My First Job: Gretchen Stewart

The Seattle Times Company

December 21, 2007

My First Job: Gretchen Stewart

E-mail |
Print
- Share:

Gretchen Stewart

Now: Director of education

Then: Singing box-office cashier

Current position: Director of education at Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish County.

First job: I started as the box-office (ticket seller) cashier at the Admiral Theater in West Seattle at the age of 14 1/2. Being a happy soul, I found the isolation in the ticket booth a bit confining, so I started singing to pass time. Soon, I was singing and making up songs for all our customers while dispensing tickets. This career track lasted four years, something of an anomaly with old Mr. Coach, the theater manager, as most found him difficult to work with and for. He, however, liked my panache and encouraged me to "think outside the box"! (Granted this term was not coined until 40 years later, but ... )

What I learned: To be successful at any job requires creative and bold thinking. It also demands a fire-in-the-belly mentality when serving the needs of customers and clients. He valued my part, even as a lowly box-office cashier, and I felt valued in providing a memorable experience for our customers.

Want to tell us about your first job? Fax the above information to 206-382-8879 or e-mail business@seattletimes.com

E-mail |
Print
- Share: