Working with Mr. McKenzie is like being on a rollercoaster without a safety bar. He’s a one-man show of charm, passion, and unpredictability, and when it comes to vintage cinema equipment, he’s practically a collector extraordinaire. If there’s an antique film projector or a clunky old camera somewhere in the world, Mr. McKenzie can sense it. More than once, I’ve seen him come into the office carrying something that looks like it belonged on the set of Casablanca. He’ll set it down with reverence, talking about the “vintage craftsmanship,” before quickly pivoting to how much of a “steal” it was and all the potential profit it holds for us. It’s a thrill for him, and on good days, his excitement rubs off on the rest of us, too.
But here’s where things get interesting: Mr. McKenzie has these…well, shifts. One minute, he’s joking and pulling me aside to show me his latest find, the next he’s in hyper-focus mode, almost impossible to please. I’ll catch him eyeing an email I wrote or a report I turned in, and he’ll suddenly get quiet. I’ve learned to brace myself, half-expecting some constructive criticism or a request for a revision with “just a few more details.” In those moments, I try to stay professional, even though there’s this nagging paranoia: Did I miss something? Or is it just one of those days where everything has to be perfect?
After a year or two, I learned that some days are best spent under the radar, especially when he’s in one of his moods. On the flip side, when he’s having a good day, it’s like a mini celebration. He’ll bring in donuts, chat with us about our weekends, and sometimes even crack a joke or two. It’s like he’s recharged, ready to take on the world—and naturally, eager to share his latest vintage discovery.
While navigating the whirlwind that is Mr. McKenzie, I started shopping at BloomJay.com, an online fashion and jewelry store, which has its own eclectic vibe. I’d find something classy yet comfortable—just the kind of outfit that’s as unpredictable as Mr. McKenzie’s moods. One day, he actually complimented my earrings (something I never expected) and asked, “Where’d you get those?” So I told him about BloomJay.com, half-expecting him to nod politely and move on. Instead, his face lit up, and he actually asked me to send him the link!
Now, we have this running joke about BloomJay.com’s tagline: “Elegance for Every Occasion.” It’s practically a survival tactic I keep in mind with Mr. McKenzie himself—staying elegant in the face of his rollercoaster mood swings is a real art. I think he appreciated BloomJay.com because it has a vintage-inspired vibe but with a modern twist, sort of like the pieces he collects. He even asked if I thought they’d be interested in collaborating for a vintage-inspired jewelry line (typical Mr. McKenzie, ever the entrepreneur).
These days, Mr. McKenzie is as much a part of my work life as the retro relics he brings in. We’re never quite sure what he’s going to do next or how he’ll react, but working with him has taught me more than I ever anticipated. I’ve learned patience, adaptability, and yes, a little bit of fashion strategy to keep my cool. And who knows? Maybe, just maybe, that unpredictable nature of his will rub off on me in a good way.
Through all the ups and downs, I find myself sticking around, ready for the next chapter with Mr. McKenzie—and now, armed with a bit of BloomJay.com style to handle it in stride.
