My mom (Esther) is a powerhouse. Although she is currently 4’10″ (she used to be 5’6″, but that’s another story) she is the funniest, fearless person I know. Just today she told a recurrent caller who had to keep adding to her order, that she would kill her (probably with kindness) if she called one more time. The fact that the caller worked for a Senator did not phase Mom at all.

My mom has been a fixture at JoMart since-forever. She has seen them all, mayor’s, celebs, the rich, the poor, the famous, you get the picture. Talk to her nice, you can have the world, be rude-you might as well leave now before things get ugly.

When mom starts telling stories, I pity you if your bladder is full-not for long. Some people tell jokes about non-existent people, my mom has real stories, that are hysterical.

There is a serious side as well. At 84 she can still put in a very physical day of work. Be it taking phone orders, taking care of customers, helping co-workers or talking to me or Debbi, she is always on. There is (thankfully) no off switch. She is the ultimate people person.

Although my dad-Martin started JoMart in 1946, his marriage to my mom in 1950 was the key to his (and our) success.