Thank you, Mr. G!

In 1984, after my stint in the US Army, I returned to Uptown Troy NY to begin the next chapter in my life. I had an infant son to support and, although I was living with my parents, I didn’t want them to carry any added financial burdens. Finding a job was my highest priority.

So, I went job hunting and landed a position with John B. Garrett, Inc., a medical supply company located just two blocks from my home. “How lucky” I thought to myself, “I won’t need to get a car to get to work.” That luck continued too. The company was family-owned and operated. I liked that. Mr. Garrett, his wife Helen and 2 (eventually 4) of their 8 children worked in the business. Their Office Manager, Dolores, had been with them for years. I learned very quickly that - to the Garrett’s - their employees were members of their family. For the better part of 14 years I felt honored to be working for and with the Garrett’s.

John B. Garrett, Jr. continued the business his mother had started when he was young. He built the business through hard work, determination and an eternally optimistic mindset. An example of this optimism shines in letters he crafted to his clients and vendors following the fire that had destroyed his office and warehouse at 533 River Street back in 1965. He closed them with “Watch us bounce back.” And bounce back they did. To him, all things were possible. He was the king of quotes and bids. He was meticulously unorganized. He always wore a smile. He was regal. Mr. Garrett passed on from this world on Monday, July 5th.

As I leave home to join the family in celebrating Mr. Garrett’s life, I am keenly aware of how he both affected and effected my life. Who I have been as an employee and who I am today as a business owner was greatly shaped by his kindness, gratitude, consideration, optimism, joy and love. Yes, love. Mr. Garrett’s smile was full of it. So, for one more time: THANK YOU, MR. G.