08/24/2026
John Wooden, the legendary college basketball coach, said, "The true test of a man's character is what he does when no one is watching". But what if someone is watching?
So let me tell you about Ollie, short for Oliver, a fork lift driver for the Costco in Kirkland, WA. He has been with the company for over 20+ years. Last year, he was employee of the year, even though he never made employee of the month the whole year. I asked him about this, and he was kind of embarrassed and downplayed it. I'm bringing it up, because Ollie is the kind of person, with amazing character, who has made a difference where he is. I know him to be very kind, great work ethic, and who loads my van with bread every Monday that he is available. He does it without being asked, and always says, "have a great day!".
This morning I showed up in the back at Costco as usual, and I asked how everyone was. They all replied, "meh". I then asked,"why?" They all said, "because Ollie isn't here, he's on vacation." Ollie doesn't know it, but his character regulates the whole back room of Costco. There are others, but he is pivotal to everyone feeling good.
He's gone on vacation, and the employee's miss him. He makes a difference by his demeanor, his positive attitude, his work ethic, his literal presence.
I say all this about Ollie, (if you're reading this Ollie, have a great break!), because the
follow up for me would be:
"What would other's say about you or me?" Character does make a difference, sometimes, all the difference. Think about this before you disparage others, before you complain about literally everything, before you become belligerent ,, unkind, and generally negative.
I came away from Costco this morning, very humbled, because of how one person makes so much difference where he is, all because of his character, and thinking about my own character and what others would say about me.
Next time you're in Costco in Kirkland, go check out the picture of Ollie on the wall of employees, he's awesome!
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