Jason is fresh out of college. He studied computer science, but a summer planning for the Department of Conservation has spurred an interest in native plants.
Keith, a natural coach, is willing to teach him everything he knows.
This makes Jason feel good about working for Keith, even though he can’t afford to pay as much as the garden centre chains.
When Keith asks Jason to take the lead on choosing which native plants to order, Jason’s enthusiasm soars.
Jason works hard. He’s a natural with customers and goes out of his way to be helpful and courteous even when he’s rushed off his feet. Customers notice.
Keith makes sure he thanks Jason for his can-do attitude, especially on cold weekend mornings.
When Jason signs up for horticulture evening classes, Keith lets him finish early when he has class. Jason repays Keith by helping him set up a new database to catalogue his stock on a couple of his days off.