Christian retail supplier Word Distribution celebrated the retirement this month of veteran sales representatives Doug McCarthy and Jerry Leach. Combined, the two have worked at the company for 65 years.

McCarthy began his Christian music sales career at Word in 1967, the same year southern gospel legend Bill Gaither hit the spotlight.

"God has been very gracious to me and Word has been a huge part of that," said McCarthy. "I've worked with good artists and good people. It was neat to grow with and be a part of this cutting-edge industry."

With knowledge of southern gospel music, Leach joined Word in 1977 and became familiar with all the growing formats amidst the Christian genre. Watching the origin of Christian adult contemporary, pop, rock and other styles, he remembers selling the first Amy Grant album and projects from other acclaimed artists.

"What a privilege to be a part of all that," says Leach. "We were providing products out there to bring people closer to Christ. My only regret at Word was not starting sooner; time has flown by."

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