James Mattix

In my tiny little hometown (pop. 2200), I started working when I was fifteen in a clothing store weekdays after school, Friday nights and Saturdays. The clothing store didn't need me full time in the summer, but I gained a reputation around town, and wound up filling in full time during summer vacations at a shoe store and a furniture store. It stood me in good stead, and when I went to college, I was able to land a job in a clothing store on the recommendation from my first boss. In the college job, I learned how to decorate the store windows. My original boss would then hire me to do his windows during my vacations from college. I've been employed ever since....