I worked with Ted Koral for the greater part of 2010. I was a part-time delivery driver at Dominos Pizza, and he was a fellow driver. I was working as a delivery driver in addition to my day job as a sales manager for a software company. I have been involved in the hiring process in previous jobs; and therefore I recognize good work habits and character qualities. As a result of my experiences, I can confidently illustrate the characteristics that distinguish Ted as an employee.
Ted was one of the first of my co-workers to step out and make me feel welcome and at home, which immediately gives some insight into what kind of person he is. Ted is warm and sincere, apt to teach, and a great encourager. He has many of the characteristics you would find in a pastor; someone willing to get down into the trenches of life with you and help you bear the burdens of life. I noticed several strong character traits in Ted, chief of which were hospitality and sincerity.
Hospitality is “cheerfully sharing food, shelter, or conversation to benefit others.” You don’t have to spend too much time with Ted to figure out that he was raised with manners. However, his concern and generosity towards others is more than just a reflection of his training. To me, Ted is a walking definition of hospitality. When I walk in the door to punch the clock, I can always bet on seeing Ted turn, get a huge grin on his face, and give me a firm handshake. If that’s not a poster-shot for hospitality, I don’t know what is. Ted’s positive attitude and hospitality add something tangible to the work environment. When a new driver is hired, management gives Ted the responsibility of taking this person by the shoulder, training the person in the protocols, and making him feel comfortable. There’s a reason they choose Ted for this job.
Sincerity is “eagerness to do what is right with transparent motives.” This is another character quality that fits Ted like a glove. Ted described a circumstance that really exemplifies sincerity. Ted has worked at Dominos for quite some time; therefore, he has a good background knowledge of “the usuals.” One of these “usuals” is an elderly couple; they order all the time. They are fair, consistent tippers. Whenever Ted gets a delivery to their address, he knows they will give him a three dollar tip, like clockwork. Well, one day Ted delivered to this elderly couple, and was given a small wad of cash to cover the cost. He unloaded the pizza and turned to leave. Upon reaching his car, he realized that he had been given a ten dollar tip, rather than the usual three. Unable to square with his conscience and drive away, Ted went back to the door and let the elderly woman know that he suspected she had made a mistake. Sure enough, that’s exactly what happened. She sent him off with the customary three dollar tip. This story gives the impression that Ted is motivated by more than a quick dollar. He felt internally motivated to do what was right, rather than doing something that would bring his motives into question. And this quality was evident in my interactions with Ted – he is a trustworthy individual with a strong desire to maintain a good name and do the right thing. This honest, sincere quality is valuable because it sets a good example for others. It also builds trust.
Ted was the driver who trained me, when I first started working at Dominos. I spent nearly a full night “shadowing” him and learning about the job. Ted taught me a lot more than protocols. He provided a good example for how to be a driver of integrity; how to do the job well. This same attitude was evident throughout the time I worked with him, and I have valued his hospitality and sincerity since the first day I met him. For this reason, I would highly recommend Ted for any job for which he is qualified.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Sincerely; Johnny Adam Levy
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My definitions for character traits come from the Character First curriculum of the “49 Character Qualities.”
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