He's all about pleasing people
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Full Service
View video of Janesville's John Tracey, a full service man at two Janesville gas stations. Click to play
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John Tracey opens the door for customers at the Stop-N-Go at Center Ave and Rockport in Janesville. He is the full service man at two Janesville stations.
JANESVILLE — Hot water runs into a small sink at the end of the Stop-N-Go store's back counter.
A man hunches over the sink, scrubbing the stainless steel drip tray that sits under the cappuccino machine. He replaces the tray and heads to the other end of the counter to tidy the cream, sugar and stirrers left scattered by people who have come to get their caffeine fix on their way to work.
John Tracey, 55, is the full-service man at Stop-N-Go stores at 3515 E. Milwaukee St. and 714 Center Ave. in Janesville.
In addition to pumping gas at pumps 3 and 4 at the Milwaukee Street location and pumps 7 and 8 on Center Avenue, Tracey cleans the stores, stocks shelves and holds open doors.
"I'm trying to help people out so they get things they need," he said as he wiped down the counter.
Tracey began working as a full-service man years ago. His parents, Bill and Alice Tracey, owned Tracey Oil downtown at what is now the Janesville Police Department building at 100 N. Jackson St. His brother, Robert, later owned the gas station.
John Tracey began working for Stop-N-Go when the company bought out Tracey Oil in 2002. He works about 36 hours a week between the two gas stations.
Tracey enjoys working because he's able to talk to people, usually while he's filling up their gas tank.
"People have been very nice," he said. "It's just a nice place to work."
Mar 17, 2010 at 8:21 a.m.
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POLERT....no amount of money can fill the soul! Just remember that, I am going out on a limb here, but I am guessing you might not be as happy as you could be because your so caught up on the green. Yes, our country is in trouble, no, no man, woman, green, purple, white or black is going to fix our country.....but, we can be responsible for our own judgements and happiness, and do what we can to make our own beings successful. We have always got to remember, us as civilians will NEVER EVER know what is exactly going on, ever, so don't waste your precious time on earth trying to bring yourself or others down trying to.
Mar 17, 2010 at 8 a.m.
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AND what exactly constitutes as NEWS? Death, murder, theft, drugs, rape? It constitutes as news because someone is actually enjoying a job that others might look upon as a 'pee on'....and he gives the gift of his soul everyday to everyone, with no blinders! Maybe you ought to give that a try??!! It's people like you that give Janesville a stuck up reputation! Knock it off! I love hearing about a person doing a lot with just a little! His cup will always be full!
Oct 15, 2008 at 1:06 p.m.
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Sorry about the spelling error with John Tracey's last name. Guess I was typing too fast.
Oct 15, 2008 at 6:04 a.m.
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Polert:Why dont't you start your own blog(don't belong here)keep to the story subject..................
Oct 14, 2008 at 9:21 p.m.
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Desperate...and in need of new material.
Oct 14, 2008 at 9:08 p.m.
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polert is like a rat on a sinking ship.
Oct 14, 2008 at 8:53 p.m.
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My post applies to John directly so I am right on target. John is a hard worker at a small business which under Obama's statement would come under reduced profits by raising the taxes to support those that are unwilling to work as hard as John will. John will suffer because of his good work ethics which is the back bone of America.
Oct 14, 2008 at 7:37 p.m.
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Hey, polert, why don't you get together with the Gazette, so you can have a whole story written about your thoughts? This way you can read something that you believe in so much, and can have your very own thread to post the same thing over, and over, and over, and over again. We get your point, thanks for posting, now lets try to keep it with the stories that actually refer to it? Sound like a plan?
Oct 14, 2008 at 5:12 p.m.
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Way to go John. It's about time something like this came for you. I've had the pleasure of knowing this family for over 20 years when a company that I worked for had an account with Tracy Oil on Franklin Street. At that time, the Tracy's stored our company vehicle in the old stable/barn that was attached next to the gas station. Every morning John and Rob had those doors open with a smile and a nice comment or compliment.
There was never a bad word heard from either one of them. A nice family and a GREAT human interest story! Congrats John on the long over due publicity! You deserve it.
Oct 14, 2008 at 5:09 p.m.
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John Tracey should ask Obama the same question the plumber/owner operator in the Ohio meet/greet line did. Which is Obama why do you want to raise my taxes. Obama replied so we can spread the wealth. Which mean take from those that work hard, and give to those unwilling to work. It appears John is going to get punished for his efforts. Sorry John.
Oct 14, 2008 at 4:09 p.m.
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Kudos to Mr. Tracey.
Oct 14, 2008 at 8:27 a.m.
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This guy amazes me every time I see him. I always enjoy seeing him opening doors for people as I visit the center ave store frequently. There are a few other common faces I see there that are very friendly also.
Oct 14, 2008 at 7:35 a.m.
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Well OkieFed you do fall in the jerk category...right at the top of the list...I assume you never been to the stations he works at....some people can be labeled nice guys
Unfortuntely your label can not be printed in listed here
Oct 13, 2008 at 10:52 p.m.
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okiefed.....with all the negativity in the news lately, is writing an article about a guy who loves his job because of the love for helping people a bad thing? By the way, I know his family very well, and was ecstatic when I saw the article about John. Like the TV commercials you may have seen, there are genuine people out there, and this is a perfect hometown example of one.
Oct 13, 2008 at 7:32 p.m.
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What a wonderful little story. Blast from the past! When I was a little girl, no one pumped their own gas... all stations were full service!
Oct 13, 2008 at 3:12 p.m.
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What a great story! It is wonderful to read about you Mr. Tracey, and your enjoyment of what you do. Very inspiring!
Oct 13, 2008 at 12:52 p.m.
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He's pumped gas for me....it's great when it's cold out! Thank you
Oct 13, 2008 at 11:40 a.m.
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Thank you Mr. Tracey for all you do for others.
Nice to read this story.
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