It's their job: PHS grad prefers working in retail

Chris Tarango is head cashier at Russell’s Super Save in Portales.

Background: Tarango was born and raised in Portales and is the youngest of a large family. After graduating from Portales High School, he attended Texas Tech University and Georgia Tech for his bachelor’s degree. He received a master’s degree in nursing from Georgetown University. After working in nursing in the East, he moved back to Portales in 2003 to take care of his ailing mother. After her death in 2004, he says he lost interest in nursing and pursued a career in retail management. He was a manager for Family Dollar in the Dallas area before moving back to Portales three years ago.

Time on job: One year at Russell’s; five years retail and customer service experience.

What does your job entail? Tarango says he is charged with keeping the cashiers and sackers busy and organized. He also assists with the personnel at the service desk and with the assistant managers.

Why did you choose this job? “I just couldn’t go back into nursing, my heart wasn’t in it. I was trained in customer service, and that is what I enjoy.”

What type of training is required? Tarango says a cashier has to memorize the keyboard and Produce Look Up sheet. To be a good cashier, he says you need to know the produce and have a general knowledge of the store and its products.

What do you enjoy most about the job? “The customers and co-workers. It just gives me a rush that, hopefully, we gave them good customer service and they walk out with a smile. Some will even call you by name. Knowing they’re going to come back is a good feeling.”

What is the best fringe benefit? “All the smiles!”

— Compiled by PNT Correspondent Karl Terry.