound made no guarantees I would be hired after I made
it through the 10 days road training and also no guarantees of work after
since I would be on a call list. It did not make sense to me. Also, I would
be gone from home for weeks at time. 2 +2 added to 8 so I ended that
career path using my gut feelings to correct my mistake.
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Grady Morgan (pictured with 1st Lady) longtime Greyhound Bus Driver. I met with
before embarking on my Greyhound adventure. After listening to Grady’s advise and
my gut my Greyhound path ended pretty quickly. It was just not the right fit for me
at the time. Grady wrote a Book “Memoirs of Greyhound Driver “ which is a great
read for any aspiring professional bus drivers.
Working with the Miss America Contestants in 2008 had to be
the highlight of my Charter Bus Career while employed at Coach
Skyline
My 1st Driving Experience 1958
South Pasadena, CA
76
Miss America 2008
Kirsten Haglund

Job #39 Coach Skyline, San Gabriel, CA 2006 – 2008
Bus Driver / Sales & Marketing Manager
Coming home from the Greyhound experience I still felt like driving
but did not want to be away from home. We had a nice home in Long
Beach and I was seeing my daughter Faren every other weekend. Having
dogs who we treat like family was another reason I wanted a job where I
could be home as much as possible. I answered an ad for a bus driver in
San Gabriel for a tour company. I was hired at the interview to be a bus
tour marketing /salesperson and part time driver. I really enjoyed the
job, especially the driving and interacting with all the groups that booked
charter bus services through us. We booked everything from day trips
for groups to Santa Barbara to weddings, sporting events and more. My
highlight of working with Coach Skyline was booking the Miss America
Pageant for our daily outings on our buses during their 10 day stay in
So Cal. We provided daily bus outings originating from the Queen Mary
Hotel where they were staying and preparing for the pageant before
finally heading to Las Vegas to compete. Getting to go on the Bus Trips
with the ladies was a thrill and meeting the young ladies was something
I will always cherish. Our owner who was one of the nicest employers
I ever worked for and was very fair. My employer was kind enough
to send me to China for 10 days during my employment for the China
International Travel Show. It was an experience I will never forget. The
company ran into some difficulties out of my control and I felt it was in
my best interest to resign which I did. The company ultimately closed
their doors. To this day I still stay in touch with my former employer
who now owns another business outside of the charter bus business.
Job #40 The Parking Spot LAX – 2009 Bus Driver Airport Shuttle
If you like hauling luggage and driving loops to the airport and back
to the parking terminal over an eight-hour
shift then this is the ultimate job. For me it
was pretty exciting to pick up passengers at
the parking lot and transport them to the
departure gate for their flight and then pick
up arrivals. The tips were very good. On a
good day you could walk away with tips of $100 on top of your $10 an
hour wage for an annual income if you worked 5 days a week 8 hours
a day amounting to $45,000 to $60,000 depending on tips. I was bored
driving in circles after a few months so I resigned.
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Job #41 MV Transportation 2010 Dispatcher
Early to bed early to rise. Hours at this job were 5am– 11am M-F
making $14 an hour. It was a hard job. Waking up at 4am to arrive on
time for my commute every morning. Upon arriving 5am start job was
getting 10 buses ready for drivers to jump into at 6am. It was a hustle.
The good news after the buses were dispatched it was a pretty chill rest
of shift until the buses started to return at 10:30am. Upon their return
to the depot we would gather keys, fuel up, check mileage and clean the
bus. It was certainly a task oriented job. I left after 4 months to pursue
a golf department part- time sales opportunity at Dick’s Sporting
Goods in Newport Beach, CA at Fashion Island.
Job #42 Fast Deer, Montebello, CA 2011 Dispatcher
Another Bus Job. This time a Full Time Dispatcher and back up driver
as needed. Absolutely brutal job trying to schedule 14 buses and coordinate
all the trips we booked daily. It was probably the most task oriented
detail change on the fly jobs I had ever experienced. After about
3 months I was done being a dispatcher. I resigned.
Job #43 LYFT - San Francisco, CA 2015 Driver Being a driver I
thought giving Lyft a try would be interesting. I gave it a try. It was interesting
and of course technology driven with the app being your time
clock. I did not see Lyft as the answer for my career satisfaction. If you
are inclined to want to work Friday Nights, Saturday Nights, Holidays
and take people home who have had maybe a bit too much to drink it
can be a rewarding career /job. I was doing it mainly during the day and
avoided the night scene as a driver which is where the money can be
made for the most part. I left Lyft after driving for about a month part
time.
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Job #44 Sunset Beach Limo 2015 Limo Driver - Had to try Limo
driving which I did. Airport drop-offs, weddings, business entertainment
for clients, special occasions, grad night celebrations, that’s the life
of a limo driver. I ran a few jobs and resigned so I guess it counts as a
job.
Job #45 #46 VIP Tours / LA City Tours, Hollywood Celebrity
Homes Bus Driver
Pretty cool gigs craziest one I ever had was with LA City Tours. Our
2-hour tour left from Hollywood Blvd. My job was to drive, talk, point
out the sites and bring the group back safely. From Hollywood, to the
Hollywood Hills to Bel Air, Beverly Hills and then to Sunset Blvd.
Clients from all over the world seemed to really love the 2-hour tour. I
thought It was pretty cool too. I learned a lot and after a few months I
had enough. The commute to LA was rough and I resigned. A nice gig
tips sometimes over $100 for the day and pay $14 an hour. As a career
you can make $25,000 to $50,000 annual income depending on how
many hours days you want to work and of course tips you receive.
Yes, I drove tour buses for a job. It does require a Class B commercial
driver License with passenger endorsement.
Griff ’s Thoughts – Driving for a job/career is a fulfilling and in demand profession.
I have kept my Class B License and would not to hesitate to drive again for a job. You won’t
be seeing driving jobs being outsourced to a lower cost provider. Professional Commercial
Class A and Class B Drivers will always have a job as demand exceeds supply.
79

Chapter 6
Throughout the job/career adventure the trails were always different.
The new trails led to new places and meeting fellow job travelers on
the trails.
Home Based Businesses / Direct Sales
80

Business Opportunities
(Home based businesses)
I’ve been involved in… direct sales
Independent Agent Distributor Gigs - Fun way to meet people and
get some great sales training (Straight Commission) with some monthly
required start up fees and monthly fees. It’s your own business with
unlimited income potential. Makes sense for some but not for everyone.
My business mind just could not get behind hustling products that were
extremely high in price that I could purchase in most cases at 200-800%
less at a reputable retailer.
Below is a list of the companies I signed up with over the years as an
Independent Distributor in my spare time. I probably invested close to
$2,000 in startup kits and products but never made a dime. I do think
the people I met and time I spent learning more than offset the $2000
cost/investment. I know a few people who have done very well in this
type of business. According to the Direct Selling Association millions of
Americans are involved in direct sales adding $36 billion to the economy
based on a study in 2015.
Also known as Network Marketing or MLM companies
Amway
Herbalife
Shaklee
Jerky Direct
Primerica
New Spirit Nutrition
“Roland Whitsell, a former business professor
who spent 40 years researching and teaching the
pitfalls of multilevel marketing” said “You’d be
hard-pressed to find anyone making over $1.50
an hour, the primary product is opportunity. The
strongest, most powerful motivational force today
is false hope.” -courtesy of Wikipedia
Philippians 4:13
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
For more information on starting a home a home based
Direct Sales Business visit www.DSA.org
81

Chapter 7
The job trails offered many choices. I took chances on new trails
to see new places and meet new people along the new paths.
Part-Time Jobs
82

According to Guinness World Records……….
The longest time an individual has worked for the same company is 80 years, a record
set by Thomas Stoddard (born 1912) who started working at Speakman Company
located in Wilmington, Delaware, USA, on 16 February 1928 as a mail boy until
his retirement in 2008 as a member of the Board of Directors.
Part Time Jobs
Paid Gigs for Extra Moo-la.. Pizza We deliver
Job #47 -1989 Nordic Track Demonstrator at Home and Garden
Show
Demonstrator Fun Gig Legitimate Product .
It kept me fit that’s for sure.
Job #48 1995 House of Fabrics Print Model - I did get paid to
Model for one of my Printing Clients we were doing prepress for while
I was employed at Colorscope. Extra money is always good.
Job #49 2008 El Monte Rentals RV Sales, Pico Riviera , CA Used
RV Sales
After my RV experience which I really enjoyed as an owner I did manage
to sell an RV or 2. It was a short career. I was not used to having to
work almost every Saturday and Sunday.
83

Job #50 1986 Sears, Covina CA Sold Sporting Goods …
Griff ’s Thoughts - Retail always looking to hire! Good way to make
extra cash … Also, a Career for some It was not for me. Walmart is
always Hiring!
Job #51 1985 Big 5 Sporting Goods, Pomona CA Retail Sales Shoes
– Griff ’s Thoughts – Selling shoes it’s all about the back room and ability
to be quick on your feet and be able to scale ladders, be careful
Job #52 1993 Coco’s – Irvine Food Server
Free food and met lots of people. Griff ’s Thoughts – Being a waiter
/waitress is a notable profession and for many as a career … Tips are
where you make a living !
Job #53 1993 John Domino’s Newport Beach Banquet Server
Free food, learned to balance a tray and met lots of people.
Job #54 1993 Hilton Hotels Anaheim, CA /Banquet Server
Another gig to fill time and make money.
Job #55 1996 Subway, San Dimas, CA /Sandwich Maker
Does working 2 days for an employer count as a job? Yes it does in my
book
Job #56 1988 Radio Shack - Covina /Computer Sales
I was intrigued by Computers and still am. My 1st Computer
was a Tandy
Summer Vacation 1984 Elkhorn, Wisconsin.
First time I ever say a real firefly
84

Chapter 8
Being a lover of outdoors and meeting people along the job / career
trail it made sense to me to travel on the job /career path where I
would meet at least 40 new people everyday. I took the outside sales
door trail. It had its ups and downs like most trails but I don’t
regret having walked that job /career trail for many years.
Outside Sales..Door Knocking
85

Outside Sales Door Knocking – 40 Cold calls a day typically
Always Be Closing…. Tough Job
Job #57 2010 ADT Security Services, Torrance, CA /Small Business
Sales - B2B Sales Job. Fun training In Boca Raton Florida for a week. Security
is a legitimate service. After a month of training salary you are put on straight
commission . My territory was B2B and after a few months I figured It was not
my calling to sell Security.
Job #58 2005 – 2007 Safelite Auto Glass, Columbus, OH Area Sales
Manager, Orange County, CA - Great job that required to making 40
in person calls a day. Was given a company car and laptop. My job was to call
on three trade channels. I called on Insurance Agents, Car Dealerships and
Body Shops promoting our Auto Glass Replacement Services. The company
was sold to Belron a global company during my employment and my position
was eliminated to cut costs. I was paid a nice base salary of $40,000 including
receiving bonuses every month for making my quota. I was sorry it ended but
no regrets.
Know your
Passion !
86

Business Consulting Sales Jobs - Very Difficult
Job #59 2005 Improved Management Productivity and Controls, Punta
Gorda Florida Regional Sales Executive -Has to rank in the top as one of
the off the map career paths I took which was on a whim. I saw an ad that
looked pretty cool to be a Regional VP for a company based in Punta Gorda,
Florida. The job stated a guaranteed training base salary of $4166 for one
month. After I was hired I spent 4 weeks for the paid training in Punta Gorda
with the other new hires who I still remember to this day. My co-workers
were from Pittsburgh, PA, Spain and England. I was the California kid. They
housed us in a hotel with that had a bar on the premises which we frequented
nightly on our 4 week stay in a town with nothing to do after work. I think the
thing I recall most about that hotel and bar was that from the time we checked
in until the time we left it was a different place. I guess word got around that
a few outta towners were in town and before we left town the hotel bar went
from being dead as a doornail to quite a lively hot spot nightly hangout. After
the training meetings myself and my Pittsburgh colleague would throw on
our workout gear and run for maybe 3- 4 miles every night to sweat off a few
pounds and feel better after sitting all day during training. We always saw a
few crocodiles on those runs. Well after we made it through training I traveled
quite a bit. First to Mississippi then Texas
and Oregon for additional training. We
were trained to learn the company pitch
verbatim. I had never been drilled more
in making sure I had the pitch down. It
was crazy. Our business model was to sell
CEO’s on our services to improve their
business and guarantee a 200% return on
their investment. We charged $33,000 a
week for each management engineer we assigned to fix a company’s problems
and those fees could add to millions very quickly depending on how many engineers
were deployed and weeks or months they hired us for to fix the leaks in
their business. My 1st solo trip was to Phoenix, AZ where it happened to be at
least 110 degrees during my stay. All three of my planned appointments were
all no shows. I have to say this job was probably the toughest sales job I had
experienced in my sales career. Since the job was straight commision after the
paid training I was finding the stress a bit too much. I was not seeing any sales
that were going to close anytime soon in my pipeline with this job. I resigned
from IMPAC with zero sales on the books. Although I did not succeed I did
learn quite a bit from the training and experience calling on CEO’s. The four
weeks being sequestered in Florida with my colleagues was a trip and the learning
experience was something I was glad to take in and apply to my future jobs.
87

Job #60 2011 SMS Strategic Management Services, Barclay Grove
Illinois Regional Sales Executive
Still intrigued I guess by my brief consulting gig a few years earlier with
IMPAC I was recruited by SMS for another Regional Sales Executive
position. Compensation was based on Straight commissions although
the company did pay for my flight, hotel and meals in Barclay Grove IL
for the one week training we received. I did pass the excellent training
which required having to memorize a sales pitch verbatim and making
the pitch to all my collegues and trainer to make the cut. In every job
I have had I have met new and interesting people and this job was no
exception. I think looking back timing is criticial in jobs/ careers and
sometimes the timing may not be always right for certain jobs and
opportunites we are presented with. The field of Business Consulting
is certainly an interesting career path. I look at it as a Business Doctor
where experts, analysts and specialists are trained in specific areas to
help an ailing business get back on track. Selling Business Consulting
Services can be a rewarding and lucrative job/career and is a service
that will not be going away anytime soon.
Yes if you use our services we will
point out how to lower your
operating costs and potentially
increase your profits .....
88

Category 5 Hurricane Sales Jobs – They built up momentum and
went away very quickly – These jobs are jobs I describe as blips on
the job radar screen. Nothing to really say other than the shoe did
not fit.
#61- AZ Printing Web Printing #62 – Transfirst #63 – ITP
Strategic – Graphics, Print Services #64 – Vinotemp International –
Wine Storage #65 – EZ Ads – Selling Ads for Newsprint Paper #66
– LA Fitness - Selling Club Memberships #67 Franchise Sales Jani
King #68 Prestige Property Services – Outside Sales
#69- Choice Litho - Outside Sales
Most of us will experience a few false starts in our career and some
NY minute jobs.
Relied on pay phones alot back in the day while on the
on the road pre cell phone days in the 70’s , 80’s. always carrried
plenty of quarters.
A few more Jobs
#70 Gravity Guidance – Pasadena Ca
1981 - National Sales and Trainer
We taught people to hang upside down on our Gravity Guidance
Inversion Boots and machines to improve their
flexibility, fitness and relieve back pain. I traveled throughout
the USA demonstrating the equipment from Washington DC
to New York, Oregon, Chicago and beyond. Was paid $2000 a
month and was in great shape from all the exercise I was getting as a product
demonstrator. I remember the company sent me to New York for a delivery of
a system to the sporting goods buyer at JC Penney. As soon as the delivery was
made I hoped on a plane from JFK back to LAX. I guess that was prior to Fed
Ex when It was less expensive to send an employee to make a delivery.
Additional Part Time Jobs
Job #71 Dick’s Sporting Goods, Fashion Island Newport Beach. Golf Specialist
- sold club, balls, clothing and assisted where needed in other departments
Jobs #72/73 Straw Hat Pizza & Domino’s Pizza
Pizza Delivery - some fun stories ....
Job#74 - American Golf - Assistant Golf Professional at La Mirada Golf
Course. Starter and Pro Shop Sales
Job#75 - Ucla Athletics - Game Staff Management - Assist Customers at UCLA
Athletic Events
89

Chapter 9
Learning along the job trails I thought it might be interesting to
carve out my own trails. It was tough cutting through the branches,
clearing rocks. But it was something I needed to do.
Business Ventures
90

Business Ventures
One of my ideas that never took flight. A nationwide computer services
and repair network – Geek Squad beat me to the punch.
Ad I created from my
Rope walk in Cancun,
Mexico 2005 – Yes
Friday for many is the
best day of the work
week knowing you have 2
days off from your job!
GRG Company – Roll-um Baseball from concept to completion
Taking our Idea
from concept to
completion
Original packaging
Roll-um Baseball 1988
91

Probably one of my best memories and as close to “work is my play” as
it gets. As a kid growing up in South Pasadena being passionate about
sports I got hooked on a game called Dice Baseball like lots of other
sports nut kids before the days of video games and computers. I spent
literally an entire summer I recall in my basement one summer for a few
hours every day playing 9 inning baseball games with teams made up
from Topps baseball cards that I collected. I kept score for each game
and kept season stats for my Dice Baseball League season. I must say
almost everything I learned about math, reading and analyzing as a kid I
attribute to playing Dice Baseball.
This time spent was something I enjoyed. If I knew I would have
parlayed that love of sports and compiling statistics into a career. As a
parent if you see your kids excel in an area or take an interest in an
activity, I would encourage parents to guide and help that child pursue
that passion, interest into a potential career. Our youth passions stay
with us for life I believe.
Growing up in South Pasadena, Ca
pictured with my older brother on my left
Bob enjoying a sunny day in California
riding our metal tractors.
As parents I believe we have a
responsibility to help our kids navigate
their career options by knowing what their
passions and interests are.
92

As a kid, I loved my baseball card collection and believe it or not my
favorite card and player as kid was Doug Camilli who did not have the
most brilliant sports career …. Sounds familiar. I remember Doug was
the 3rd string Catcher for the Dodgers and as a Catcher in Little League
Doug was my favorite – I was bummed when the Dodgers traded Doug
to the Washington Senators
When I was in my early 30’s I was playing golf at least 1x a week usually
on Friday morning another passion from youth. I was no longer collecting
baseball cards which I believe probably were thrown away when
I was in high school (what was I thinking) I usually snuck in nine holes
before work with my 2 buddies from my childhood days at the course I
grew up playing Arroyo Seco in South Pasadena, CA … After Golf, we
would always have breakfast and talk about everything under the sun
usually sports related. Since my buddies Rich and Dave had played Dice
Baseball as kids we had that in common and we all loved sports. Baseball
Cards in the late 80s became popular again and many new companies
started producing cards other than Topps. One day after Golf we
were talking about the resurgence of Baseball Cards and got to talking
about the dice baseball game we played as kids and how great that game
was. We wondered why no one had ever made a game out of it. We
decided to publish our game since Baseball card shows were booming
across America. We came up with the name Roll-um Baseball… We
started a company call GRG to produce Roll-um and kept our day jobs
while we worked evenings and weekends over a few years to launch our
board game.
93

Rich was a salesman, Dave was a Teacher and I was a salesman. It was
with much pride when we assembled our 1st 1000 games in my garage
in La Verne, CA and started to sell the game. Being a part owner of a
small company with one product was very rewarding.
We had a great time and took the game all the way to the International
Toy Fair in New York where we rented a Vendor Booth. Will never
forget when the Buyer from Toys R us visited our booth and we showed
him the game and gave him our Wholesale price sheet. We asked well
what do you think. The Buyer blurted out your packaging sucks and
your price is out of line for the product. We were a bit hurt but not
defeated. While in New York I visited the Trump Tower and delivered
a game personally to the office of Donald Trump… Unfortunately,
I was not able to get a meeting with our now President of the United
States. What I will always remember was the letter we received from Mr.
Trump a few weeks later after we returned to California. Mr. Trump on
his personal Trump Stationery gold stamped thanked us for the game to
review and said although a nice game he was not interested in investing
in our company. We kept that letter for many years along with many
other memories we cherished during our few years promoting our game
across the country.
Yogi Berra Yankee Legend and American Hero visiting our Roll-um
Baseball Booth in New York 1988
94

Pictured with my partners Rich and Dave hustling our
baseball game in 1988 at the Sports Memorabilia Show,
Pomona Fairgrounds, Pomona,CA.
Over the years we sold about 20,000 games mostly to boutique toy
stores across America. We never were able to quit our day jobs and after
a period of time I decided to sell my shares of the company to my
partners for a small sum of I recall about $4000. At this writing we are
in the process of bringing out another edition of Roll-Um Baseball.
95

Trimcards – Weight and Health Management System for Life!
You are what you Eat I started practicing the habit of recording daily
goals on file cards while in college and continue the habit even to this
day for achieving daily goals and managing my weight. For years growing
up ½ Italian eating was a tradition at our family gathering and overeating
was common I might add… It inspired me to create a product to
help me control overeating since I saw how being overweight was pretty
much common among not only some of my Italian Family/cousins but
the population in the USA in general.
As a printing guy and interested in health and trying to feel my best I
decided to create a printed product which I named healthy habits later
changed to trimcards. My idea was to market the cards nationwide to individuals
who needed or wanted to manage their weight on a daily basis.
I took out an ad in Prevention magazine and received a few orders for
the cards which kept me going.
Since 1982 I have been marketing the trimcards. I must say the cards
have worked for me but unfortunately to this date have never been
a market success as I had thought they would be. Today many health
enthusiasts have apps that control their daily calorie counts, calories
burned, food intake management and exercise habits.
I still think the product has potential. That is what most product
designers believe and should believe.
Trimcards Founder “Slim Jim” on right 1980.
Wow what happened to my 32” waistline. Yes age
catches up with all of us and the waistline does
expand as we age and are less active. It’s important to
do our best to maintain healthy habits all of our life.
Eat and drink in moderation which are important
throughout your career and life.
96

Our printed product trimcards 1st published in 1981
97

You are what you eat. For the most part.
Griff ’s Tip – Eat in moderation and find foods compatible with your system to be
most effective on the job. Staying fit for life is one of the keys to a successful career I
believe.
98

Festival Producer
JBGmg proposed So Cal Little Italy
Development Project still in the works
In 1984 while on a family vacation in Wisconsin where my 2nd Wife’s
Mother was from I attended the Festa Italiana with my wife and young
son. The festival brought back some great memories for me. My Mom
was ½ Italian and her mother my grandmother had immigrated to Los
Angeles in 1921 from the village of Piana Degli Albansese located in
the hills high above the seaside town of Palermo, Sicily. After both my
Grandmother and Mom had passed, my Grandmother in 1977 and my
Mom in 1985, I felt a huge loss in my Italian roots. For some reason and
I’m sure it was from heaven above I decided I would produce the So Cal
Italian Festival to keep the taste of Italy alive. Once the idea was planted
I went to work on making the festival a reality. During this time I was
employed by the Long Beach Unified School District as a District Intern
Special Ed Teacher so my evenings and weekends were pretty much free
to work on the festival. On August 2nd 2003 we pulled off the festival
and received a nice proclamation from the Vice Mayor of Long Beach.
The festival was a great experience and the presence of my Mom and
my Grandmother were with me the entire time not only in planning the
festival but on the day of the festival. We had over 500 in attendance for
the day and although we were in the red $5000 after calculating all the
income and expenses I can say it was one of the best investments I ever
made. Having the support of the volunteers, community, vendors and
my wife made it one of the highlights of my less than spectacular career.
What I learned was having a one-day event is a lot of work. I thought
about opening an Italian Restaurant a few times to keep my passion
for taste of Italy alive but that dream has not become a reality yet. Stay
tuned for griffino’s Italian Restaurant.
99

I keep my passion for my Italian Roots alive to this day by publishing
a website www.tasteofItalySoCal.com and now enjoy covering Italian
Festivals, Events Recipes and more through my website … our motto
is “If It’s Italian We want to know”
Ad for my real estate business .. Pictured my Grandparents and relatives
who immigrated to the United States from Italy in 1921
My Italian Mom
Career: Mom / Homemaker
100

101
I was the publisher of
So Cal Italian
Magazine from 2004-
2009. I guess you can
say it was a volunteer
gig since I never made
a dime. But it was sure
fun.

Chapter 10
At times on the job career trail I took the time to help out or
work with causes outside of the job trail that I felt were worthwhile.
It was a nice break from the grind of the trail at times.
Volunteering
102

Volunteering
Nope volunteering is a not a job. Feels like one, acts like one, but is not a
job. That is unless your being paid. Volunteering is a great way to make
contacts and network which will go a long way in helping you in your career
I believe for some. If you do volunteer best to volunteer in something
you are passionate about which may lead you to a job or a career.
1981 Pasadena Jaycees
Rose Queen Breakfast
A few of my Volunteer Gigs listed below all great experiences
South Pasadena /San Marino Jaycees President 1982-1983
Pasadena Jaycees Board of Director 1979 - 1981
LA Junior Chamber of Commerce Volunteer LA Open Golf Tournament -1976-1977
Operation Santa Claus Chairman Pasadena Jaycees - 1980
Rose Queen Breakfast Volunteer – Pasadena Jaycees 1979/1980
Fellowship of Christian Athletes Pasadena Adult Chapter President – 1985- 1987
FCA Rose Bowl Breakfast Chairman – 1986-1987
Master of Ceremonies Special Olympics Pasadena Chapter – 1976-1977
103

Chapter 11
As I navigated the job career trails I started to learn more about
areas along that trail that I especially took an interest in.
I redirected my paths to pursue those areas of interest along the
journey.
Know your Passion
104

Know your Passion
Follow your passion over a job and you will be going forward not
backwards in your job/ career journey.
I Love Golf & Sports
Golf Career Highlights
• 50+ Years of Golf Experience
• Winner South Pasadena City Junior Golf Tournament at age 11
• Lettered in JV Golf @ South Pasadena HS 1972
• Winner on Golf Channel Amateur Tour 2007
• Participated in World Amateur in Myrtle Beach 2006
• Winner The Lakes El Segundo Open 2006
• Winner Griffin Golf Tour Scottsdale Open 2017
• Winner Griffin Golf Tour Laughlin Open 2016
• Founder Griffin Golf 2004
• Founder Teacher IWDD Golf Clinics 2005
• Golf Teacher at Rancho Duarte Golf Course Beginner Clinics - 2012
• Assistant Golf Starter at La Mirada Golf Course with American Golf - 2016
• Since 2006 Level 1 Affiliate Member Lic#679 United States
Golf Teachers Federation
•Certified Golf Pro # G2254 National Registry of Professional Golf Instructors
since 2011
105

I did pursue my golf passion and became a certified Golf Instructor
and member of the United States Golf Teaching Federation. Not close
to the PGA designation but a nice alternative path for those who do not
have the time or funds to pursue a PGA Class A Professional Status.
106

Find Your Passion
Whatever you are passionate about and enjoy doing is what you should
pursue when looking for a job that meets your interests. It’s okay to miss
the mark in your career journey.
Just keep your dreams alive and don’t give up. Pursue and find the job
that works for you. Remember a job is just a job. It will not define you
as a person. You are unique and don’t ever let a job take you away from
your desires to live a life where you feel you are using your god given
talents to the best of your ability in whatever field you choose.
Get to know your passion ….
My Passion – Sports always and discovering new people, places, fun
events and sharing.
On left my 1st Place
Trophy from Golf
Channel Simi Valley
Championship
Tour Event 2007
What’s your passion?
107

A few Griffin Golf Photo Archives….
One of my Ads for my Golf Teaching Gig – One shot at a time... pick your target
and connect the dots... easy game … LOL. Visualize, Touch, and Feel.
My Prototype Griffin Golf Clubs - In the works …. Ideas, Ideas, Ideas.. Keep
those ideas close to your heart. They could pay off and launch a career.
108

Chapter 12
Miles and years into walking the job career trails I was
introduced to Real Estate along the way as career path. Real
Estate is everywhere and the trail I was walking on was part of
it. I took the trail.
Real Estate
109

Real Estate
…. Not a Job it’s an opportunity and very lucrative for some
Currently one of my gigs is owner of a real estate brokerage
JBGmg Property Management Real Estate Brokerage
Nope not a job - Independent Contractor you sell something you get paid.
No hourly wages paid but when you do get paid the checks are great.
Especially when you sale a home and close escrow. You can live off the
earning in some cases for months. If you Sell 12 homes in Southern California
in 12 months you will most likely make over $100,000 in gross closed
commissions. Easier said than done. But not impossible.
110

A few of my Real Estate experiences as an Independent Agent
Century 21 Real Estate Agent, Salesperson specialized in selling
residential and commercial properties. Was #7 out of 70 Agents my
1st year in gross closed commissions earned.
Dyson and Dyson – Luxury Properties - Was Top Listing agent for One
month. Was told by a fellow agent (Nice Guy) I would never make it
selling properties in Newport Beach. Well in a few months I surprised
the agent that tried to discourage me. I was the Top Listing Agent for
Dyson and Dyson for a month a few months later. You gotta believe!
A few more companies I was associated with in Real Estate where the
shoe did not quite fit. Gibraltor Properties, Connect Real Estate,
Bankers Realty, Huntington Harbour Real Estate, VR Business Brokers,
Sellstate Regency Properties and Diamond Pacific Properties.
111

90% of all Millionaires made their money through Real Estate .
Griff’s Tip - Work your day job and invest in real estate
My Wife and Real Estate Mentor Hall of Fame Agent Coby Myers-Griffin
As a Realtor and now Real Estate Broker current I would say if it was
not for my wife Coby, a Hall of Fame Realtor, I most likely would not
have gone into Real Estate. I was very fortunate to meet my wife who
was a teacher prior to becoming a Real Estate Agent. She had a burning
desire to leave her secure teaching career after 10 years in the late 1970s
to pursue her goal of selling real estate. Her desire and passion paid off
as she became one of the best in her chosen career which has lasted
over 40 years. I feel fortunate that I have been able to learn from her
and also assist her in helping her continue to close deals. Although we
do not work for the same company we both help each other out which
is the key to success for a husband and wife. Real Estate is a 365-7 day a
week gig. For those thinking of a career in real estate it takes as Coby has
demonstrated a desire and hard work which is the true key to success in
any chosen field. You will need capital and savings to become an Agent.
It may take many months before you close your 1st deal. Agents are
paid at the close of escrow. This is not a job where you collect a weekly
paycheck.
112

Chapter 13
After 46 years on the career job path the trails are more familiar
and the paths are a bit easier to navigate. I have several career
trails that I work daily on at this point.
Current Gigs /Self Employment
113

Current Gigs /Self Employment
Yes, we even design & Sell T- Shirts
Owner JBGmg sports information, marketing and more!
Print and marketing services on a contract basis
JBGmg Real Estate Brokerage & Property Management – Offering sales and leasing
for properties throughout the state of California “from the Ocean to the desert”.
James B. Griffin Independent Insurance Services Licensed in the State of California
Publisher gummy7 Global marketplace www.gummy7.com global sports information
Publisher Sunset Beach Magazine “from the Ocean to the desert and beyond”
www.SunsetBeachMagazine.com
Founder / Publisher trimcards “Weight and Health Management System for Life” You
are what you eat www.trimcards.com
Real Estate Assistant to Hall of Fame Realtor Coby Myers-Griffin
www.cobymyers.com
Sports Consultant / Sports Info -on-Call Services / Job Coach / Independent Sales
Rep
Founder Griffin Golf “one shot at time” www.griffingolf.com Golf Promotions,
Tournaments, Travel, Products, tips and more…
Website Publisher www.tasteofItalySoCal.com If It’s Italian we want to know…
Trustee Bobby Griffin Memorial Art Award Fund.
Writer – 57 Jobs and Counting and in the works California Born Heaven Bound
Independent Travel Agent – Affiliated with Go with Jo Travel
Ucla Athletics - Game Management Staff
114

Chapter 14
Along the job /career trails I always kept the essentials including
a resume which I would update as needed, reference letters to pull
out on request and readiness when asked to interview. Be prepared
on the job career trails with updated survival tools
Resumes / Job Interviews
115

Resumes/ Job Interviews
I’ve had a few
Resumes don’t leave home without it. It just may land you a job.
When you are on a job interview ….
Dress for success, be on time, be alert and remember to be clear about
your work experience, career goals when speaking to a potential
employer and most importantly be yourself and be honest.
Example Goals on a Resume:
Seeking a Team Oriented Outside Sales / Business Development,
Sales Management position with an established firm.
It’s okay to put your picture on your resume in my opinion….
A professional picture that is.
After writing your resume use spell check. Griff ’s Tips: Be creative,
different to stand out when writing your resume. Keep it short, brief and
one page if possible. Make sure your talents, skills fly off the page!
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RESUME
“JB” James B. Griffin
1111 Main Street
Anywhere, USA 00000
ph: email
EDUCATION:
Cal State University Los Angeles, 1977 Graduate
Bachelor’s Degree Printing Management , GPA 3.0
Colleges Attended
Art Center College of Design,
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo , Graphic Communications
Rochester Institute of Technology, Printing Technology
Cal State Long Beach – Graduate Courses
Fullerton Junior College
Azusa Pacific University
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING:
Max Sacks Professional Sales Training
Improved Management & Productivity Consulting
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
JBGmg Real Estate & Property Management
Broker / Owner 2007-Present
Sales and leasing of residential and income properties, financial reports, monthly accounting of
income & expenses, manage trust accounts, supervise property repairs and
ongoing maintenance, screen all prospective tenants, write & negotiate contracts.
Safelite Auto Glass, Columbus Ohio www.safelite.com BELRON US
Area Sales Manager, Orange County, CA
Responsible for 3 Trade Channels Insurance, Commercial and Wholesale
December 2005 – September 2007
Long Beach Unified School District Teacher Special Education Intern & Resource Specialist
Taught at Middle School & High School
September 2002 – March 2004
K-1 Packaging Group Vice President Sales & Marketing
Business development and supervised staff
September 2001 – August 2002
Century 21
Real Estate Agent, Salesperson specialized in selling residential and commercial properties
December 1998 – August 2001
Crestec LA , Sales Manager Member of Executive Committee. Supervised and trained sales
staff. coordinated jobs in progress with production daily. Was responsible for business
development for large accounts
December 1997 – December 1998
117

Color Scope
Marketing Director & Business Development Business Development for prepress and catalogs
December 1995 – December 1997
1983 – 1995 Companies Represented
Parker & Son Printers & Lithographers – Account Executive
Welsh Graphics - Account Executive
Typecraft – Account Executive
Gilmore Envelope – Sales Manager
Superior Lithographics - Sales Representative
Standard Register/Uarco - Impressions Regional Manager
Porter & Griffin Printers & Lithographers acquired by Lithographix
Pressman, Estimator, Customer Service, Sales and Account Management. Assistant to the
President
INTERESTS: Business, Sports, Travel & Golf
GOALS:
Seeking a Team Oriented Sales Business Development, Account Management position with an
established firm. I am a team player, highly responsible and efficient person.
Personal & Business References :
Family – Married with 3 Children
Griff ’s Tip:
In putting together your
resume be honest. In my
opinion you don’t need to list all your jobs especially the
Hurricane 5 jobs (less than a week) or any jobs less than
3 months on your resume.
If I listed all my jobs it might take 5 pages or more!
118

119
Early on in my career I loved listening to
motivational tapes and reading books on
success. .. One of my all time favorite
books is titled
“Work is my Play” written by Wallace
E. Johnson who founded the Holiday Inns
with Kemmons Wilson ...

Reference Letters - Never hurts to have a few
120

121

122

Reference Letters were particularly
important and required when
I decided to become a teacher in 2001.
In California one of the 1st steps
to becoming a teacher is to pass the
CBEST after earning your college
degree.
123

Chapter 15
During the job career path and in your life it is always important to
celebrate your accomplishments along the way. The trail can be rugged
and cause disappointments so keep pressing on through the tough times.
Accomplishments
124

Accomplishments
Always keep track of your accomplishments no one else will
“JB” James B. Griffin Accomplishments - Yes, we all have a few
Business experience as an inventor, entrepreneur, sales rep,
marketing executive, teacher, manager, small business owner and real estate agent.
B.S. Degree Printing Management / Industrial Technology
California State University Los Angeles 1977
Dean’s List 3 quarters at Rochester Institute of Technology -
Printing Technology -1974
Computer Literate - Windows - MS Word, MS Works, MS Excel Programs -
InDesign Photoshop
Former Teacher Printing Industries Association of Southern
California – 1980
Smile? I guess I was not happy about being a bench warmer as a member of the
American Legion Baseball Team - South Pasadena / San Marino Cardinals 1973. I quit
the squad but at least I enjoyed the experience. Sometimes things just don’t always
prove to be a success that’s okay. It’s still an accomplishment in my book if you tried.
Volunteer Manager / Coach South Pasadena Little League Baseball - Led team to 11-3
season and Championship game which we lost.
Player / Manager Undefeated Championship South Pasadena Adult Softball
Team - 10-0 League Champs
Earned JV Football & JV Golf Letters at South Pasadena High School – 1972 –
“Better than a sharp stick in the eye”
Created Healthy Habits Dieters file card System 1982 renamed to “trimcards” weight
and Health Management System for Life!
Co-Inventor Roll-Um Baseball and Partner in GRG CO - 1988-1991
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Member Cal State LA Cross Country Team 1977
Finisher LA Marathon 1991
Finisher OC Marathon 1980
Completed at Least 25 – 5K runs
Played Little League Baseball through Youth Baseball 1964-1970 – Played on 4 straight
National League Championships teams in Little League
Made Middle League Minor All-Stars 1969
Won City Recreation Golf Tournament at Arroyo Seco Golf Course age 11 - 1966
Finished in top 5 in LA Junior of Chamber Superstars Competition - 1978
Member LA Junior Chamber of Commerce 1977-1980 -
Volunteer LA Open Golf Tournament
Volunteer Special Olympics while attending Cal State LA
Member Jaycees - 1977-1982
Operation Santa Claus 1980
Pasadena
Jaycees
Project
Chairman
126

Founder aspn American Single Parents Network
As a single parent it was my idea to start American Single Parents Network with a
single parent good friend of mine (pictured above on my left) Laura Wilson. From
1993 through 1997 we coordinated fun weekend activities for Single Parents and their
children and grew to over 100 members. As a single parent it was a rewarding endeavor
and I believe really helped those who were part of our network.
Founder/ Event Organizer IWDD Individuals with Developmental Disabilities Golf
Clinic
Master of Ceremonies Pasadena Area Special Olympics -1982
Co-Master of Ceremonies South Pasadena High School 10 & 20 Year Reunions 1983,
1993
Certified Golf Instructor
Currently Married (3rd time is a charm) with 3 children and 2 grandchildren
127

Chapter 16
Along the job career trail know where you are and what to expect.
After a period of time on the job career trail you can compile stats.
Those stats will be a useful compass on the job career trails that lie
ahead.
Career Stats
128

Career Batting Record Keep Stats!
James Brian Griffin
Born: Los Angeles, CA, 7/8/1955 Height: 5”11 Weight: 180
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Growing up in South Pasadena, California. Jim was the youngest of 4
children. His career as an employee off and on spanned 46 years. When Jim is not
working in his business he enjoys golf, walking dogs, road trips and spending time
with family, friends, sports and compiling stats.
“JB” Career Job Stats
#Jobs 75
Average length of time on jobs held - 10 months
Longest job held: 10 Years
Shortest length of time on Job: 3 days
Good to know what your average length of stay on a job is.
Totals Avg Annual Salary -$37,000
Highest Salary: $83,000 Average Hourly Wage all Jobs: $17.81 hour.
Know what your average annual salary is and what your hourly rate is
Number Hours worked per Year Average - 2078 hours
Know that if you work full time 23% of your time will be spent at work
Total Hours Worked at jobs listed - 98,087 – 46 years
Total Hours alive to date : 543,120 hours 62 years
% of time worked in lifetime: About 18% of my lifetime has been spent
working.
Jobs Fired from - 9 I have been fired from 12% of the Jobs held
Lifetime Sales Volume Printing - 3,200,000
Lifetime Sales Volume Real Estate: 8,000,000
Largest Single Sale Printing: $100,000 Largest Sale Real Estate: $610,000
129

Chapter 17
Take lots of pictures and collect treasures along the job career trail to
document your adventures. Its fun to look back and see where you have
been along the trail and to plan where you are going.
Photos, Ideas, Projects, Memorabilia & More!
130

Mark Twain gave some good advice …………
Did I mention have fun.. Life is short enjoy!
131

(Pictured above in Montana)
Being a native of California I can’t imagine what it would be like to
battle snow and harsh weather while commuting to a job especially one
you did not like. In So Cal we do have traffic like no where else except
maybe New York City so I guess its a trade off. Another reason to work
at something you enjoy. Speaking of commutes always good to listen to
books on tape or something motivational while commuting. Make your
ride a classroom on wheels. I did get a taste of harsh weather while
attending school at RIT from 1974-1975. First time I ever had my hair
freeze walking in the outdoor bitter cold to class.
Left to Right …Unemployed at age 13 still no career thoughts or plans.
Self-employed at age 62 with over 57+ jobs on the experience file. My
advice to parents, teachers, schools is to talk to kids early about their
interests and potential careers that match their god given talents, skills
interests. The earlier the better to help avoid some of the costly job,
career mistakes I made.
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Pictured above Disneyland Private Event for Travel Agents 2013
Yes, I am a travel agent Independent Agent that is still to this day affiliated with Go
with Jo Travel based in Huntington Beach, CA. I still carry my IATA Card … The
Travel Industry is high on my list of a rewarding career if you love to travel and enjoy
arranging trips etc. Tough Industry with all the online travel options available to the
consumer. The days of brick and mortar Travel Agencies have given way to the
internet booking engines for the most part.
Career Job Websites too many to list all. Online is one way to find a job. I believe the
best way to get a job is to get out and pound the pavement. Talk to people who can
hire you in the Industry you wish to be in. Be persistent and know what you want in a
job or career. It’s your life!
www.workinsports.com
www.monster.com
www.careerbuilder.com
www.indeed.com
www.theLadders.com
www.careers.workopolis.com
www.glassdoor.com
www.dice.com
www.Linkedin.com
www.us.jobs.
www.Lifereimagined.org
www.AARP.org/jobs
133

In your career its important to be organized. I have kept a Day-Timer since my 1st
day in sales in 1977 and still use my Day-Timer to this day to plan my hour, day, week,
month and year.. If you want more information on Day -Timer visit their website
www.daytimer.com. I recommend the 2 page per day indexed planner 3 ½ X 6 ½ Size
Las Vegas 2015 at Ceasar’s Palace Fountain
throwing money away of course. Was never
much of a gambler, at least in Las Vegas
Pictured above The B.S. Degree I earned in Industrial Technology with an Option In
Printing Management in 1977 still hangs in my office. Looking back, glad I earned
my College Degree. It takes approximately 6,235 hours to earn a degree in 4 years
or 18% of your day every day. Similar to a job. My advise to anyone is to get your
degree at any age. Try to earn your degree in something your passionate about.
The Big 3 in my Career, Left to Right Bill Schraegle and Bob Porter my Dad’s business
Partners. Dad on far right who employed me in my 1st full time job and showed me a
few things about work early on in my career including golf and how to have fun in life
which I still employ to this day.
134

Commissioned Art Print from Disney Artist Ward Kimball who my
Dad was good friends with and hired to create the Art Print pictured
above to promote the new Home of my Dad’s printing business in
1966.
Pictured with Ward Kimball Disney Artist and my High School Friend in Middle
David Gerletti at Wards Home in San Gabriel 1988. We met with Ward to help us
with some marketing thoughts for our Roll-um parlor baseball game. Ward was a very
creative man and gave us some great ideas and thoughts about design and marketing.
135

…A one and a two.
Songwriter
I think everybody has written a song in their head at one
time. I wrote mine down. I called it Boon, Bon Shackle.
136

Albert Lear Griffin Jr., My Dad and Employer I worked for the
longest 10 years in all of my 75 jobs.
Plaque honoring my Dad as PIA So Cal
Printing Industry Man of the Year in 1980
137

Chapter 18
The job /career trail is yours to navigate, explore and enjoy.
Some take the straight and narrow path while some zig zag
taking high and low paths. Whatever job career path you choose
remember it is yours and you can make the adventure whatever
you want it be. Wishing you safe and happy trails in your job/
career paths.
In Closing
138

In my jobs/ career looking back the question is how did you go
about finding jobs..
Here are some thoughts about that ..
1) Look around wherever you go and of course if you see a sign in a window now
hiring that is a pretty good clue
2) Get to know People also called networking and go to mixers in an industry that you
are interested in
3) Always keep your resume updated… keep it short, sweet and to the point
4) Find a good headhunter in a Industry that can work for you to help you get an
interview for a job in an company or Industry you are pursuing
5) Back in the day I always looked at classified ads in the newspaper for employment
opportunities. Today those newspaper ads are far and few between and have been
replaced for the most part by job seeker career websites.
6) Be a salesperson always. When you are interviewing or looking for a job you have
to be in the sales hunter shark mode. Knock on every door and turn over every
stone. Since I was in sales for most of my career changing jobs was pretty easy for
me. When I became unemployed it was just like sales. You have to sell something to
keep your job. When your unemployed or under employed you are in a full on sales
mode making presentations, meeting potential employers, showcasing your gifts,
talents and experience with one objective that being to get hired.
7) Be on the lookout for trends, opportunities be curious….who knew Amazon
would be dominating as dominate as they are and putting retailers across the nation
out of business.
8) Read the Business Section of the Newspapers know what is happening …. The
comic section can wait until you land a job that pays the bills
9) While your looking for a job your are still working .. get up early, get dressed
professionally and work 9am – 5pm I don’t think I was ever hired while wearing my
pajamas
10) Most important, stay 110% Positive and know you will find a JOB.
Keep a Database always
In my career I have probably logged over 552,000
miles in Air Travel for work. Thats an average of about
12,000 miles a year. I do enjoy flying although I am not a
pilot
139

I think a few of my past employers probably felt this way about me. I felt the same way about some
of them after getting fired a few times, taking a few bullets as they say in corporate America.
Employment Considerations
• Do you have the skills needed - If you are applying to be an airline pilot you will
need a pilots license.
• Opportunities - If you are thinking about being employed as a professional basketball
player you need to know that less than 1100 people at any one time in the World
make their living shooting a basketball – I just guessed that number…
• What does it Pay – If your single and your rent is $1500 a month and your total living
expenses are $3000 a month you will need a job that pays at least $3000 a month or
$17 dollars an hour based on working 40 hours a week for 4.33 weeks. Either work full
time or enough part time jobs to make ends meet…
• Emotionally Satisfying – It’s all about passion. If you love animals and are a zoo
keeper that works. If you are an outdoors person that likes to be out and about every
day and you work in a cubicle indoors for 8-10 hours a day you may burn out.
• You have to like it - I loved sports at an early age but did not follow my passion
which caused my career to go a bit sideways. Find something you enjoy or are passionate
about. That could be anything from sweeping floors to directing Movies or chasing
bad guys. Whatever you choose pursue that passion and you will be better off in your
working life for it.
140

Genesis 2:3
Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he
had done.
The Bible offers some great career advise …………
Luke 1:37
For no word from God will ever fail.”
1 Timothy 5:8
Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is
worse than an unbeliever.
Proverbs 6:10-12
A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— and poverty will come on you like a thief
and scarcity like an armed man. A troublemaker and a villain, who goes about with a corrupt mouth
Timothy 2:6
The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.
Genesis 2:15
The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.
Proverbs 16:3
Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
My company logo stands for JB Griffin Marketing group
141

The apple of my eye - My children
Always advised them these words
1) Be nice to people and animals
2) Look both ways before you cross the street
3) Give thanks to the Lord above
“JB” – Great Wall China 2008
142

To this days Sports is my true passion. I have not given up my dream of getting a job
to work in Sports as a possible statistician, writer, broadcaster or analyst someday…
It is my passion but don’t let anybody fool you work is work….
One of the fun parts about writing my book was asking people I met in my daily travels
what made you choose your career or what did you do before your current job.
Here are a few responses
From an Employee I met at Walmart – She answered Before I worked at Walmart I
was pushed around by my- ex husband for 50 years
What inspired you to choose your career?
I met Capt. Nancy at Jiffy Lube while we were both waiting to get our Oil Changed
Here is some great advise from Nancy who found her passion at an early age
When I told her what I was doing writing a book she recommended I watch the movie
“Finding Joe”. In a nutshell, the movie was very inspiring. We all have an adventure and
then we come home and tell others about how we found our bliss. During that journey
we slay a few dragons on the way and then realize the dragon is inside us and we must
get out of our own way to truly find the bliss we are seeking
The movie is called Finding Joe at www.findingjoethemovie.com
You’ll love it!
Capt. Nancy L. Caruso
Marine Biologist/ Founder
Get Inspired
www.GetInspiredinc.org
143

The Trucker
While traveling home from a road trip to Laughlin, Nevada I stopped for lunch at the
famous diner Peggy’s Sues off the 15 highway and 40 interstate in Cholame, CA. I sat
next to an older man who I introduced myself to. After exchanging pleasantries, I let
him know I was writing a book called 57 Jobs and counting and asked him what he
did for a career. He said he was a truck driver, over the road driver that is. I asked him
what led him to be a truck driver. He said he saw a big truck pass down the road where
he grew up in Canada when he was about five years old. That day he told his Mom he
wanted to be a truck driver. After High School he quickly realized his 1st job working
at a Factory was not for him. He started driving trucks for a living and still drives to
this day at the age of 70. For some finding your passion is done early in life. For others,
the path to finding a career path you love is never realized and to some they find out
later in life. The main purpose for writing this book was to share my thoughts and
help people to seek employment or pursue a career in an area that they are passionate
about. Don’t worry about money at first because I’ve heard it said many times that if
you love what you do you will never work a day in your life. Being realistic I must say
that “work is work” . Best to do something you have a passion for since we all should
strive to work at something we enjoy in our short time on earth.
144

At JBGmg my company we found our passion pursuing things we enjoy that being
sports, travel, reporting, social media, history, adventure and selling a few shacks,
homes, and mansions now and then to help pay the bills. Remember always to seek
doing things that you are passionate about. The road may get bumpy and you may
take some wrong turns, but always try to get back on track following your heart.
God Bless, live with purpose, say hello to someone you don’t know and ask them
What’s your Story?
Thanks to my High School buddies Terry McKenna for that final thought What’s
your Story? …and Stan Suter for reminding me to ask people I meet, What’s Your
Story? Everyone has a story and you can learn from everyone you meet.
145

“JB” 1978 – No idea on what was to be a wild goose chase career and
Lord willing still in progress…..
About the Author
“JB” James B. Griffin is Founder of JBGmg offers a network of
services including sports information, real estate, property management,
business services and publishing .. “JB” was born in Los Angeles, CA
and graduated with a B.S. degree from California State University
Los Angeles… He is married with 3 grown children, 2 grandchildren
and 3 dogs… His lifelong passion is sports…
“JB” is an avid golfer and lives in Sunset Beach, CA
“JB” James B. Griffin writer of 57 Jobs and Counting is available
for job and careeer counseling
146

“JB” James B. Griffin writer of 57 Jobs and Counting is available for
job and career counseling for those struggling with finding
a job, career
or finding their passion.
“JB” is also available to speak to groups
Call “JB” James B. Griffin @ 562.677.7452 or
email: jbgriffin@jbgmg.com
JBGmg
P.O. Box 168
Sunset Beach, CA 90742
147

Photo Memories
My Dad’s Uncle Arthur’s Mansion in New
Jersey
Climbing to the top of the Corporate Ladder
1959 in South Pasadena, CA
My three kids Brian, Evyn and Faren 1995
Corona Del Mar, CA
148

JBGmg World Headquarters
Garden Grove, CA 2008
With Golf Legend Ken Venturi in La Quinta
CA 2011
With my Dad. My
Printing Business
& Golf
Mentor in 1985,
Pasadena, CA
149

With my GRG
Business Partners,
lifetime friends 1979 at
Mom’s kitchen
Pasadena, CA.
On my left David
Gerletti and on my right
Richie Ramos who
passed away in 1995 a
life cut short who was
only 40 at the time of
his passing.
Catching another
insider thus my
nickname “Izzy Insider”
at
Sunset Beach, CA
On my left with
my Little League
teammate and
buddy for life
Craig Kuhlman
promoting my
brand
gummy7 global
marketplace
150

My faithful Fleetwood Tioga RV. Loved driving going on road trips
and decided to seek employment as a driver for a bit which led to
some fun experiences. My greatest thrill with the RV was taking her
from Cali to Mt Rushmore and back a trip I will always cherish.
My BFF “Brodie”
a rescue poodle .
All our pets over the years
are all special but for some
reason
“Brodie” has been my sidekick
since he came into our
life in 2007
“Time flies,
enjoy and remember to
follow your passion” -
Griff
151

Our printed product trimcards.
Stay on your job / career track with the daily use of
trimcards
152

Our three rescue pooches top L to R on seat Spot and Dusty
standing in front Dusty
Keep your ideas and dreams alive....
153

“JB” James B. Griffin, Sports Writer, Sports Analyst, Reporter
“Remember, find your
passion and don’t give up”
- Griff
154

A few more closing job/career thoughts
1) There is no blueprint for a job/ career that I know of
2) It is never too late to design and start to build a job /career path that
is inline with your interests, skills and talents
3) Seek advise from trusted professionals in the job /career path you
are pursuing
4) It is okay to work at temporary jobs that are not exactly what you
are interested in. Experience in different jobs is a good thing
5) Trust in the Lord to help and guide you in your job and career paths
6) Accept God’s plan for your life, job/ career
7) A job/ career will not complete you or define you and like
everything else on earth is temporary
8) Happiness starts within you. Making millions of dollars working in
a job /career is great but it is not the most important thing in life
9) God sees everything we do in our jobs and in our careers. It is
important to do the right thing always.
10) Don’t lie or steal in a job or career it will come back to bite you.
11) Regardless of how many jobs we have held, how much money we
made, successes, accomplishments in our jobs/careers we have had
at the end of our lives none of that matters. We cannot take our jobs,
careers our money with us when we die.
12) I believe our most important job on earth is to accept our Lord
and Savior so that we will have eternal life after we die.
155

Griff ’s Photo Vault
156

157

Yes I did run for Congress in Orange County, CA District 48 in 2020.
It was a great experience. Although I was not elected I would do it again
and am proud to be a Citizen of the USA and love our country
where Freedom rings God Bless America Always !
158

159

160

Sea you in
Sunset Beach
“JB” Griffin
161

“Enjoy the job / career journey
Wishing you smooth waters and great experiences
along the way” -
“JB” James B. Griffin
162

www.jbgriffinsellshomes.com
163

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