He later worked as a soda jerk. Concrete is another term from soda jerk lingo that is still used. Marie makes it clear she does not enjoy being married to a lowly soda jerk. He did a variety of jobs including soda jerk, bricklayer, private detective and bodyguard. One of his first jobs was as a soda jerk. Going to his job as a soda jerk, he meets Elvina (Peggy Shannon). He also worked a string of odd jobs, from soda jerk to singer. While there, he worked as a soda jerk at the Lum's Drugstore. His debut in the New York theater world began with "The Soda Jerk". In his youth, Cody worked at his father's drug store as a soda jerk. During high school he worked part-time as a drugstore soda jerk and delivered groceries. He began working at a young age as a newsboy, and later a soda jerk. Soda Jerk Records, Adeline Records, and Snuffy Smile.