Recognition much deserved. The things that I think most standout about Jerry in the 32 years I have known him are: his Uniqueness, Knowledge in the area of investing and his Kindness.
During the Alliance Chamber of Commerce's annual awards banquet, longtime Alliance businessman Jerry Reynolds was presented the Lifetime Service Award. Another active businessman, Dave Pearse, read the following tribute to the chamber banquet crowd of over 100 people.
So I was told you were going to give recognition to "Poor" Jerry Reynolds and I was asked to give a few comments about him.
Oh I suppose I could say something about the fact that Jerry has worked at the same job for over 60 years ... or should I say in the same location and the same job and with his father, brother and finally his wife for 60-plus years.
Jerry turned a repair shop into a retail store for the working person in Western Nebraska selling boots and apparel. Talk about staying power. We all know where Jerry will be tomorrow, in his shop. In a world of he today - gone tomorrow, and throw away consumer, Jerry is a rock. Jerry is a "War Horse." So I guess I should have included "steady" in my choice of words to describe Jerry. But I will stick with Unique, Knowledge in investing and Kindness.
Uniqueness is almost and understatement. Jerry is one of a kind. He charms you with his character. He is an ambassador for Alliance and Western Nebraska. Have you heard the story of the folks traveling through from Australia visiting our "world attraction, Carhenge?" When they stopped at Art and Jerry's boot shop and were greeted by Jerry. They left with a handmade Native American dream catcher. Months later Jerry received in the mail, from Australia, a thank you not with the story of how the rest of their trip had gone and a boomerang. They remember one of their highlights to the States as the stop in Alliance and meeting "Poor." Jerry's uniqueness has a language of all its own. I call it Jerryism's. I'll share just a few, and translate. If you call him on the phone, Jerry will answer "Yepper."
That means: "Hello you have reached Art and Jerry's Boot Shop, and you are speaking to Jerry himself."
Now, isn't "Yepper" much shorter and easier?
There are also the times that Jerry world see an out of town'r waiting to be seated at a local restaurant. Jerry would say "You folks from out of town?" ... and 90 percent of the people would take it great and know that no need to wait just pick a table. Only rarely would one of us have to say "What Jerry meant was - Hello - Welcome to Alliance - No need to wait to be seated, choose any table and if you want we will share our coffee." After a little conversation with these strangers Jerry had won them over even if it had started a little "unique." And somewhere in there Jerry would say "Spend some money while you're in town." Which of course they knew meant "I sure hope you enjoy your time in our lovely town, don't just hurry and leave, but check out what we have to offer here."
Yes, Poor Jerry is one of a kind.
Next is his, knowledge of investing. Just in case you didn't know Poor Jerry does not stand for Poor. Poor's knowledge includes but is not limited to Commercial and Residential real estate, the stock market, commodities market with expertise in Gold and Silver coins, antiques with expertise in Roseville pottery, old guns, and anything else that might hold his interest like say a handmade Native American Dream Catcher. Bankers and Estate planers come to Jerry to find out what old Grandpa's things are worth.
And Jerry is just a kind person. Jerry has delivered meals on wheels, picks up people who couldn't drive, loves to be an advent angel at Christmas time. Jerry has loaned money to people that couldn't get help any place else. He even knows a guy who had 7 grandmothers. Because each time he had to borrow some money another grandmother had died. Jerry just has a good soul.
What Poor Jerry represents -- is that Western Nebraska character of hospitality that say's come on in and sit a while so we can get to know one another.
As most of you know, Jerry has recently sold his repair and retail business. It was a two year negotiation that started with, "Jerry when you are ready to quit we want to buy." In a world where very few or any businesses are sold anymore. Where most people have a going out of business sale - take the money and run. There were no fancy contracts, just your word will do. Jerry chose to teach someone 50 years younger than himself the art of boot repair business. No easy task. Teaching anyone something you have done for 60+ years is hard. Jerry could show how to do it, but telling them is a lot harder. Now try to imagine telling a 19 year old. Well, Jerry won him over too! It is with pride Matt calls Jerry his teacher.
It is only because of Jerry's commitment to Alliance, ability to pass on his craft, his unselfishness and concern for his customers that our new store Jerry's Work & Western is in business. Named so out of respect for the person who started it all.
I wholeheartedly agree with your choice, tonight to recognize Alliance's one and only "Poor Jerry Reynolds" with the Alliance Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Service Award.
David Pearse
