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Files receives warm farewell Tuesday
By Jason E. Silvers
The Fort Scott Tribune
Two long-time Wal-Mart employees said store manager Terry Files is someone who cares about his employees.
"He's very family-oriented," 14-year associate Cindy Mack said of Files. "If there was a death in someone's family, he'd be at the funeral. If there was a birth, he'd come in and want to see all the pictures of the baby."
On Tuesday, several Wal-Mart Supercenter employees and management personnel organized and attended a surprise farewell reception for Files, who is leaving his position soon to take on a new job with the company.
Faith Durbin, another 14-year Wal-Mart employee, said she also will remember Files as being a "family man" and not just a supervisor, but someone who relates well with his employees, understands their concerns, and treats them as equals.
"You couldn't ask for a better boss," Durbin said. "If you have a family issue, he's right there for you. He's interested in us -- I hate to see him go."
Durbin said a recent example of Files' dedication to his job and his staff occurred when a group of employees conducted a fundraiser for the Children's Miracle Network. Files participated by coming to work in a clown suit, and wore the suit the entire day while the fundraiser was taking place, Durbin said.
Mack said she has fond memories of "Big Daddy," as Files was often called among other store personnel.
"We have nicknames for all management, and since he was the head of the store, he became 'Big Daddy,'" Mack said. "I remember one time I had back surgery and after I came back to work, I was really sore, and he came in and would rub my back and cry right along with me."
Wal-Mart Supercenter Assistant Manager Josh Dunstan said that although he only began his career with the company two years ago, he has learned much from time spent taking instruction from Files.
"It's been really great," he said. "He's taught me a lot in a short period of time. He keeps a light attitude and creates good morale among the employees. One thing that is great about Terry is that he invites us to lunch. He devotes that personal time, and we all get to know each other better."
Files said last month that although he is leaving the area, he wants to continue staying in contact with the local community. The Nevada, Mo. resident will soon take on the position of Market Growth Manager, a job that will have him overseeing food and grocery department operations in 12 Wal-Mart stores in the region, including the Fort Scott store.
He will be based at the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Paola, and will travel from store to store to monitor and check each store's progress toward meeting compliance issues and food safety regulations. He will also be responsible for training new employees and helping with other strategic company plans.
Files began his career with Wal-Mart eight years ago, and has since been an active member of the community. His last day at the Fort Scott store is scheduled to be Friday. His replacement, Paul Wright, the co-manager at the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Emporia, is expected to begin his new job on Saturday, Wal-Mart officials said.