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Personal Trace

Trace is ready to share his knowledge of design (just no hugs please).

By Trace Lehnhoff

If I may, I would like to be completely honest with you. I know that the experience I am getting today working for Jeff is an experience that is rare. I'm a recent college graduate who is entering the workforce at a very difficult time, especially in the design field. The fact that Jeff has given me the opportunity to do what I love makes me feel not only fortunate but really lucky. Knowing this, I try to perform to the best of my ability because A, I know that I am lucky to have the job that I do, B, there are hundreds of people who would jump at the chance to have my position (ok, ok - for many it would be out a window but jumping nonetheless...) and C, I know only one way to finish something and that's the correct way where I pour everything I have into it.

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I love what I do and I feel fortunate everyday.

Being twenty-two, enrolled in school full time, and working 30+ hours a week isn't a walk in the park. I was not only faced with work and school, but the urge to do what my friends were doing who didn't have to worry about being late for their office job in the morning, catching an early morning flight or a client meeting. I was trying to juggle it all. Jeff likes to offer me advice and when he does, I listen to what he has to say because 90% of the time, there's value behind it. I've always been soft-spoken but when it comes to designing a space, I have a vision. I'm now feeling comfortable expressing my ideas to clients and having people listen to what I have to say. I think I was worried how credible I might seem, but the truth is, I'm realizing that my opinion is just as good as the next, and this is why I went out to get my over-priced design education!

I'm not an overly-affectionate person. Especially when strangers are involved. I think Barb is a very sweet woman, but I like my personal space. I like my personal space very much. And when someone comes in a little too close, I tense up. I'm learning to interact with clients better, but I'm not certain I'll every be the hand-holding-long-embraced-hug kind of guy. Just like I'm not the kind of guy who urinates in a plastic container to have poured on the roof a garage. But apparently I am the kind of guy who works for someone who puts me those kind of positions. But let's face it, no matter what I am "forced" to endure, it's been a great day at Jeff Lewis' office.

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