After trying to sell insurance for a while - he wasn't prepared to change his personality to be good at it - Jim got a job managing J.J. Craigs Shipping Department at 100 Queen St. I don't remember all the people who worked there but one stood out as he had the same birthday as me. That was Barry Watt. I also remember that Craigs has an operator switchboard, You know. With the plugs and cords.
Dad's boss was Charlie Pierce who was a wise man and forgave me my youthful exuberance when driving the Company car.
After a while Craigs decided that they did not want to hold on to the Shipping Dept and Dad got to buy it with a silent partner. He shifted the office to Wyndham Building and he was in business for himself. Now he only had himself to impress.
He used all his knowledge and contacts to make a valuable business and smooth the way for his many large clients. He was the first to offer a mobile service from a Commer Van at Auckland Airport. Joe Saunders ran the van but got lonely and scrounged some space in an office so he could work with others.
Over the years myself (John), Sue and Trevor worked in the business, though I think he was glad when I got an apprenticeship and worked elsewhere.
I recently asked him what things he was proud of in his life and one of those was his business.
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