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“Manager to the front, please,” – the announcement came over the loud speaker and there was Victor, standing next to his job coach, so brave and so proud of the completed employment application he held to his chest. As soon as I was within three feet, he rushed out to shake my hand, at the same time offering his application. The first words he said to me were, “I am going to work here.”
The three of us sat down and talked about what Victor could bring to PETCO and how exactly the job coach situation would work. Victor was part of a local education center for adults with special needs and this was his first attempt at applying for a job. I could not resist his 1000-watt smile and that eager determination; we agreed that Victor would, in fact, join our team at the Morena Boulevard PETCO in San Diego.
In the beginning, Victor had his job coach with him all the time. Victor was a quick study though and soon he needed less coaching, until he only needed his coach half of the time. Our entire staff celebrated when “our” Victor came to work alone one day, proudly announcing that he no longer needed the job coach provided by the center and was considered “gainfully employed.” Those two words, “gainfully employed” were the attainment of a special goal that Victor had set for himself, and those of us who knew him, understood their very special significance.
Everyone liked Victor. As an experienced manager, I knew right away that he had what it takes to be a great PETCO associate. Victor was never late, never out of uniform and never, ever expected any special treatment because of his disability. He knew the public transit system backwards and forwards. Associates with brand new cars had trouble making it to work on time, but Victor was there on time no matter what.
While we knew Victor would never work as a cashier because of his limited vision, or answer the phones because he stuttered when he was nervous, none of this mattered because Victor made up for it by working harder in the areas where he was capable. Anything we asked of him he would try his best – and his best was always the best.
When I was transferred to another store, Victor requested to go with me. I think I needed Victor as much as he thought he needed me. Soon after we reached our new store, Victor was promoted to warehouse manager. On his break, Victor called his family and told them that he was in charge of the warehouse and that all stocking issues would go through him. You might have thought he had been made PETCO’s CEO.
Once I asked Victor what was the maximum number of hours he could work without losing his SSI benefits. He was quick to answer, “As many as you can give me, because I’ll call them and tell them I do not need the benefits any longer.” So often, you hear of those who try very hard to “game” the system and here was a young man who truly wanted to be all he could be.
When I was honored to be called to serve at the PETCO Foundation, I considered Victor’s future while making my decision. We had a long talk about my departure and Victor’s responsibilities. As always, Victor’s first thought was for others, “Susan, you go, I’ll be fine.” I made sure to visit often. He was always so excited to hear about my adventures and he was quick to share stories about PETCO and what animals he had just adopted.
In December 2008, Victor had a stroke and was diagnosed with several brain tumors. As he fought against his illness, his mother told me that all he talked about was getting back to work at PETCO. When I came to visit, even though he was on a lot of medication, I could tell he knew who I was and was happy that I had come. The nurses in the hospital recognized him from their visits at PETCO. He was treated like a celebrity, as his infectious enthusiasm had touched their lives, too, over the years. Victor worked at PETCO for more than eight years.
Victor passed away in his sleep earlier this month, surrounded by his loving family and some lovely memories of his time at PETCO.
I am a better person for having known Victor. He taught me that there are no limits, no handicaps, no barriers that cannot be overcome with a smile, a willingness to try and a lot of heart.
Rest in peace, Victor.
Victor Rosen
1976-2009
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Remembering Victor, PETCO Associate No. 88465 written by Susan Rosenberg on March 28th, 2009 |  11 comments 11 comments to Remembering Victor, PETCO Associate No. 88465 |
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Thank you Susan for writing this story. Even though I didn’t meet or know Victor, I will remember his will and passion to be the best he could be and apply this to all I do and remeber that anything can be overcome with hard work, perserverence and a will to succeed. My thoughts are with the family of Victor and also his “Petco” family.
Susan, I met Victor once. He worked with my sister at the Petco store in La Mesa. He was impressive & memorable. I know my sister will miss him!
I knew Victor from the La Mesa store — he was always very helpful and my French bulldog, Rocky, loved the personal attention he got. (Victor even knew he was a Frenchie — not everyone gets that right!)
My thoughts and prayers are with Victor and his family, as well as with the folks at PETCO to whom he served as an inspiration.
Thank you Susan for introducing us to a person who we can all learn so much from. In these times when we all take so much for granted, it is so important to hear the story of a person who experienced life at it’s fullest, and enriched the lives of those around him. My thoughts go out to his friends and family, and I truly envy all who got to be a part of his life.
I clearly remember Victor as I used to frequently shop the La Mesa Store. Victor always greeted me and my daughter with a great big smile and always offered to help. I was very sad to read this story but feel that part of Victor’s mission in life was to spread passion and kindness to all those he met… and in that Victor was a true success!
I nearly cried when I read this, story the other day at work!
I love, how one person can make a HUGE diffrence in the company!
I have worked with some other adults like Victor, and they are truly the greatest people on this earth! My brother being on of them!
I met Victor when I returned to Petco as the Asst Mgr at the La Mesa location. I was so impressed with his exuberance and excellent work ethics, he was one of the first employees I “Caught In the Act”. When he had his stroke, I visited him in the hospital twice and the only thing he talked about was returning to work. The last time I saw Victor was when he was released from the hospital and came to the La Mesa store with his job coach to purchase products for his snake. His job coach said the only thing Victor talked about was how excited he was about returning to work. Even after death, Victor’s energy is still evident at the La Mesa Petco. Not only did Victor touch the lives of the employees, he touched the life of customers. Rest in peace Victor my friend.
Very touching story. Thank you for sharing.
Susan, Thank you so much for writting this story. I am a much better person for having met both of you. I remember sharing a lot of laughs and good times with both of you working in La Mesa. When you went to Corp. Victor was a little upset but he was so proud of you. I have never in my life met anyone as sweet and friendly as Victor. I will always remember him and his free spirit. Thank you again for honoring him in this very special way. Everyone who met Victor will miss him!
It is true that there are those people who come into your life and truly make a difference…I hope he knows how much of a difference he truly made. I never had the pleasure of meeting him, but his memory will resonate for years to come. Thank you for sharing this story.
To all the wonderful PETCO employees that took their time to be part of Victor’s life. You are all truly amazing individuals. Oh behalf of Victor’s Mother and I want to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for your kind remarks and tribute to our Son, Victor. Susan, thank you so very, very much for believing in Victor like we always did. Your article and the many responses humbled Nancy and I in that you all captured the very being of our “Sweet Boy”. Thank you all again and please take the time everyday, in everyway to smile and make someone elses life richer as Victor did.
Michal and Nancy, Victor’s Parents