I debated on posting this, as it was intended to be a letter to all my coworkers at Metropolitan Title. But, I thought it might be helpful to share what it looks like when we seek to leave a company with Christ at the center of how we approach it. I can’t say I’m great at it, just ask my boss. She could tell you of many of my flaws. But, it’s my attempt. So, here’s my Goodbye to Metropolitan Title.

To All my Bosses at Metropolitan Title,

Eleven years ago, I had the honor and privilege to have been interviewed by Scott York who thought my resume was a bit “funny”, but thought that I knew how to learn so he had me continue the interview and eventually the hiring process with Jennifer Fee in Lafayette. Scott York along with real estate agents and many others have given me plenty of nicknames (Trav, T-dog, Poindexter, he who could afford to miss a lunch to get my closing done, etc.). But there has been one that I have consistently used with most of you that may be worth dwelling on for a minute. In my day-to-day interactions with most of you, I have referred to you as “boss”. Some of you might think it a funny quirk from a southerner-wannabee (bring on the biscuits!), others just a part of my persona. As Friday is my last day with Metropolitan Title, I wanted to explain this small quirk of mine.

I have had a variety of roles here at Metro, but with each one, my goal has been to be a servant. In my life I have had many who have taken it on themselves to serve me in small and big ways. One person in particular served me so deeply that I’ll never be able to fully describe it or repay it. As a result, I have wanted to model that same service to others. But I have at times struggled to have a servant’s heart. So, this simple, “boss” has been an effort to remind myself that I am here to serve. That each of you is just as valuable if not more valuable than I am. And that I get to serve each of you while I’m here.

On Friday, I will be leaving to search for another job somewhere else. I do not know what that looks like yet, but I am confident something will come along. But before I go, I just wanted to say thanks for letting me serve. I have constantly been impressed by the quality of people Metropolitan has been able to find and hire and there are so many of you that have been kind when you could have been mean, professional when the temptation was to stoop to a lower level, and patient with me in particular when the technology failed or I failed to live up to the servant I wanted to be. So many of you set a strong example on what it looks like to live out the core values Metro promotes. I am grateful to have gotten the chance to work for so many fine bosses. Feel free to stay in touch. Just don’t look for me on social media under “Poindexter”. I think that username may have already been taken.

Gratefully yours,

Travis Stockton (a.k.a. Poindexter)