2020 Q1 Spirited VA - 11

SPOTLIGHT ON SERVICE

Mike Sharum, Sales Associate, Store 145, Harrisonburg

ike Sharum had been retired only for
a month or so when he knew he needed
something to do with his time. Browsing the
Commonwealth of Virginia jobs website, he saw
a listing for sales associate with Virginia ABC.
"I got to reading the job description, and
it fit my personality," he recalls-plus he
appreciated ABC's mission statement. "So
I said, yep, I need to give this a shot." His
first day, July 15, was also his 72nd birthday.
What appealed to you about the job?
ABC allows me to interact with people.
As a medical technologist [from 1965 to
retirement], I was quite isolated. I am what
people term a super-extrovert. I'm a sales
associate at ABC and I love it. I'm usually
about 30 minutes early for my shift.
As a former law enforcement officer I had
interaction with people on a daily basis, but
the outcomes were often not positive. The
people I work with now are a joy to deal with.
You meet diverse types of people. I can be of
service to them, and to the state of Virginia
by the standards that they've set.
And I have a great team. My regional
manager, Donna Santmyers, my manager,
Ken Lieberman, my assistant manager,
Whitney Harris-these people are very, very
knowledgeable. I learn something new from
them every day that helps me do my job better.
I have a good time and they pay me to do it.
Would you recommend this job to other
people?
I would highly recommend this job to anyone
that has the outgoing personality that's

BILLY FELLIN

19 1 0 OLD FI NE W HI SKY

required in a retail setting. It's a perfect job
for a retiree or an of-age college student or
just someone looking for part-time work. I
don't think you could find a better job.
What do you think are helpful traits for
ABC employees?
First off, you should be extroverted. You have
to be open to change and able to adapt. It
doesn't cost a cent to be kind, and if you treat
people with kindness and respect, you'll be
surprised what you get back.
Give us an example of a time you were able
to assist a customer.
A gentleman came in and was walking up
and down the aisle. I asked him if he needed
hlep. He said he was looking for a present
for his boss. I took the knowledge I'd gained
from my manager and my assistant manager
and from doing research and what other
customers have said, and I made four or
five suggestions. He chose one and I asked
him to come back and tell me if it worked.
About a week later, he came back and said
it was perfect, that the boss loved it.
Do you try to stay tuned in to changes in
the liquor industry?
I have five websites on my phone that
automatically alert me to any changes-
new products, new additions and issues in
the liquor industry.
Do you have a favorite liquor?
I would have to say it would be a single malt
Scotch, on ice.
-Annie Tobey

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2020 Q1 Spirited VA

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