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.
