5 minute read
OUT OF BODY (AND MECHANICAL EXPERIENCES
by THOMAS GRECO, PUBLISHER
Welcome to the Joel Gausten memorial issue! Just kidding, of course. In a few pages, you’ll be reading a goodbye message from our very own Joel Gausten. Luckily since I am the publisher, I get to say goodbye first. It’s not easy.
Once upon a time... I write that because it seems like Joel has been with me as long as there have been fairy tales. But the truth is, back in 2000, I was publishing a magazine called Liner Notes, which was the official publication of a record chain called Compact Disc World. It featured interviews, reviews and news on all the latest goings-on in music. We had an opening at the company for a writer/editor, and we put an ad in the newspaper. (Remember that?) Obviously, the job was pretty appealing: Getting to interview rock stars, free tickets to their concerts and free CDs. (Remember them?) And of course, the golden opportunity to work with the people in the automotive repair industry. Now, you might laugh at that statement, but trust me – I would take writing about repairers over a rock star every day of the week and twice on Sunday.
So, I got a lot of applicants for the job. One day, this guy in all black walked in. He was very serious and looked a little strange. He was definitely nervous, but once we started talking about the music we both loved, he loosened up, and we found that we had a lot of the same interests. I thanked him for coming in, but to be honest, I really didn’t think he was right for the job. He would have been perfect for Liner Notes (unknown to me at the time, Joel was a pretty famous drummer for quite a few punk bands, including a stint filling in with the legendary Misfits), but our primary business was and always will be our automotive magazines. Joel knew less than I did about automotive repair – and that was not much!
I continued to interview potential writers, but every day after that, almost to the minute, someone in the office would yell to me: “Joel Gausten’s on the phone!” I took the call the first couple of times.
“Mr. Greco, I would really like this job.” “Thanks, Joel. I’ll get back to you.” Next day: “Tom, I really think I’m the man for this job.” “Thanks, Joel. I’ll let you know.” Next day: “Mr. Greco, I am the man for this job.” “Joel, you’re a pain in the ass.” I stopped taking his calls.
But his persistence paid off. I figured if this kid wanted the job this bad, he deserved the shot. Fortunately for me, he was correct: He was the man for the job. Unfortunately for Joel, after a few more issues of Liner Notes, Compact Disc World fired us. To his credit, he dove right into our automotive magazines. Always asking the right questions. Always earning the trust and respect of everyone he came across. I was very lucky. But then in 2003, the bastard decided to leave and go to California! I didn’t even try to talk him out of it. I always encouraged my employees to follow their dreams, and MGM SUPPLIES AD_NJA0720.qxp_Layout 1 6/23/20 2:00 PM Page 1so Joel headed out to LaLa Land. A few years after that, we were approached by the Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association (WMABA) to take over publishing its legendary magazine, Hammer & Dolly. Of course, we jumped at the chance, even though we had no clue how we would be able to fit that into everything else we were doing. And then, as if by magic, someone in my office yelled: “Joel Gausten’s on the phone!” Joel was coming back to New Jersey. And he was looking for work. Easiest hire I ever made. He’s been here ever since. Until now. Honestly, I don’t have the space here to say all the things I’d like to say about Joel. All the great memories we have: Subway, Graham Parker right before 9/11, the black socks, the lawsuits, crashing in my basement after a night on the town, delivering Liner Notes throughout the state in a truck with a stick shift I didn’t know how to drive. Oh, man. If you have met or spoken to him, you know. If you’ve read his stuff, you know. He truly has become the best at what he does. I’d like to take some credit for that, but I can’t. His work ethic. His honesty. His dedication and loyalty. These are all things you look for in an employee. But even more importantly, what you look for in a friend. Thank you, good luck and adios, my friend. Know that when I hear someone yell, “Joel Gausten’s on the phone,” I will ALWAYS answer.
NJA
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