How-to clinic guy enjoys interaction with attendees

“Does anybody know what time it is?” The correct answer isn’t the ‘90s television hit “Tool Time,” but the how-to clinic at Lowe’s in Coeur d’Alene.

Hosting that show every Saturday is Rich Emery, 57.

Like “Tool Time’s” Tim Allen, Emery’s background didn’t necessary lead him to a career of teaching home-improvement clinics. With a bachelor’s degree in ministry, retirement as a telephone technician and service in the Air National Guard, Emery relies on practical experience as a homeowner, along with Lowe’s training materials and co-workers’ expertise, in preparation for the three, one-hour classes.

Standing behind the counter by the store’s main entrance, sporting a red vest and friendly smile, Emery guides the weekend warriors of home improvement through projects varying from repairing drywall to decorating holiday wreaths. Equipped with a great sense of humor and obvious joy of teaching, Emery connects with his audience – numbering from a few to a dozen – and is proud that, unlike “Tim the Tool Man Taylor,” nothing blows up or catches on fire.

Emery receives course schedules and scripts from the Lowe’s corporate office, then prepares with training tapes and the store’s “How To” books. Additionally, he credits the wealth of experience from store employees and contractors who shop at Lowe’s as great assets.

In his spare time, Emery volunteers with the Civil Air Patrol, bikes, skis and has plenty of his own home improvements on his five-acre home in the Rathdrum hills.

What is your job title? “How-to clinic guy on Saturdays. Receiving/stocker/associate the rest of the time.”

How long have you been doing this? “Two years.”

How did you choose this line of work? “The store asked me if I would be interested in doing the how-to clinics.”

Are you paid: (a) well; (b) more than you are worth; (c) slave wages, (d) could be better? “(d).”

What is the best thing about your job? “Meeting different people and the interaction with clinic attendees.”

What is the worst thing about your job? “I’m sure there are negative things, but I can’t think of any.”

Do you plan on doing this job (a) until retirement; (b) until something better comes along? “(a).”

Do you have any on-the-job funny stories? “One time I started doing a clinic on laminate flooring. Halfway through the class, the puzzled looks made me realize something was wrong. Then someone asked if this wasn’t supposed to be on hardwood floors – they were right! Another time, I realized during a painting demonstration that I had the wrong paint.” Emery relates that an especially fun class was with four women learning the basics of ceramic tile installation. “They asked challenging questions and really had a blast!.”

Any bad experiences? “More frustrating than bad is to have a clinic that you think will be great, then have it bomb with no interest.”

If there was a movie made about you and your job, what actor should play you? “Tim Allen, of course.”