My first job was as a dishwasher in a restaurant owned by Orioles owner Peter Angelos. On busy holidays, “Mr. A” and his family would all come into the kitchen and help. He was doing pretty well back then, but would still roll up his sleeves. His wife, and his sons all helped.

I’d speak, and they’d speak. Mr. A’s brother-in-law was a Gilman guy, so he’d trash talk Poly, and I’d have to go on the defensive. One day I was asked to be a busboy. Most were Towson State college students, but they wanted me on the “floor.” When the Angelos family came in

for big family dinners, I and another busboy got the big assignment. At the end of every occasion, Mr. A would walk up, thank us, and discreetly slide some serious cash for teenagers in our jacket pockets. Where’s this going? First, I feel for all in the restaurant

industry. I saw how tips, and an hourly rate can make a huge difference for a individual. Secondly, manners and the ability to communicate helped me rise at my first job. There’s nothing wrong with manners. Saying hello, please, thank you, and you’re welcome cost you nothing!