High Five: Larry O’Neal

Larry O’Neal is popular with his customers.

Book manager at the Spokane Valley Hastings Books, Music and Videos for nine years, he is cheerful and knowledgeable and provides excellent service.

O’Neal most enjoys introducing customers to new books and authors. He says he loves his job, and he has an almost encyclopedic knowledge of the store’s contents.

He once tracked down a misplaced CD hold for me when others had given up.

O’Neal develops friendships with many of his customers. Book recommendations fly in both directions.

I met O’Neal four years ago and liked him immediately. He invited me to his inspirational book group filled with lively, intelligent readers who enjoy spirited debate and develop caring friendships.

Members describe O’Neal as “outstanding in customer service,” “the reason I regularly shop at Hastings,” “truly caring on and off the job” and “dedicated, treating you as a close friend.”

He also is popular with kids. Darcy Bergland, 15, says she considers him her best friend.

After years in food service, O’Neal says he finds satisfaction in now “feeding minds.”

He prizes working on special events for the store and at school book fairs. “Anything like that is a highlight of my job,” he said.

O’Neal leads two popular book groups, and his contagious enthusiasm is inspiring other employees to start more book groups.

Hey, a good friend can always lead the way.