BT: When did you start working at Boca Terry, and what first brought you here?
RL: Wow, that was back in the summer of 2008, many wrinkles ago. I was working for another hospitality/textile company, which went out of business after 125 years. I knew that Boca Terry had a good reputation and nice products, so I went in for an interview. I got a good feeling from Edward and Bruce Cohen from the very beginning.
BT: How has the hospitality industry changed since you started?
RL: There have been mergers, of course, and management changes in the large chains. However, even in the face of the economy’s challenging situations over the years, we were never just a commodity to be sold. We offered a whole guest experience for our customers, way back when, before it became “a thing”. Customers enjoyed being able to offer their guests and clientele the best products.
BT: What has been the secret to building such long-lasting relationships with your customers?
RL: First, you get to know the specifics of what they’re looking for, what kind of feel they’re trying to achieve, and their budgets. Then, offer suggestions of what might fit their needs. You provide guidance and insights based on your past experience with the product lines. Providing what a customer or business needs to be successful makes their jobs easier, along with good customer service.
BT: What will you miss most about working at Boca Terry?
RL: The people. We have a wide assortment of personalities in the office. That’s what makes it for me. There’s never a dull moment. No, really, we work well together. That’s something hard to achieve in most business environments.
BT: What are some of your favorite Boca Terry products?
RL: For sure, the Knit Diamond Robe and the Jersey Robe. I like to feel pampered in a robe. The silky, luxurious, comfy feel of these robes does the trick.
BT: What are your retirement plans—any trips, hobbies, or goals you’re excited to pursue?
RL: For the first month, I’m just going to stare at the wall and do absolutely nothing. After that, I want to pick up my Italian lessons again; hike on beautiful Colorado trails; get serious about my Japanese Sumi Ink drawing; volunteer at Native American events in my town; I might even take out some of my favorite cookbooks, but don’t hold your breath on that one!
BT: How do you hope to be remembered by your Boca Terry family?
RL: For my morning and afternoon comic relief breaks. We all work hard, and it gets stressful at times. A little humor goes a long way, I think. My father always told me that the most important thing to have in life is a sense of humor. And your mother doesn’t have one!