By Elizabeth Czapski, Staff Writer
Novan Williams has been a doorman since 1984.After six years at his first building, Williams found an opportunity he couldn’t pass up at 474 N. Lakeshore Dr., where he still works today.
For 25 years, a typical day for Williams has involved greeting people coming in and out of the building, dealing with packages, making sure people get what they need and always having a smile on his face, he said.
His smile is especially important to him—he said it’s his secret to success. Williams keeps his positive energy going by leaving any problems at home and coming to work happy.
His favorite part of work is “meeting new people, and the people I work with, and the people in the building,” he said. “I just love my job.”
In his free time, Williams likes to watch sports, especially football and basketball. His most memorable work experience is also sports-related. Williams met former Chicago Cubs player Sammy Sosa, who always took time to talk to him, when the baseball player lived in the building for a couple years, Williams said.
A veteran in the doorperson profession, Williams has advice for those thinking of getting into his line of work – “Just be honest and love what you do, and keep a smile on your face and a positive attitude.”
To nominate your favorite doorperson, email [email protected]. All doorpersons of the month receive a $25 gift certificate to Mariano’s.
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