This column serves as a spotlight, highlighting the everyday people who work and live in Callaway County. The Fulton Sun takes a moment with someone who is not usually featured in the news, but is just as instrumental in making our community the strong and beautiful place we all know and love.
Jeffrey Apltner is a retired diesel mechanic who has lived in Fulton for the last 10 years. Apltner is originally from Arkansas and lives in Fulton with his wife, two sons and two granddaughters.
Q. What was your first job?
A. My very first job was working as a janitor at the Boone County (Arkansas) Hospital. You've got to start somewhere.
Q. Who most inspires you (living or dead)?
A. Man, that's a good question. I guess my dad. He had an amazing work ethic, and he was a mechanic too. That is what inspired me to take that up as opposed to going into the service, which I'm thankful for.
Q. What have you done in life that was most fulfilling?
A. Having my grandbabies. It's like having a second chance at raising kids, it's crazy.
Q. What is something that you are proud of that you have been recognized for?
A. All of the recognition I've gotten for my mechanical abilities. I've gotten awards from Caterpillar and a bunch of different engine manufacturers. It even got me promoted to service manager.
Q. What profession, other than your own, would you like to attempt?
A. I always wanted to be a pilot. I really just wanted to go fast.
Q. What profession would you not like to do?
A. Being a garbageman. I think that one sort of speaks for itself.
Q. What is something that nobody would be able to assume about you?
A. I'm a really caring person. I'm real sentimental, I guess. You probably wouldn't get that right off of the bat.
Q. What is your favorite thing about Callaway County?
A. Really just the fact my grandbabies are here, and it has the best fishing in the state of Missouri. I like to fish catfish, big catfish.