25 years after Martha Smith opened the Reading REI, she retired on April 28th. Upon opening the store on Saturday, the first customer in the door noticed the excitement and when she found out what was happening said “what will REI do without Martha, she is a staple here?” Martha began her career as a customer service specialist and worked also as a clothing specialist, but customer service is where her heart lived. She enjoyed having fun with the customers and her fellow employees. Before the store opened she met the then president of REI, Wally Smith, while she was dressed in a clown outfit. She was cutting up 40 pounds of cheese for the soft store opening. Martha was a little embarrassed at seeing Wally, dressed as she was, but when he told her to have 95% fun at her job, she felt more at ease. Since that beginning Martha has always been the leader for fun at the Reading store!
Martha has always been a hugh sports fan, with the Duke Blue Devils as her favorite college team! When the current manager Bruce Jurgens found out, he was ready to challenge Martha to a few bets, since Bruce is a Tar Heels fan! Bruce thought it would be appropriate to “retire” Martha’s vest and number to the rafters at the Reading store in honor of Martha’s 25 years of service. The vest has been embroidered with Martha’s name and employee number (25021) and on Martha’s last day she was presented with this award. Needless to say Martha was surprised and extremely pleased to be the first such employee honored in this way. The vest will be hoisted to the rafters at a later date. Now Martha says she can always keep a watchful eye over the store from the rafters and “make sure everyone is having fun”!
