I met Brad Miller when I first walked into the Shelburne Supermarket. I was sixteen and looking for a summer job. I was shown into the backroom where I met Brad who was directing some vendors on where to place their stock. When I handed him my application he asked me two questions. First, was I looking to actually work? And second, did I understand what it meant to provide exemplary customer service? I answered ‘yes’ to both questions, though I admit I may not have been telling the complete truth on either point. Brad replied, “Great. See you on Monday.” And, so began my employment.
Like I said, I was sixteen. And, as many sixteen-year-olds are, I was a bit arrogant in thinking that I could just show up somewhere, hang around for a number of hours, and then get some money. I found out quickly that things didn’t quite work out that way. Brad was always there, making sure that I learned the proper way to do the many tasks that make up the business. He was also there teaching me everyday what it really means to provide the highest level of customer service. It wasn’t just showing someone where a particular product was, it was actually caring about them in terms of a person, not just a consumer, and striving to be sure they are completely happy with their entire shopping experience.
When I look at myself as an employee of this business and a member of this community, I am pleased. At sixteen, I had no idea the utility one could receive just from helping someone out and knowing that you made someone else’s day a little bit easier and more pleasant. Although I’ve learned many things from many different people here at the Supermarket, I truly believe that I owe the majority of my learning to Brad. He loved this community and loved running this store. There were days where I wasn’t in the best of moods and was a tad grumpy while at work, but not Brad. He never got that way. No matter what could possibly be going on in his life, when he was here, he was happy. He was happy to be providing a service to the community, and he was happy to be bringing a smile to each and every person who crossed his path.
When Brad was diagnosed last November and left the business, there was a noticeable and tangible change here at the store. The business still ran the same and our focus had not been altered, yet this did not change the fact that it felt as if something was missing, something important. Brad was a cornerstone of this business and none of us liked the prospect of not having him around. At the same time, we were determined not to allow for his legacy to falter, and endeavored to keep everything at the Shelburne Supermarket just as how he had helped build it. I know he missed being here, but I also know that he was proud of the way we persevered in his absence. And knowing that he was proud of us, of me, was a very, very nice feeling.
Brad passed away peacefully this past Sunday morning. Knowing that his time had come was sad and difficult moment, but I, and I believe many others, found solace in knowing that his suffering had come to and end and there would be no more pain to feel. Whatever journey the next stage of existence bestows upon Brad, I am confident he will meet it with the same amount of zeal and enthusiasm with which he approached every moment in his life. He will live on in our hearts and his legacy of caring and compassionate community involvement shall not fade. We won’t let it.
It was a pleasure and honor knowing Brad. I hope and pray that wherever he is, they have motorcycles.
Sincerely,
Kyle
