With apologies to Nordstrom's for borrowing their catchphrase without permission, we share their philosophy for it also imbues our own hiring strategy.

Case in point, a young man, earnest and sincere, whom I noticed working at a local carwash, joined our company last year and like many novices assumed his experience painting his own apartment was sufficient qualification to merit the profession 'painter'.

As is so often the case, an abrupt awakening followed his first training day with us, but we were not surprised.  We have worked with him diligently over the last year to increase his skill level and technical knowledge, and he is now a fine apprentice painter.  The reason we hired him, however, was not for his technical potential, but for his general disposition and motivation.  We knew we could train him, after all. 

Last week an elderly client expressed appreciation for his thoughtfulness; he had returned days after the project was completed to help the couple install some dry cleaned drapes.  This was news to us, and news to his foreman; entirely of his own volition and in recognizing a need, he offered to help, seeking no compensation or recognition.

That's the kind of 'nice' we aim to hire, and it tickles us pink to know that we have in this employee a courteous, considerate and generous human being.  We take all credit for recognizing his potential; he receives all credit for his kindnesses.

Nigel Costolloe