I truly enjoy meeting people who love their work – the people that stand out not so much because of the kind of job they have – but HOW they do it. Their spirits are invigorating, inspiring and frankly I find them contagious as I typically can’t help but smile by being in their company. This was what I experienced recently when a waver, Rodney Shepard, captured my attention as I was traveling in my car on Springboro Pike.
His Statue of Liberty costume flapped with the gusting winds as he danced, smiled and waved at passersby. He seemed to be unaffected by the snow and freezing temperature. I’ve driven by many wavers in my life, but none quite with the enthusiasm that Rodney embraced. I stopped and asked if I could write a story about him and take his picture. He kindly agreed and added that many people have stopped and taken pictures of him as if this, too, was part of the job.
Rodney started his position as a waver with Liberty Tax on January 26 – his birthday and he will remain there until April 15. In talking with the branch manager, she indicated that they have been using wavers since they opened the office in 1997 and have found that most of their referrals come as a result of the wavers. This in itself is quite a feat – as we are talking about TAXES!
The word in itself seems to instantaneously drudge up negative thoughts. TAXES! It’s almost as if audible “Ugh’s” can be heard from pocketbooks along with their owners. Taxes! Ugh! According to (CNSNews.com) April 18 will be Tax Freedom Day, the day when Americans have worked enough to pay all of their federal and state taxes for 2013 – a round total of $4.22 trillion, according to an analysis done by the Tax Foundation. Mix this news in with the stories of how tax dollars are wasted and it’s bound to diminish the light of the even the most famous of stars.
That’s not the case with Rodney Shepard. Although he’s not famous, per se, he certainly Shines Like A Star!! He takes pride in his job, loves what he does and Shines Like A Star doing it!! We honor him as our most recent Galaxy All Star Hall of Fame recipient.
When asked what inspires him – what keeps him going – he said “it’s just me and the presence of the Lord.” After April 15, Rodney will be seeking other employment. He’s not particular in what type of work he does- “Work is work,” he said; however, he did mention that he would enjoy working in a warehouse or perhaps at a restaurant.
I don’t know whether our paths will cross again but I do believe that wherever Rodney Shepard goes, whatever he does – he will continue to Shine Like A Star!! Shine On Rodney!!
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