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© St. Petersburg Times, published July 17, 2002
GLENN GALLAGHER, 58
Attendant
Gulf Golf, Treasure Island
How long have you been doing this?
Four years, part-time.
What kind of hours do you work?
Oh, about 20 to 25 hours a week. This is what I do for my boating and scuba-diving money.
What did you do before this?
I was a supervisor of operations for Delta Airlines in Indianapolis. I retired after 30 years.
What got you interested in this job?
I saw a little ad in the paper that they were looking for someone. I thought it would be nice to have a little extra money coming in.
People like putt-putt golf, don't they?
They really do. I think it's relaxing for them. Very seldom do you get anybody in a bad mood. They come here looking for a good time.
What's your typical customer?
It runs the gamut. You get all kinds, from little kids right up to senior citizens.
When are things busiest?
Spring break is the busiest. It slacks off after Labor Day and then picks up around Christmas and New Year's. And we get a bigger crowd at night, usually, than during the day. The lights attract them.
Do you play much?
Hardly ever. I don't even play regular golf. I'm a beach and water kind of guy.
What's your favorite thing about this job?
Meeting the people. I always ask them where they're from. Surprisingly, there are a lot of native Floridians. But I've met Swedes, Germans, British. They come from all over.
What's your least favorite thing?
Probably the boredom -- when things are slow and there's nobody around. But I can read a magazine or watch some TV. Really, I have no complaints. Being retired, if I didn't like it, I could go do something else.
Got any funny stories to tell?
Well, I fell in the pond once. The first month I was here, I was cleaning it, and I just tumbled right in.
Good thing this isn't one of those places with gators in the pond.
That's for sure.
Do you handle a lot of maintenance?
No, we have a fellow who takes care of things, but I help out with whatever is needed. We've had a few hurricane warnings, where we have to tie everything down and bring in whatever we can.
What kind of money do you make?
I started off at $6 an hour. Now I make $7 an hour.
You were a pretty important guy in your old job. Do you ever feel like this is a comedown for you?
Not in the least. I left all that behind me. I don't need that kind of challenge anymore.
If you could have your dream job, what would it be?
If I was a kid again, I would do something with scuba diving, without a doubt. I really love it.