Martin Nobler, ITEX Area Director for the San Fernando Valley
(CA), died of a heart attack on April 25. He was 69 years old.
The
following is an open letter from Cristina Molina, a Certified Trade
Broker as well as the Reciprocal Broker during the time when ITEX
was known as BXI.
I
think most people in the Barter industry knew or have heard of
Martin Nobler. I just found out that he passed away this morning and
I am very saddened.
Martin was rough around the edges. He was often blunt, saying things
that many people would consider extremely offensive � but that was
who he was. Now in retrospect, you have to appreciate someone who
didn�t hold back, someone who always let you know where you stood.
That was who he was.
I
worked with him in some capacity for almost 10 years. He gave me a
break when he hired me as a trade broker. When I was pregnant and
had my daughter, he was incredibly (and unbelievably) supportive. I
had no child care at the time, so he would let me bring her into the
office every day. I set up a play-pen next to my desk, and he would
often walk by and play and interact with her. I couldn�t believe
that this tough-talking guy was so taken by my little baby. For a
guy who always said he didn�t like kids, he really loved my
daughter. And for that I will always be grateful.
He
also supported my career advancement by facilitating my trip to a
national barter industry convention, where I obtained my designation
as a CTB (certified trade broker). When the time came for me to move
on to a higher position at the corporate office, once again he was
greatly supportive.
All
along the way he taught me many things � things that I still carry
with me today. When Martin was on his �A� game, NO ONE could stop
him. He was brilliant and I am privileged to have had him as a
mentor. From Martin I learned the art of schmoozing, and positively
developed my customer service skills. I am now a manager at a
retirement plan administration company and I use my customer service
skills on a daily basis.
I
don�t want people to remember Martin for being a
rough-around-the-edges guy, a rude guy, an obnoxious guy. I want
people to remember Martin for being a tough business man with a
gentle heart. But unfortunately not many people got to see that
gentle heart, I am glad that I did.
Thanks boss, for everything you taught me. Wherever you are, and
some may ponder that in great detail, know that you will never be
forgotten.