PHOTO SPECIAL: Labor Intensive

Tim Esser has worked as a mechanic for 26 years and has been with Main Street Automotive for 13 years. "(I enjoy) making people happy and helping people," he says.

Ron Schooler has been detailing and cleaning boats for 20 years; 13 of those years have been spent in Sarasota at Marina Jack. "Look at where I am!" he says. "Every day is like a vacation."

Susana Maldonado has worked at Hibbs Farm and Garden Supply for three years and has been in the gardening industry for five years. "I love the annuals," she says. "They are more beautiful than the perennials."

Max Bedwell has spent six years driving school buses for the Sarasota County School District. "(I enjoy) meeting new kids and bumping into kids I had on my routes before," he says.

Kim Bard, a waitress for three years at the Sun Garden Café, on Siesta Key, has 18 years of waitressing experience. "I just love working with people and meeting new people and hearing their stories," she says.

Tom Clarke has spent two years in the rum business with Drum Circle Distilling, based on Siesta Key. "I like the uniqueness of the business," he says. "It's not your standard business."

Steven Sanders has worked with Waste Management for two years. The best part about his job, he says, are the people he meets.

Johanna Krempe has worked as a nurse for 32 years. Her last 27 years have been spent at Sarasota Memorial Hospital working as a labor delivery nurse. "(I love) to be part of this enormous event ... The miracle of bringing life into the world," she says.

Brian Trench, a 15-year postal worker who works at the Siesta Key Post Office says what he loves most is the people.