Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us about JC's 5-Star Outlet and the duties of your position.
Ed Ross: JC 5-Star Outlet is a discount department store selling overstocks and discontinued merchandise from other retailers and wholesalers. We carry a number of maintain lines like socks and underwear for men, women and children, as well as items like furniture and gifts which change on a daily basis. As store manager it is my job to ensure things run smoothly and most importantly our customers are taken care of properly.
NNBW: How did you enter this profession?
Ross: We lived in a small Wisconsin town where my mother worked in the office of our local JC Penney retail store. We had shopped there for years, and she was very influential in leading me to a career path with them.
NNBW: What's the most important thing you have learned in your career?
Ross: I think honesty is the most important factor when taking care of customers. People respond to someone they know and trust.
NNBW: What's changed most about your job over your 40-year career with JC Penney?
Ross: I would have to say technology has changed the most over the years. I like to tell my associates our job is to put the merchandise out and take care of customers. The biggest changes have come in how we buy and keep track of merchandise. When I started it was all done by hand and now a computer does most of the work.
NNBW: What was your first job?
Ross: Working as a caddy at our local golf course. I wasn't old enough to work many jobs, and the golf pro only wanted to make sure I could lift the bags. My first real job was pounding spikes into railroad ties for the Milwaukee Road Railroad. That was real work. I used the money I made along with help from my parents to put myself through college.
NNBW: Tell us about your dream job. Why aren't you working it?
Ross: A dream job is doing something I enjoy and that is satisfying I guess I'm already there.
NNBW: Have any advice for someone who wants to enter your profession?
Ross: Start early. Get to know what it's like working with people and be prepared for a changing environment every day.
NNBW: Tell us about the most fun you have had on the job?
Ross: The most fun we have on the job is the people we meet and some of the in-store activities. Some of the best times I've had were at our monthly store associate birthday parties. Cake, balloons, and encouraging everyone to sing "Happy Birthday." Louder everyone!
NNBW: What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Ross: Go West Young Man.
NNBW: What are your favorite hobbies or pastimes? How do you spend your time away from work?
Ross: My favorite pastime is taking our little dog Max for a walk in the mornings. He gets me up at first daylight, and we share a walk to our local park. It's coffee at the local convenience store for me and exploring and exercise for Max.
NNBW: If you could live your life over again, what one thing would you change?
Ross: I've been very lucky with the way my life has gone so far, but I guess if I could change anything it would have been to have met my wife earlier. After school JC Penney transferred me around quite a bit coast to coast, and I didn't get married until age 50.
NNBW: What did you dream of being as a kid?
Ross: I thought it would be great to be a professional athlete, but my talents were never up to my ambitions.
NNBW: What's your greatest professional achievement?
Ross: I've always felt was my greatest accomplishment washiring approximately 10,000 people over the years with the company.
NNBW: If you had enough money to retire right now, would you? Why or why not?
Ross: Money has never been a deciding factor concerning employment or retirement. If you enjoy what you're doing, and it gives you some self satisfaction, I think that's all you can ask for.
NNBW: What's the last concert or sporting event you attended?
Ross: A performance of "Madame Butterfly" at the Pioneer Theater now that woman knew sacrifice!
NNBW: What's your perfect vacation spot?
Ross: The Fairmont Orchid in Hawaii ... there's a little moonlit bay there with an outside restaurant with food to die for.
NNBW: Why did you choose a career in northern Nevada? What do you like most about working and living here?
Ross: Great weather, gorgeous mountains, and the most beautiful lake in the world. I feel blessed to be here.
