Sales rep Karl Krueger is retiring after 30 years with Penguin Random House covering the New England territory. His final appointment at Wellesley Books, Wellesley, Mass., was last Friday, and the store celebrated him with flowers, candy, and treats.
Buyer Lorna Ruby said, "His boss asked if I had any words to share for a testimonial when Karl was approaching his 30th anniversary and this is what I said: 'I have worked with Karl since his Putnam days (I started my buying career at Lauriat's in 1989) and he has always been a joy to work with. Smart, friendly, honest, funny--he knows his books, loves a good greeting card, and is a cheerleader for every bookstore (and author) out there. He is open, curious about the world, and caring about everyone in his book circle. He embodies everything that is right and good about the book business.' "
Pictured: Krueger with the Wellesley Books staff who've known him the longest: (from l.) buyer Lorna Ruby; Krueger; Betty Sudarsky, bookseller and book group leader; Sally Weitzen, bookseller.