How does a guy develop a passion for Retail?

I am a veteran of the United States Coast Guard, and when my enlistment was up, I moved to a small coastal town in Oregon.  I have worked in several industries learning about all sorts of business from Nickel Ore Mines to Locksmith, to Casino Development to the State Employment Department to Video Stores.  However, in this small town, several of the companies either went under, or reduced the staff to only include the owners.  I spent some time after college at Southwestern Oregon trying to decide what to do.  I have interests in food, people, sales and customer service.  After talking to a few friends who were Grocery Store Managers, I realized that a career in retail management could capsulate all of the previous experience and offer growth, challenge and a wage in which I could support my family. 

After six years of training and experience, I am glad that I made this choice.  It is exciting to be a part of an industry that is always moving and changing and growing to accommodate seasons and the ever changing desires of consumers. It is thrilling to be in charge of hundreds of employees.  It is gratifying to teach and train young college students and teach them about work ethic and responsibility. It is also gratifying to find employment that works around a persons private needs, and still benefits fully the company's needs and goals.