By Francie Hansen, Journal contributor

It started with Flint, the carpet cleaner in Newport Beach, California. He flopped onto my couch, not ready to do his job, but wanted to tell me gaudy and bawdy stories about the rug cleaning business. I thought this could be the start of a series: “Tales of the Manicurist,” “Tales of the Grocery Store Clerk,” etc. People in the direct service industry have a huge impact on our lives because they listen.

Marketplace and Kings were my first thoughts, and every employee to whom I spoke talked about loving the community. Collin in the produce department started working for Valmark when he was 16. “I get to provide beautiful food for people I love. It’s intimate; I always say hi.”

Zack said, “I like people. I like this environment. I know the store pretty well. I don’t have trouble finding anything.” Both Zack and Collin want to do a good job, following in the footsteps of their managers from the top down. They were inspired. Zack said, “I want to give back.”

Everyone talked about Joey dressing up for holidays, especially Easter and Halloween. They so appreciate the spirit of their fellow employees — from the playful Hatch Chili event to the flamboyant, morale-boosting activities. Dina said, “We care about each other. One time we hired a singing telegram for Valentine’s Day for one of the checkers who was having a bad day. And if there’s a product in the health and beauty isle that you want and you can’t find it, please ask for help.” I remember two days after I couldn’t find castor oil, Dina found me in the store. “Nina said you were asking for it. Let me show you.” I couldn’t believe I was still on their radar!

Teresa, who moved here to be closer to her daughter and granddaughter, said, “Working here is a social time. We love to see all the kids and watch them grow up. Once in a while, we give a gift card to someone who needs it. Other customers will offer to help someone who forgot their wallet or didn’t have the right change. Oh … don’t forget to include Deanna the Hummingbird. Always moving to take care of little jobs that could easily get overlooked.”

Donna told me, “People will share recipes, and we even get samples.” I know that Teresa and I are both crazy about Jiffy cornbread mix with an added can of creamed corn. Donna said she also learns about healthy food choices from the customers.

It seems to be a huge give-and-take, happy place for all. Cady said, “Marketplace is the heartbeat; we’re the hub. We’re a safe space. People are heard and seen here.” (What a concept! Hurray!) “If money, credit cards, or keys are lost (and this happens daily!), they are always returned.”

Salud, lead cashier at Kings, who’s worked her way up since being a bagger at 15, said, “We don’t take things personally. If someone’s going through a rough time, we understand.” She told me a lot about her job and all the little behind-the-scenes things that, as customers, we don’t see but make our shopping easier. And Salud added, “We love that Verne Howard stops in every morning to get his banana and cup of coffee.”

No gaudy stories, no bawdy stories — just a whole lotta love, dedication, pride, connection and community sharing.

Note: I apologize to all the other store employees who are integral to our shopping successes whom I didn’t get to interview!