Griffs Jobs

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