Tools of the Trade

Back in 1990, I was wandering around life aimlessly, tending bar and waiting tables with no motivation to go to college and barely enough funds to cover the rent. In 1990, I got fired for carelessly missing a shift. Then I got evicted from my apartment.

I spent most days living at a friend’s house looking through the local newspaper and trying to line up interviews. One Sunday, I found an ad that read, “Fawcett Boat Supplies is looking for experienced retail people with boating experience for our Downtown Annapolis store. Please apply inside.”

I’d never