PRINTOn the job: Trophy engraver
Q&A with Martha Hervey
KEVIN A. ROBERTS
May 27, 2009 | 12:00 p.m. CST
Two dogs will greet you when you walk into T’s Etc. One is a pudgy pound dog named Buddy, the other is a golden retriever named Truman. They don’t run the business, but they are just as cheerful as the folks who do. Take devoted mother and engraver Martha Hervey. From beakers to bedpans, frames to footwear, Hervey has engraved a ton of wacky stuff for her son’s business. With her smiling blue eyes and lively laugh, her insight goes past engraving and extends to life’s problems, her grandchildren and flip-flops.
What is the best part of your job?
You know, 99.9 percent of your customers are just wonderful and appreciative. So the best part, really, is dealing with people and having them appreciate what you do.
NAME: Martha Hervey
AGE: 65
COMO RESIDENT SINCE: 1991
AT JOB SINCE: 1999
What is one of the weirdest things you have ever engraved?
Flip-flops. The girls had flip-flops, so I engraved right along here [the inside sole near the arch] because it wouldn’t ever come off. So a lot of frickin’ flip-flops. I’d never do that again. And a bedpan.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about your job?
It really is fun. Even though it’s tedious and it’s hard work. But it is fun.
What is your most memorable on-the-job moment?
A lady came in and needed some little plates for her father, who carves wood. He has pieces in St. Charles and in the museum, but he won’t charge [for his work]. So I said, sure, I will do them if you can get him to sell me one of his pieces. She said, he won’t sell them. One day she stopped by with a small carved buffalo. And that was just fabulous.
Where do you see yourself and your business in 10 years?
I’m not gonna be here. I’m going to sit on my can. No, I will be doing nothing. Except writing, probably. I see this business, 10 years from now, growing and moving into other areas of expertise. Ideally what you want to do is vertically integrate your business so that you aren’t paying someone else for what you can do yourself.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what is the one item you would want with you?
My grandkids are going to know this: a cup of coffee. They always say, “Grandma, you like coffee.”
What superhero power do you wish you had?
I would eliminate poverty. I think that is the underlying cause of everybody’s problems; Third World countries, our country. That’s what I would do, bam!
What is one thing you regret?
I think one time I voted for a Republican.
What would your own plaque or award say?
The award would be for making it to the top of Mount Evans. In a car. It’s a long g--damn way up there on a narrow, two-lane road, and the worst part is when you get up to the top, you know you have to drive back down.
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