This issue's Tale comes from Steve Matthews of J & J Floor Service in Paden City, W.V., in his own words: "When I was 16, my father let me bid my first sand-and-finish job. Since I am a third-generation floor man, I already had four years' experience by then, and I thought I was quite accomplished. I got the job, so on day one I packed the machines in the back of my '63 Chevy and drove 25 miles of West Virginia back roads to get to the house. I have to say that the owner was pretty nervous when he realized my dad wasn't going to be there. He looked on as I fumbled around, trying to get the belts on the old American Super 8. After what seemed to be an hour or so, I was ready to start sanding the floor-until I realized I had forgotten the power cord for the machine. Now I think my immaturity is starting to show, and I sheepishly tell him I'll be back in an hour to get to work. I got in my truck and floored it down the road, and to my great surprise my dad was sitting about a half mile away, waiting for me. When I pulled up, he asked, 'Did you forget something?' I saw the cord on the seat beside him and knew I was in for a lecture. That was a lesson well-learned. In the 39 years since that day, I have never arrived on the job unprepared. One of the first lessons I taught my three sons is to check and doublecheck. Dad was a good floor man and the consummate pro. By the way, he went back to that job with me and we finished it together."
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