Serving tables at the Detroit-famous Anchor Bar taught me everything. Not only did visiting journalists help develop my career there, busy hockey nights taught me staying cool during chaos. Yes, Red Wings fans and Joe Louis arena workers get chaotic. Don’t ask about the Hoedown. It’s put up or shut up in the 313 — no matter the industry. When the original, longtime owners of the bar announced the sale of it in 2018, I got the story for the News — before a competitor from the Free Press, sitting next to me, did.

I’ve also worked at a blues bar, pool hall, two libraries and a bank. I learned how to work well with a range of folks no matter their age, background or opinion of fantasy sports. These jobs also helped hone my baloney detecting skills.

I wrote for UM-Dearborn’s student newspaper, The Michigan Journal, during undergrad years.