Oftentimes, when you are learning life lessons, you don’t realize it, especially when you are 13.
I got my first job at the age of 13. Hired by my dad and mom at Gentry’s Drive-In. It was a great learning experience for me.
My parent’s drive-in was in Walhalla, SC. Hamburgers, hot dogs, milkshakes, and curb service.
The job was to wait on hungry car diners. I would walk to their car, take their order, and deliver it after dad cooked it. Usually, it was a hamburger steak with French fries, Mom’s homemade coleslaw, or hot dogs with the special chili that cooked for hours.
My love for radio actually started there. Personalities from the local radio station, WGOG, often ate at our little drive-in….and my boss at KICKS 99 will be proud to hear, that we advertised on that small AM station that ended up being my first radio job at 19.
Dad always said, “the customer is always right”. Something I think about and practice to this day.
On this Father’s Day, I remember my dad, Herman Gentry, restaurant owner, a 20-year veteran of the United States Air Force, Purple Heart recipient, and a wonderful husband to my mother, Margie.
I didn’t realize as a 13-year-old that the lessons my dad, and mom taught me at a little drive-in would stick with me forever.
Dad passed away at 56 years old, but like all great men, he left a wonderful legacy.
Happy Father’s Day, dad. Thank you for the life lessons. I love you.
Dad
