When I think about what the American worker looks like to me, I think of my dad. My dad was about as blue collar as you can get, yet I thought he was a rock star. My dad was a bus driver for the Cleveland public transit system in Ohio. He wore this uniform that looked like a cross between a soldier and a police chief. My sister and I would fight over who got to wear his hat when he came home each night. We took this very seriously! As a matter of fact, one night when it was my turn to wear dad’s hat, my sister grabbed it and ran downstairs to the playroom. She jumped on our rocking horse and was teasing me with the hat. So, I did what any good big sister would do. I grabbed it off her head and accidently gave her a bloody nose in the process! Thank you to Kronos for inspiring and sponsoring today’s discussion about the Real American Worker.
So, what does the real American worker look like to you? In the Royce McMullen household, he looks like (wait for it) an alligator wrangler! That’s right! An alligator wrangler! Talk about looking like a hero to his kids! What makes Royce even more appealing is Royce McMullen is also a Sergeant actively involved in the National Guard. He is has served in both Iraq and Afghanistan and is what is called a traditional Guardsman. Royce drills one weekend a month and two weeks a year as a member of the 2225th Multi-Role Bridge Company. Can you imagine what an adrenaline rush it must be to handle on of the world’s most powerful predators? For Royce McMullen, it’s just another day at Insta-Gator Ranch and Hatchery for this family man and National Guardsman. For Royce, this is a role that is rewarding in unexpected ways and challenges him to break out of his comfort zone. “Seeing kids’ faces light up at what amazing creatures these guys are” makes his conservation work all the more fulfilling.
The Insta-Gator Ranch and Hatchery in Covington, LA, where Royce lives, is a world-renowned alligator ranching program directed by Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries. The farm was developed to conserve the American Alligator species and preserve the Louisiana wetlands. The facility is a working alligator ranch, home to more than 2,000 gators, which can grow up to four feet in length before being released back into the wild. During the hatching season Royce travels by air boat out into the marshes to harvest 20-40 alligator eggs, collecting approximately 1,500 eggs throughout July with his team. If you were to ask Royce about what he does, he will tell you “It totally beats working for a living!”
You can see Royce’s story as part of the 1 in one hundred million Web Series from Kronos. The 1 in one hundred million series profiles ordinary people in the workforce and tells their stories. Each month, Kronos releases a new video focused on one occupation, like a firefighter, a nurse, a union electrician, and more. “1 in one hundred million” is a site devoted to sharing the personal stories of people who do the many important and too-often unrecognized jobs upon which we all rely. From our very first days, Kronos solutions have always focused on the work that people do. That’s why we’re proud to celebrate these special individuals who reflect the character,the commitment, and the passion of today’s workforce. Kronos has tens of thousands of customers worldwide, Kronos is the leader in workforce management solutions. Kronos helps their clients manage time and attendance records, worker’s schedules, absence records, HR and payroll, hiring, and labor analytics solutions and services. For more information, visit kronos.com.
Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen says
I think there’s no typical worker look but I love Royce’s story. I don’t think I could be an alligator wrangler.
Life as a Convert says
Ha! I love what he says about “working for a living”. When you love what you do, it definitely doesn’t feel like work.
Yona Williams says
Royce’s story is very cool – to wrangle alligators and defend our country. Yes, he deserves a spotlight.
Joanne T Ferguson says
I think that would be a really fun job that I would also want to do! It not only educates children of all ages, but there is nothing like the excitement on people’s faces when they see an animal close up that they normally would not get to see! I love interacting with people in this world and would be a dream job for me!
ricci says
This looks like a really cool job!! I think the Real American Worker looks like an average person because most of us are out in the workforce today.
Paula Schuck says
That’s a very brave young man and I bet his job isn’t boring. I think I would be way too scared to do this for a living. I give him a lot of credit and respect.
Susan Quackenbush says
I could never imagine doing something like this myself but I have a great amount of respect for those that do! Thank you for sharing this wonderful post with us! 🙂
CourtneyLynne says
Is it bad that this is the first time I’ve ever heard of this?!?! Glad I now know what American worker is and it’s great that it’s being featured like this 🙂
Lauren R says
Love that the American worker is being spotlighted. There are so many important jobs that go unnoticed but are critical to keep society going strong! Thanks for sharing!
Michelle @ Dishes and Dust Bunnies says
It’s really interesting to see what kinds of different jobs people in the US have. Being an alligator wrangler sounds like it would be a scary job! LOL
Rosey says
My oldest son is the epitome of the American worker to me. He’s just go go go…gotta take care of my family, etc. I love it!
Dawn McAlexander says
I think of my dad and my husband when I think of American workers. They both worked in factories for their entire adult lives. They sweated and toiled in awful heat and freezing cold. That’s an American worker to me.
Mykidsguide says
I never would have know this if I hadn’t read it here. It’s nice that they are spotlighting American workers.
Krystal says
That is one fascinating gig! I need to look more into Kronos. Cool video!
April @ Everyday Fitness and Nutrition says
Love that the American worker is being spotlighted. There are so many important jobs that go unnoticed but are critical to keep society functioning.
HilLesha says
I don’t believe I’d would love to have that job, but it’s always interesting reading about American workers from all walks of life. Thanks for sharing his story! 🙂
Annemarie LeBlanc says
Wow, an alligator wrangler! I can’t imagine that being my main source of income. I would faint at the sight of reptiles. He does look like he enjoys what he’s doing, so, hats off to you!
Echo says
I love this so much! It’s about time that we shine a light on the American worker!
Chantal says
I don’t think there is a typical american worker! I think this is such a great project to share stories of different workers accross the county!
Christy Maurer says
I bet your dad had some great stories to tell from his bus driving days! Maybe he’s even dealt with people rougher than an alligator lol. This is pretty cool!
Mimi "MimiCuteLips" Green says
Wow, now that is some job. I can’t say that I know or have met any alligator wranglers. I have so many questions I want to ask him. lol
Liz Mays says
They’ve had an awesome variety of jobs in the series so far. It’s pretty cool how they’re highlighting so many different people.
Jeanine says
That is a really cool job. Not one I could do because I’m a chicken but it’s very cool! Would be neat to experience!
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
Now that is an interesting job! No way I would be doing it, but hey – someone has to, right?