<p><img src="http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/8286/rick15bw.jpg" width="480" height="173" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p><p>The 3<sup>rd</sup> of July is thought of by most people as the prelude to the annual 4<sup>th</sup> of July holiday. It’s a day to gather all the stuff that is needed for the family gatherings and celebrations. This third of July here at <a href="http://www.arizonapawnshops.com/"><strong>Glendale Pawn and Jewelry</strong></a> was special too, but probably not for the reasons that you might think.</p> <p>Now that all of the commotion from the annual holiday has dissolved into the history books, gpawn had the chance to sit down with our very own Rick and talk about something that happened 15 years ago on the 3<sup>rd</sup> of July.</p><p><img src="http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/7418/rick1bw.jpg" width="260" height="361" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p> <p><em><strong>“Well, it was 15 years ago and my job doing a series of construction projects had run out. I didn’t want to follow the job to Las Vegas and I figured a temporary job at Glendale Pawn and Jewelry would be just the ticket until I got hired on at the Sheriff’s Office.”</strong></em></p> <p>This statement began a conversation that marks not only a milestone for Rick and all of us here at <a href="http://www.arizonapawnshops.com/"><strong>Glendale Pawn and Jewelry</strong></a>, but also serves for us to reflect on the passage of time and how the old adage, <em><strong>“The more things change, the more they remain the same”</strong></em> is a prophetically true statement in this case.</p> <p>So, with 15 years of service to <a href="http://www.arizonapawnshops.com/"><strong>Glendale Pawn and Jewelry</strong></a> in the history books, we decided that we’d sit down with Rick and see what’s changed and what’s remained the same.</p> <p><strong>gpawn:</strong> Wow, 15 years…that’s a long time. What’s changed?</p> <p><strong>Rick:</strong> Well, nobody listens to Vanilla Ice much anymore…just kidding, don’t print that okay?</p> <p><strong>gpawn:</strong> No worries Rick, if you can’t trust gpawn…who can you trust?</p> <p><strong>Rick: </strong>Well, let’s see…gold was selling for $280 - $300 an ounce, what is it this morning, something like $1530 an ounce? That’s pretty dramatic? I used to sell 14kt gold literally, all day long, at $12 a gram. That’s pretty incredible when you think about it.</p><p><img src="http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/536/rick2bw.jpg" width="254" height="381" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p> <p><strong>gpawn:</strong> How about technology? Seen some changes there?”</p> <p><strong>Rick:</strong> Oh yeah…nobody thought DVD’s would <strong>EVER</strong> replace VHS video 15 years ago. Now VHS is considered <a href="http://www.arizonapawnshops.com/vintage-retro"><strong>Vintage &amp; Retro</strong></a>…too funny.</p> <p><strong>gpawn:</strong> So what’s the strangest thing you’ve seen at the pawn shop in your 15 years here?</p> <p><strong>Rick:</strong> Well don’t print this either…</p> <p><strong>gpawn:</strong> Rick, we’re pals here okay? Don’t worry…</p> <p><strong>Rick:</strong> Well, somebody tried to pawn a real skull...but that was a long time ago.</p> <p><strong>gpawn:</strong> That’s it? Somehow I was hoping for more than that? &nbsp;So what have you enjoyed the most during your 15 years at <a href="http://www.arizonapawnshops.com/"><strong>Glendale Pawn and Jewelry</strong></a>?</p> <p><strong>Rick:</strong> Without a doubt…<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>helping people</strong></span>. Some very good people have come through the door here, needing a quick loan, wanting to sell something or looking for a bargain on a very fine piece of jewelry. Helping these people out really makes me feel good inside. <strong>Not very many jobs give you the opportunity to just straight-up help someone the way this job does.</strong></p> <p>It’s quite clear, after a short chat with Rick, that his 15 years have seen some changes. Pop culture has changed, &nbsp;the technology has clearly changed and continues to change…but the fundamental needs of our customers have remained the same. People need a loan, have something to sell or need to save a <strong>LOT</strong> of money on some great items.</p> <p>So Rick has been with us for 15 years. That’s no small accomplishment in this day and age. <a href="http://www.arizonapawnshops.com/"><strong>Glendale Pawn and Jewelry</strong></a> has been serving the community for over 25 years which is also an incredible milestone.</p> <p><strong>There’s a reason for our history here.</strong> Come see us or visit us online and you’ll understand why we have this history. Oh, tell Rick congrats for his service while you’re here, or drop us a line and we’ll make sure he gets your message.</p> <p><strong>Congratulations Rick…here’s to another 15… (gpawn hoists an imaginary adult beverage in your honor…perhaps the “real thing” a bit later this evening?)</strong></p> <p><strong>Thanks to all 467 of you (and growing) who read this blog on a regular basis…we’re glad you keep stopping by,</strong></p> <p><strong>gpawn</strong></p><p><strong><img src="http://img607.imageshack.us/img607/4360/gpawnavatar.jpg" width="100" height="125" /><br /></strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Rick's pick for his 15 year anniversary at Glendale Pawn and Jewelry:</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.arizonapawnshops.com/jewelry/rolex-datejust-vintage-1951"><strong><img src="http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/4250/319349.jpg" width="371" height="278" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></strong></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>(Check it out...</strong><strong>)<br /></strong></p>