It's a strange feeling day, this day like no other. Last night Herb set his alarm for five or five thirty AM to get up for work for his last official day. It's been a steady, a norm, and possibly a part of life that we never really thought about coming to an end.
I met Herb when I was in Grade 10. He had graduated the year before and was, what he thought, working temporarily for his older brother who had started a floor and drapery business. His brother had hired two floor installers and two seamstresses. My guy was the driver doing pick ups, deliveries and installing drapes.
Now let me tell you about one of his first showroom experiences. Not the typical looking Mennonite boy, longish hair and flared pants, he remembers going to help some customers, who happened to be speaking Low German. They looked at him and said to each other (in his mother tongue) Does this idiot even know what he's talking about?" With a straight face he replied, "Yes, he does." And he still laughs about it.
Eventually more staff was hired and more services were added, such as area rugs, blinds, bedspreads and wallpaper, calling for a name change to Friesen Interior Decor. Herb became sales manager, then general manager and in 1985 his brother sold the business to him. We were a young family, just taking one step at a time, never having aspired to this, but it basically fell into our laps. In those days, the shop was doing retail with walk in customers. He had a later start than today and was able to drop off the kids on the way to school.
In early 1990, as opportunities for home decor increased, we moved into a larger premise that included more home decor displays and warehouse space. Herb hired more design staff to assist customers with their interior decor. We had numerous salesmen and I remember those days as being a lot of fun.
As time and demands changed, the nature and name changed once more. The need for custom made and design help slowly vanished as big box building stores added these elements and customers were given the choice to do things themselves, which is a good thing. With this shift, Herb ended up dropping a number of their custom services and narrowing down on just flooring. He moved into a smaller space, focusing on working with contractors in wholesale.
Today, it is a small shop tucked into the side of a warehouse. Estimators sit at their computers working through plans for malls and high rises, while the main sales arrangements are made with building contractors, architects and designers who specify the covering of floors and walls. Tile and wood are the main items to source and installed by crews of talented artists.
It became a career that he never would have dreamt and has been one that he's grown with. One that would have looked impossible back in that showroom with the German speaking ladies.
So, today I'm reflecting on what has been a major part of our lives. He's handing off his keys to another. We have a blank slate for the future. A new season.
