The Perfect Job
By Henry Piarrot
By the
time Thomas “
Andrew” Byrd graduated from Sevier County High School in 1972, the young man was unable to decide upon a lasting vocation. Subsequently, after much reflection -
considering the Viet Nam conflict had yet to be resolved - Andrew joined the Army. For three years, Byrd performed as a “
field lineman,” physically running the wires from place to place that provided communications. Much of his time was spent along the Turkish border while he achieved the rank of E-4 prior to his honorable discharge.
Yet, when Andrew returned home in late 1975, he still had no vision of what profession to embrace. During the next ten years, Byrd made tires and ham radios. After that, he worked in a
body shop until he ultimately became a certified pipe fitter. Then, while working underground at a job site in 1985, the ground level above him collapsed, crushing his body under tons of dirt and debris. Amazingly, Byrd was still, though barely alive when the rescue team found him. However, his grave condition tempered the celebration of his miraculous survival, as an entire
year was required to recover from his injuries.Andrew’s near death experience left the 31 year old husband and father searching for a less hazardous profession. This time, it would take a while.
Then one day, a lady from the state unemployment office that unfortunately Byrd was getting to know too well, called and said,
“I have the perfect job or you. You would be great as a salesman for an advertising company.” With few expectations and virtually no experience related to the position for which he was applying, Byrd was turned down with little consideration. But, on the way back to his car, a wave of confidence came over him and he decided to try again. A few minutes later, the applicant was sent on his way a second time.For whatever reason, this job was different and Andrew continued trying to persuade the owner that he was his man. Finally, on Byrd’s 13th attempt, he convinced the small businessman to agree to hire him at half salary if he could persuade the Army to subsidize his income. Uncle Sam consented and Andrew Byrd began the apprenticeship for what was to become his life’s work.
A dozen
years passed as the student learned all that he could from his mentor regarding the arts of advertising and tourism. Now, Byrd was ready to set out on his own and
The Thomas Group was born in 1999. Initially conducted in their home, the Byrd family enterprise has grown into it’s own modern facility. Today, they manage the fastest growing mail fulfillment operation in the area. Their
Smoky Mountain Coupon Book has the largest circulation in the market and they also maintain approximately 60 tourism related web sites.
Andrew Byrd met Brenda Neslinger in 1976 when they were both attending vocational school in Newport. Young Andrew was studying auto body repair while Brenda was getting secretarial training. They married later that same year. With their 30th anniversary approaching on September 24, their only child Jessica is about to make them grandparents. Born in 1981, Jessica is now also the general manager of her parents’ business.
A missionary and Rotarian, Andrew celebrates success by donating much of his time and money to the benefit of others. Two years ago, the
Andrew Byrd Child Development Center opened in Panama and this year, Byrd will co-chair the local chapter of the United Way.Andrew believes his success in life is a direct result of adopting of one of the most widely published and often quoted assertions regarding
business ethics in the history of the world -
"Of the things we think, say or do: 1-Is it the Truth? 2-Is it Fair to all concerned? 3.-Will it build goodwill and better friendships? 4-Will it be beneficial to all concerned?" The
“4-Way Test” was conceived during the US Depression in 1932by a businessman named Herbert J. Taylor shortly after he was recruited to take command of a failing manufacturing company. Taylor created the 24-word code for all employees to follow in their professional endeavors. The
test quickly became the standard for all dealings with associates, brokers and customers alike. As a result, the ultimate survival of the business was directly associated with this powerful, yet, unpretentious idea. The
“4-Way Test” was officially adopted by Rotary Internationaljust over a decade later.
Henry Piarrot is a hotel manager for Smoky Mountain Resorts of Sevier County. Please send all story recommendations to hpiarrot@yahoo.com.
More reviews about the The Mountain Press