Bookmans is truly an amazing company. I didn't plan to start by saying that, but I feel as though it is something I have to say before I can even justify saying anything else about the company. The way Bookmans has jumped in and saved the employees of the Flagstaff store is nothing short of spectacular, and I cannot express the extent my gratitude.

The past few weeks have certainly been a blur. None of the employees here in Flagstaff have any qualms about working for our paychecks; in fact, we're glad to be given the opportunity to show Bookmans and the community what we are made of. We have people working in the community left and right, promoting our store and our core values; writing blog posts and reviews; and day after day of plowing away at what stock we have hidden in our secret mountain hideaway. Personally, I have been spending a lot of time at the warehouse. There is no shortage of things to do, including counting, checking, moving, fixing, grinding, and so on. I have also had the great fortune of spending some time with the sweet and wonderful animals at Second Chance Center for Animals, an organization we used to support and host when our store was open.

I have to say, this whole situation has been a real eye-opener about having Bookmans as my employer. The true colors have been shown and, when it gets right down to the nitty gritty, Bookmans stands behind their employees. I've never worked (or even been) anywhere else with such dedicated employees. I think most of us would probably be helping out regardless of the paycheck. The truth about Bookmans lies deep within the company and we really are more than what you see when you walk into the store.

Have you ever wondered why Bookmans employees are so readily available to cheerfully lead you to your desired product? Have you ever asked yourself why we're so willing to go out of our way to help any customer find anything they could be looking for, no matter how little information we have about it? This is going to sound cheesy and it may seem a little lame, but if so, you obviously haven't ever worked at Bookmans: The truth is, we all love our jobs so darn much. It isn't just because I get to work with video games, it isn't just because I get to make coffee, and it’s not (entirely) about the toys that you can find tucked into every nook and cranny of the store. It is about the people. Everyone in the big, wonderful Bookmans family fits together like neat puzzle pieces. Sure, we might not always get along, but at the end of the day, we all work for Bookmans.

Bookmans gives me the time and opportunity to work at an animal shelter and not have to take a day off to do it. Bookmans finds opportunity after opportunity to help out in the community it calls home, and I get to participate. Bookmans gives me the chance to help rebuild and reestablish its presence here in Flagstaff and not lay all of us off (like some companies might have). I've jumped in happily and feet first, fully ready for the day when I get to stand behind those counters again. I can't wait.