Sunday, January 20, 2019

My thoughts on the passing of Blake Nordstrom

I was in my early 20's and trying to figure out what I was going to do with my life.  I had two years left to graduate from college but didn't have any money.  I needed something to do to get back on my feet.

That's when I got a call that changed my life.  It was from the Nordstrom family.

Taking a job at Nordstrom was one of the pivotal things in my life.  It allowed me to have some responsibility and make good money as well.  It provided me great benefits, better yet, great training.  It was at Nordstrom that I learned "the customer is always right".

There's lots of testimonials and stories out there since the passing of Blake Nordstrom.  He was a true leader that demonstrated the importance of letting people run with their potential, and he always did it with a smile on his face.

I was fortunate to work in the same building as Blake when I did my time at Nordstrom at the CafĂ©, Shipping and Receiving, and Brass Connection.  It was there that I learned the Nordstrom way, and it was the best training ground anyone could ask for.  I loved my time there, and I will never forget it.  Blake had such a positive presence at the store because the way he treated others, and his leadership.  He was always a positive influence, and he had fun doing it.

The Nordstrom family lost a great one, and I'm truly grateful that I was able to be part of it.  I still use all of the same principles today in business that I learned during my time at the Bellevue Store.  I can't thank the family enough for the great training I received, at a time when it was needed most.

RIP