If you are one of our regulars, we have no doubt that at some point you have seen Mike Carteaux at your front door. With his easy going and kind personality he takes his job seriously and over the last 24 years (you read that right!) he has delivered thousands upon thousands of meals to the Fort Wayne community.

Mike is Waiter on the Way's longest running employee. In 24 years he has driven more than three quarters of a million miles delivering breakfast, lunch, and dinner to the people of Fort Wayne. After spending a little time with Mike, it is easy to understand why he loves his job so much. He told me that he gets to "meet all kinds of people. I am on my own and get to plan out my day. We have a great staff here. I love meeting people at the restaurants and at their front door. I'm definitely a people person." His compassion is evident in his stories. When I asked him to tell me a funny story from his driving adventures he told me that "every long once in awhile someone will answer the front door.... without much clothes on."

A Vietnam Vet that is still in love with his sweetheart, Jenny, of 33 years, he considers himself a family man that works hard to connect with the people around him. "Derek has really built this business. He's a great boss to work for. It's because of him that Waiter on the Way is having the success it is now enjoying at the level it is enjoying it." He also went on to mention that he wasn't so sure about moving the offices to Downtown Fort Wayne at first but "it has been a solid move that has helped the business and is on the main route to any location in town."

He always enjoys making people smile and making sure your order is delivered to perfection. We are hoping he will stick around long enough to hit that one million mile mark before retiring someday. Next time you place an order, you just might see Mike at your front door. Make sure to say, "hello!" to him (and don't forget to put some pants on first.)

Photo and article by Stephen J. Bailey of With a PH Digital Marketing & Development