(This week The Columbian-Progress spotlights Mack Grubbs salesman Tyler Bass.)
Q: When and where were you born?
A: I was born in Hattiesburg at Forrest General, but I’ve lived in Columbia all my life. I was born March 26, 1993.
Q: Where did you attend school?
A: I attended Columbia High School.
Q: Where do you work? Tell us about your job/company.
A: I’m a salesman at Mack Grubbs. We sell across the entire lot from Chrysler, Ram, Dodge, Jeep, Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, Buick and even over to the Hyundai dealership in Hattiesburg.
Q: What led you to your profession?
A: I worked offshore for six years. That’s all I had known because that’s what my family had done. I’ve always enjoyed cars, and I got tired of always driving 14 hours. I like being around cars, I like selling them and I like helping people accomplish their goals. Maybe it’ll take me down a new road, and we’ll see what opens up for me. I know just about everything there is about a car from my dad. From being gone 14 days at a time to being home every night now, that was the main switch so I could be around my family a lot more.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: Helping people because everyone has a goal. Some people’s goal may be buying a house, getting the job they want or buying a car. They want to be successful for themselves and want to set even higher goals, and I like feeling like I was a part of them get there.
Q: What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
A: I haven’t really ran into a huge challenge yet. I’ve been here about a year and a half, and a lot of my customers have really helped me help them. They’ve made it easy for me. I really haven’t had that bump yet.
Q: What is the most important lesson you have learned in your career?
A: There have been a few. I’ve learn to have patience, to listen and to overcome obstacles. Every obstacle can be overcome with the right approach.
Q: When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: It was between a police officer and a tool pusher because my dad did both. He was a deputy sheriff, and he was a rig manager for H&P for about 25 years. That’s what my uncle was, and all my family before that was in oilfield.
Q: What was your first job?
A: I started mowing yards for a little bit while I was in school, then I got a job at The Deck.
Q: Who are the people who have been most influential in your life?
A: My parents, Eddie and Angela Bass, definitely. They raised to take high responsibility, work for what I have and don’t count on anybody else to catch me if I fall but to pick myself up.
Q: What is your spouse’s name?
A: Courtney Bass.
Q: Do you have children?
A: We have a 4-year-old daughter, Emma Grace.
Q: If you could have anything for your last meal on earth, what would it be?
A: Probably crab cake pasta — that’s been my favorite for a while — or chicken alfredo.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Ireland. I’ve seen a lot of pictures through magazines and read articles, and it just seems like a clean, pure, laid-back environment.
Q: What hobbies do you like to do in your spare time?
A: In my spare time I’m usually outside with my daughter. If we’re not throwing a softball, we’re riding a bike or working on one of my vehicles. I like to go fishing whenever I can. My wife and I will do something together. Whatever I can do to spend time with my family; I like being with my family. I’m not the biggest out and about person. I’d rather be at home.
Q: What do you enjoy about Columbia and Marion County?
A: The people. Everybody has got that Southern hospitality, and it’s home. It’s where I’ve known and where I grew up. People know me. They know who I am and know I’m ready to help anyone in any way I can if I’m able. You call me, I’m there, and I know people would do the same thing for me if I needed it.
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone from your life or history, who would it be and why?
A: I would have to say it would be my grandfather, C.L. Bass, on my dad’s side. I knew him, but I felt like I didn’t know him enough because he was sick and unable to walk or anything. From the stories my dad has told me, it seemed like we had a lot in common. Just to actually sit down with him, talk to him, get to know him, hear stories about him and dad and get advice from him would be great. The advice he gave my dad and my dad gave to me to help me raise my daughter into the future would be nice to hear from him.
Q: If you didn’t have to worry about money, what would you do all day?
A: I’d probably still sell cars because I get enjoyment out of it.
Q: What moment in your life has had the biggest impact on who you are today?
A: Sept. 17, 2015, when we had our daughter because that put her above anything and anyone else. Whatever I got to do to keep her safe I’ll do it. I’m going to be there for her just like my dad was there for me.
Q: What is one thing you want to do that you’ve never tried?
A: I want to go skydiving, but my wife won’t let me. I want the adrenaline, and I want to do it because not everyone has done it.
Q: Using one word for each, what are your top three morals?
A: Loyalty, respect and honesty.
Q: How would you like to be remembered?
A: As someone who would do anything for his family to provide and who was selfless.
—Joshua Campbell
