Fond memories of great people
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RSS FeedThe writer contributes auto reviews to the Pacifica (Calif.) Tribune and other publications.
To the Editor:
This is in response to the "Best Dealerships To Work For" special section (Oct. 22).
What makes a great dealership is no surprise to me. Forty-plus years ago I worked for Matthew Moriarty, owner of Moriarty Bros. Lincoln-Mercury in Manchester, Conn.
The old man was not easy to work for; he was demanding but in a way that things should be done right. Moriarty Bros. was a dealership, Mobil gas station and home heating oil company, towing service and more.
Matt treated us all well: Christmas and Thanksgiving bonuses, decent pay -- and if you had a problem, he was available. His sons worked at the dealership; the youngest worked on all his college vacations. They pumped gasoline, changed tires and did all the grunt work I did.
Long hair was coming into fashion at that time, and my hair was getting a bit long. Matt took me aside and asked me why I wanted my hair long. Was it because I liked it or because all my friends were growing theirs? He never told me to cut my hair; he just pointed out that going along with the crowd wasn't a very good reason.
Working at Moriarty Bros. was one of my first full-time jobs, and the Moriartys made a lasting impression on me. They greatly influenced the way I have tried to live my life. That is the mark of great people.
