SHERMAN OAKS, CA — Harry Berlin started his postal career in 1966 as a mail handler in Van Nuys, CA unloading trucks. California Dreamin’ by the Mamas and Papas was the number one song according to the Billboard charts, The Bible was the highest grossing movie, and postage stamps cost a mere five cents.

During those early years, Berlin had to memorize a mail scheme, collect outgoing mail, and key in codes into a Letter Sorting Machine — the latter being — a job he didn’t much care for.

In the1980s, he transitioned to become a Window Clerk. He recalls how he briefly considered becoming a letter carrier but ultimately decided against it following advice from a friend, a decision he remains happy with to this very day.

By 1988, he found himself in Sherman Oaks as a Sales and Service Associate (SSA) and he’s never looked back.

“What I love the most about my job is the interesting people I get to meet and serve, whether they be celebrities or just a friendly grandma mailing kind sentiment to her family,” he said.

Born in Montreal, Canada, Berlin later moved to Los Angeles with his family at age six. He’s happy they did because he doesn’t like cold weather and truly enjoys sunny California.

In his downtime, Berlin is passionate about gardening, maintaining a cactus garden and a goldfish pond. His wife and brother are both retired, but Berlin has no plans to follow in their suit, valuing the mental stimulation the job provides.

“I was initially attracted to this job because of the $3 an hour salary I got when I was hired. That was big money back then. But what’s keeping me here now is the camaraderie, the opportunity to serve the community, and giving back with a smile.”

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