My Nirvana Experience

[bestgear]

I’ll try to keep this as brief as possible but the whole of the story is important to describe my nirvana experience. I gave up on Corporate America in June 2018 and settled into retirement in the same way that I started in Corporate America, working in part-time jobs. Before my real working career, I enjoyed part-time jobs like pharmacy clerk, movie theatre ticket clerk, playground supervisor, aluminum window factory worker, and package store clerk. They each gave me a different perspective on their business operations in a way that to me, was educational.

Fast forward 40 years and I find myself again seeking out part-time opportunities but this time it’s more about giving back some of that education to businesses that could benefit from my strategic and tactical ideas. In the last 5+ years, I’ve worked on a scenic river cruise as a mate, helped a local family launch an indoor shooting range and retail operation, worked on a golf course, and my latest venture …. Willey Knives!

OK, some of you might ask what happened to my retirement after Corporate America – all is well – I am moving to North Carolina later this year and I’ve promised everyone that I love that I will slow down my thirst for working part-time. Others may ask, why is he starting a new venture if a move to NC is imminent? They are both excellent questions and allow me to explain.

Simply, working at Willey Knives 2-days a week is a nirvana experience. I’ve known the Willey family since 2018 when we moved from Maryland to Delaware and if “salt of the earth” was in the dictionary, their picture would be the 1,000-word definition. The business is run by Geri and Matt who took over from their dad Gerald when he was called home in 2022. The shop has about 2,000 new knives for sale at any time with brands like Case, Benchmade, Buck, ZT, Hogue, Victorinox, Boker, and Spyderco and a full line of kitchen cutlery. I couldn’t let another day go by without sharing my good fortune with my friends at AAPK. This is not only the best part-time job I’ve ever had, but it’s the best job of any kind that I’ve ever had!

Gerald’s favorite bible passage was Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. My heart is so committed that I already know it will be hard to give it all up for North Carolina, wish me luck!

[edge213]

I haven't worked a day since I retired July 2018, but working a couple days a week in a knife shop would be a pretty cool gig.

[centennialknives]

Absolutely a dream gig. If you love what you do, you don't work. You don't have to own the business -- so you might not deal with all headaches. Sounds like you'll be engaged, having fun, and maybe putting a few bucks in pocket, if you don't spend it on knives!

[Samb]

Sounds like fun and you can earn some knife money, maybe a discount too!

[1967redrider]

Very cool, Tom. Hopefully one day I'll be in your shoes.

[bestgear]

Very cool, Tom. Hopefully one day I'll be in your shoes.

Google says you are only 100 miles from Alexandria VA to Greenwood DE ..... just sayin'

[1967redrider]

Very cool, Tom. Hopefully one day I'll be in your shoes.

Google says you are only 100 miles from Alexandria VA to Greenwood DE ..... just sayin'

Weren't you thinking about going to J.O's Windmill Winery show? If so, maybe that would be a good halfway point sometime?

[Dan In MI]

Looks like a nice place to spend time (and money)!

[Case V42]

We visited Willey Knives in 2018, and greatly enjoyed the experience. The father sent us home with some mementos that are still here on my desk. If you are ever even close to Greenwood, be sure to make time to visit. I'd certainly like to go back, but it's a long ways from North Dakota.

[herbva]

Very cool, Tom. Hopefully one day I'll be in your shoes.

John, we actually could go to Willey's on the way to the Windmill show. Just sayin............

[1967redrider]

Very cool, Tom. Hopefully one day I'll be in your shoes.

John, we actually could go to Willey's on the way to the Windmill show. Just sayin............

Sounds like a good stop to add.

[bestgear]

....and so it begins....I was asked about a dozen times by customers "what knife do you carry" before I purchased the following:

Now when asked I can say "my first Zero Tolerance but most likely not my last"!