But even if working in an NBA front office was miles …
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But even if working in an NBA front office was miles from working after school and on weekends at the small motels and restaurants his family owned when he was growing up in Alberta, Saleh believes the experience ultimately translated. “The cool thing about growing up in Alberta was it was really a blue-collar province. There’s a natural grit to everyone there that was instilled in me, and from a work ethic standpoint, from my parents,” he says. “And the good thing about working at the hotel was it really taught me social skills. You had to deal with different types of clientele, whether it’s the nicest person walking in trying to rent a room or get a meal at the restaurant, or dealing with a tougher clientele that is frustrated with something, and being able to manage those conversations. “We were kids helping out wherever we could, and growing up in that industry helped me build relationships with people and understand the dynamics of communication with different people and cultures. “And you deal with that in the NBA. You have to figure out how to talk to other GMs, agents, players, with Tony (Hawks owner Tony Ressler),” he said. “I had to figure that out, and having grown up in the family business has really helped me at this level.”
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: But even if working in an NBA front office was miles …
