Second Career:

Leaping from Law Enforcement to Books
Michael Murphy, bookseller
Buford, Georgia

You might not necessarily expect investigative skills or diplomacy to be bookseller qualities, but in the case of Michael Murphy, his background in law enforcement and the military laid the groundwork for his new career at Barnes & Noble.

After graduating from the University of New Hampshire with a bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences, Michael spent 10 years in the U.S. Air Force as a special agent in the Office of Special Investigations. He then transitioned to law enforcement for 10 years in New Hampshire, where he spent the last two years as chief of police. Michael also worked for 20 years in pharmaceutical sales and marketing, prior to joining the Buford, GA, store as a bookseller in September 2009.

“I’m extremely interested in literacy and helping others appreciate books and learning,” says Michael, who through his various career moves developed the ability to relate to people. Needless to say, Michael has extensive investigative and diplomacy skills. “I once considered myself the least diplomatic person in the world,” he says, “so I’m happy to now know how to be diplomatic, which helps when dealing with customers.”

These skills, combined with the fact that Michael is an avid reader, contributes to his finding additional success as a bookseller. Already, he feels confident and comfortable helping customers and answering questions in many areas of the store. 

In his youth, Michael constantly thought about opening a bookstore someday, but his path led him toward different pursuits, until now. “During my time in the Air Force, I worked on anything from major crimes to highly classified strategic planning to counterintelligence investigations.  It was a time of much learning and personal growth. I’m having a similar experience now at Barnes & Noble, only without the crimes — and I don’t have to carry a weapon.”