Perfect Training

It amazes me that it only takes one person, usually someone who takes great pride in what they do, to turn an ordinary experience into an extraordinarily memorable one.

You can spot someone who loves what they do as soon as you see ‘em - in this case, as soon as you hear ‘em.

If you like the sound of that, here’s what happened.

Despite the big board and marked gates at Philly’s 30th Street station, getting on the train can be stressful if you don't ride Amtrak every day.

At least, it is for me when I’m in a hurry and juggling a dozen ‘to-dos’ in my brain.

Yesterday, I was in the back of the long line asking others…

“Is the line for Train 86 to NYC?”

Most people were as clueless as me.

Then, all of a sudden, I heard this booming yet pleasant voice that resounded across the entire station.

“If you’re looking to board Train 86, you should be in carousel 3.“

It was as if the sound was coming from a loudspeaker behind me.
But it wasn’t. It had a significance all of its own.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, when you go down to the bottom of the stairs, turn right toward Track 3”.

As I approached the gate, the man at the front of the queue came into view and carefully continued his clear, concise instructions - one at a time.

“The car is moving from the station's right to the left. The business class car will be located at the back of the train. Same with the quiet car.”

It felt like my own personal concierge. The stress lifted. You could see smiles growing on the faces of the people in line. The agent looked each passanger in the eye and wished them a safe journey as they passed by.

I had to stop.

“What drives you to put so much positive energy into your job?” I asked.

“I think about the experience I’d hope to have - so I treat everyone how I’d like to be treated.”

How simple. How beautiful.

His name is Pat Michael Fattore. It turns out that Pat is also a professionally trained announcer.

He handed me his “side hustle” card.

At the bottom, it reads -

“A Voice of Amtrak”

I like the sound of that. A wonderful voice indeed.

If you’re looking to catch an Amtrak from Philly’, and fortunate to get in Pat’s line, don’t worry, just listen.

Keep announcing, Pat.

PS - I smiled all the way to NY this morning. Thank you