I began to understand today, how this same phenomenon has filtered down to smaller businesses, such as my own. As many of you know, a few weeks back I hired a new employee. He is, as far as ethnicity, about as different from me as one could get. But I admire him because he really puts himself into the job of being a home inspector's assistant. He dresses for success and is as enthusiastic an employee as you could ever find. He is a specialist and checks the tension on all electric, phone and TV cables. He is also excellent at checking the crawl space and soffit vent screens to determine that they are not vulnerable to bird, pest or rodent entry.
If you never saw a previous blog about this new employee, I will introduce him again. You have to know who he is to get the point of all this. His name is Nutsy -- yes a very ethnic name but common among his species. He has a proud heritage and descends from a famous family that you probably heard of over the years. Full name--Nutsy Wallenda. The on-the-job photo below was taken the other day at an inspection. His pride in having this gainful employment, a professional level job, shows through. Notice that he insists on wearing a white vest at work.
Nutsy is uniquely qualified for his specialty inspections, especially checking all the vent screens. Because of Nutsy's upbringing, what his mama taught him, his traits, tendencies and interests weigh heavily in that direction. His tail gives him stability, and is part of his ethnicity, and it is crucial for balance and safety as he tests the strength of the various phone and power lines.
The point of this blog is not merely to crow about King of the House having a new employee but to turn the corner and to get back to this issue of ethnicity in the work place. A big problem, since he came on board the payroll, has been "lunch." As an employer, trying to be accomodating, it has been difficult for me to find a place to eat that we can both agree on. As of yesterday, problem solved. We were working in Lynden, our client pointed out to Nutsy that, just around the bend, was a perfect place for the both of us.
The Nuthouse Grill in Lynden really was perfect. It was good and had a burger and sandwich menu for me and there were jars of peanuts in the shell at every table. You can guess who really went for those. This just goes to show another benefit of the private enterprise system. Never before had there been the need for a cafe that would serve an inspector and his squirrel. But when it was discovered that there was such a need, that niche was filled by a new business. They filled an important void in the local marketplace. Bravo for capitalism!
Steven L. Smith
Bellingham WA Home Inspections
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Hi Steven;
Very nice post. I really like it.
I thank you for sharing.............
Anthony
Funny this post is so appropriate. I'll pick him up at the bus station in 2 days in order for him to do my crawl space to check my water heater.
Barbara,
You will have to sign an affidavit that there are no vipers in Searcy. AR you willing to do that. My assistant is agile, a dare devil but afraid of snakes.
It is really great for you two to be "out-to-lunch" together!
Barbara,
In doing research for this article, I found two of my photos surprisingly, and amazingly, have a startling resemblence to one another. Check it out.
Chuckie B,
You are just jealous that I was able to get the funds together to hire him first. I am warning you off by the way. Quit Emailing Nutsy and his friends dinner invitations. I know you want to dine with him, get some tips, but I just do not think he wants what you are serving.
Steven, cancel my order. If that little nut is afraid of snakes, he isn't worth shipping to Arkansas.
Steven, like father, like son. I just can't figure out which of them came first?
Barbara,
I hate to tell you this but, since we had already begun processing the paperwork, we are going to have to bill you a $25.00 order cancellation. Just standard policy for our out of state travel -- no hard feelings I hope.
Nutsy is a good name for your little assistant. By the way, is Nutsy a male or female name? The name could have double meaning.
Sean Allen
Sean,
He is a guy, could have a double meaning. Very impressive employee. You ought to look into a squirrel for your office. Excellent at paper shredding.
Steven, no hard feelings. Just send the bill to Special Delivery, The Viper Pit # 4, Searcy AR.
Isn't this a fun way to get points!!! I've almost got all mine for tonight.
Barbara,
Works for you. Since I am at my own blog it does not help me. Left one at yours though.
Hey Squirrel Whisperer, you could at least show the real picture:)
Inspector got tail. Maybe that is better.
I am going to close my eyes and pretend you didn't say that!
There, I made it better for you.
Steve, that is better? Now my comment don't make no sense!
Never made sense to begin with, it was squirrely.
Wow that reminded me how long its been since I've visited Lynden - I used to love that town - and then it underwent a bunch of changes and lost some of its charm......I'm going to have to go back and check it out and the changes!
Liz,
You can check out the nuthouse. Bring one of those BC black squirrels. They are tough characters.
Congratulations on equality in the workplace! :D
Thanks Brian,
I think this is a major breakthrough for the rodents of the world.
very funny post Steven. Nutsy seems to be a great assistana for you. Have a great day.
Scott,
If there were more open minded folks in the rain, like you, we would be better off.
I spoke with Nutsy on the phone the other day, says he loves his job but claims you pay him peanuts for the work he does. But he doesn't seem to mind.
Mark Jones
www.AllmarkHomeInspection.com
Mark,
He likes pumpkin seeds the best.