“Justin … what kind of a name is that?” asked my hopefully soon-to-be employer as he eyeballed my job application. I had just graduated from high school and was hoping for a summer job at the shore. While Justin was indeed not a common name in those days, it was not a question I had expected.

“Well, um, err, that’s what my parents chose to name me,” I stammered.

“Well,” he replied, clearly unimpressed with my answer, “if you want to work here, your name is gonna be Jack.” I did and it was.

Thus began my summer employment with M&M Fruit & Produce of Beach Haven Terrace.