Born and raised in Hillsdale, Howard Sarles has worked the front desk at the George Roche Sports Complex the last four years. He has watched the city and college change drastically over the decades. Howard has centered his life around building strong personal relationships through everything he does.
What brought you to Hillsdale?
I have lived in Hillsdale all my life, except for one year when my wife and I moved to Florida. We moved back and have lived here since.
How long have you been married?
Fifty-one years in June. I married my beautiful wife Linda right out of high school. We were high school sweethearts and have been together for a long time. We’re hoping to make it to our 60th anniversary. We are both still in great health.
After graduating high school, did you attend college?
I had one year of college at Jackson College and then a few night classes here at Hillsdale, but college was not where my best opportunity was at the time. I decided to work.
Where did you work once you opted out of college?
I worked for my father-in-law producing directories. It was called Robinson Directories Incorporated. We would get data on all sorts of stuff: farm acreages, spouse’s names, children’s names, and other useful information for businesses. It was hard work and we did a lot of traveling. I eventually took over the company. It became extremely stressful with 60-70 hour weeks. And after the Internet became popular, companies and larger advertisers could get everything through the Internet and our business became obsolete.
After the directory company what did you do?
I worked with Subway. I was based out of Bay City. I evaluated stores all across Michigan and when a new store would pop up, I would train the owners and employees on how to run a successful business. I didn’t enjoy the 3,000 miles a month of traveling, but I did get to work with people and I really enjoyed that aspect.
When you retired, why did you get the job at Hillsdale?
I’m here for the people; it’s not money. Working keeps me active. You just can’t believe how dead it is when everyone leaves after graduation for the summer. When they get back, it’s like the blood starts flowing back in my veins.
How has Hillsdale changed over the years?
Since the invention of Walmart in Jonesville, the businesses have closed downtown. All small towns change and it wasn’t just Walmart, things just change. There used to be all kinds of businesses and shops downtown and now there are just a few. As far as the college, I remember coming into the old field house; that was so many years ago. Hillsdale College has changed so drastically for the better. They have gotten more and more construction and they’ve really changed the face of the college. Every year something new seems to pop up.
What is your best memory from working at Hillsdale College?
Just being around Hillsdale College; it’s a great atmosphere. They certainly know how to place the people here in the positions. I just do it to take up time and get to be with people. I meet a lot of people and the professors are all great. It just doesn’t seem like a job. But maybe working security at football games and working with student-athletes. I’ve just enjoyed everybody. You get to know the students and even if they’re quiet you can get them to open up and learn their characteristics over time when you are interacting with them every day. I worked the lower gate and inside the building checking doors and keeping track of individuals. I gave up the security position a year ago and now just work the desk. I just enjoy being around the student-athletes. This college has the best quality kids. Maybe academics has to do with it; they’re just good kids and they never give me any trouble. I have been shown a lot of courtesy, not just by students, but also by faculty at the college.
What is the biggest issue you have had while working security or the desk at the complex?
The biggest issue is that the kids come and go. I lose my friends after four years. They come in and we build a relationship and then they graduate and move on with their life. I always look forward to them coming in and I’ve never had any real issues with anyone.
Will you keep working at the desk in the future?
Well I don’t consider it working. I look forward to coming in. It makes life more fun and it keeps me busy and it’s more interesting than just sitting around at home. I get to be around people and I love every minute of it.
-Compiled by Matt Melchior
