Recently my wife and I spent sometime in the Washington D.C. area as we were visiting our oldest daughter and her family. Having been there a number of times before I again started my morning ritual of visiting this coffee shop.
First morning I walked in immediately a gentleman acknowledged me and took my order. We exchanged some small conversation, he asking my name and saying "I haven't seen you in before are you local?" "No, no I'm not, just in the area for a few days visiting relatives." With that he stuck out his hand saying, "I'm Calvin, appreciate your coming in." "I'm Larry" and just visiting from Nashville."
Second morning same gentleman greeted me but this time before I said anything he said, "Larry, right?" "Calvin you got a great memory," I replied. "Rasin bagel with butter on the side and small decaf right," Calvin said.
Every morning and a few afternoons during our stay I stopped at this shop. Each time Calvin, greeted me with a smile, called me by name, generally a handshake and always knew my order.
A smile, an acknowledgment and a handshake...Calvin was practicing two of the most important things in the business world ..... service...hospitality and a knowledge of his customers. Sadly too often in this day and age....they are not seen.
You know I could have gone down the street a bit and got my coffee for a little less money, but there was something about Calvin and his place of business that everyday made me want to go back.
Just again...service and hospitality. Some of us even in this day and age will pay a bit more for such. That's saying quite a bit for a guy known among his children and grand-children who think he is rather frugal. Sometimes they have even used another word rather than frugal. Frugal I tell them... no not cheap.
Thanks Calvin. I'll be back next time in town.
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October 22, 2017
Keep on,
Larry Adamson