[et_pb_section][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="Text" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid"]As soon as my friend Lloyd received his cosmetology license I arranged an interview with Duane Bennet. I explained to Lloyd that it would take some time, and he would start out taking clients that were either “walk-ins” or infrequent clients of the salon. Lloyd did not have a natural talent, however he had a personality and presence that created immediate trust. You knew he was going to give you his best. It should also be mentioned that he is a genuinely kind person.
I am not sure what time of the year it was, the hair business has cycles like most businesses -- When Lloyd started we must have been in a slow cycle, that, combined with having just started, caused his appointments to be inconsistent which was reflected in his paycheck. He was amazing about not getting discouraged and was always great with clients.
The clients that came to him on a regular basis enjoyed him so much they accepted the fact that he was new in the business and were very loyal. We were in conversation most days about how things were going and he would share his frustration about not really feeling that he was a good fit for a career in the hair industry. I would encourage him to “hang in there”, however I could feel him slipping away. On occasion, and clearly with no disrespect he would finish a client and come back to the break room with his usual big smile and share his frustration, requesting that I casually take a look. This required me to take a nonchalant stroll by the reception desk, as if I were just checking on the arrival of my next client. His concern was valid. On the occasions when this occurred, I was stunned by his genuine effort. The hair was unbelievable, often having pins sort of hanging from the hair in back, clearly a result of his dissappointment; it was as if, maybe, just one more hair pin would do the trick. The receptionist would be trying to keep a straight face when inquiring about the clients next appointment, “What will be an appropriate day and time for your next appointment?” The client would share the day and the time confirming, “That will be with Mr. Lloyd, of course.” They absolutely loved him.
Lloyd left the hair industry having fallen in love with an absolutely beautiful woma
n he met in cosmetology school. Her father had a fleet of fishing boats. I guess it’s a boat-- I’m not sure when a boat becomes a ship, Lloyd will clear that up. Although our visits are infrequent we remain close friends. He enjoyed a long and successful career as a captain on several different boats, and is involved in the fishing industry to this day. Most of his career has been in Alaska, which gives him a night or two in Seattle from time to time, allowing us an evening to share many cherished memories of our days in cosmetology training. Lloyd is to this day one of my most treasured friends.
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