Help Wanted, Help Found

I am not cool enough to work at Starbucks, but I love them anyway!  Starbucks is my longest relationship to date...we've been making each other feel good for almost thirty years.   My first Starbucks mocha happened when I was looking for my first Chicago apartment.  Walking the city streets in the Gold Coast, sipping this weirdly wonderful mix of coffee and hot chocolate and feeling dirt blow against my legs is forever ingrained in my soul.  I applied to work there when I was at my coolest; a Chicago actress with an Oprah commercial under my belt.  I'd heard they offered even part time employees health insurance, and I wanted in!  I didn't even get an interview, but I kept sipping that precious brew all my life.  One of the best things about Starbucks is the people they employ:  edgy, warm and friendly.  People uniquely interested in making YOUR day with their products. I was de...

Enjoy this guest post from Leeann Wright. Remus Farms is the best "farm stand" around! Their selection of locally sourced produce is amazing. Plus, their policy of "if you're not happy, we're not happy" is fantastic - I followed a thread regarding tomatoes for canning. One gentlemen purchased what appeared to be ripe tomatoes, but when he got them home and started chopping, discovered they were not ripe inside. Remus replaced all the tomatoes purchased - that was awesome! I went there this past weekend to get tomatoes, onions, and peppers for canning tomato sauce and salsa. I have been going there for several years and still continue to be impressed with the variety of the produce - all at really good prices. What I like most is their efforts to source as much as they can locally. I'm thrilled to see produce from down the street, but also from states close by, such as peaches from Michigan.  "What a treat!  I could have very well mana...

Sometimes you meet someone who is doing exactly what they need to be doing in the world. I love it when this happens!  I saw Bill's Mobile Auto Detailing today when I was driving around and I thought he was one of those people.   I haven't actually met Bill.   He might to a horrid job detailing I dunno...but it feels like he is an awesome guy, doing  exactly what the world needs him to do.  Detailing takes attention to (wait for it....DETAIL) and patience. Hiring someone to detail you car for example, that buys you back precious time in a day.  This Bill guy...he takes even better care of folks by being mobile and bringing the business to them.   Bill's Mobile Auto Detailing. I was curious, so I looked Bill up. I know most people do not take the time to review businesses, but of the 18 people who did review Bill's Mobile Auto Detailing, Good ol Bill got FIVE STARS!  Bravo!  What great customer service to have a MOBILE Auto Detail...

Screen addiction is a real thing and I sure have it.  Even as my daughters get older and more independent, I'm working to keep them off of screens most of the time.  We are all in on the library summer reading program and they know the only screen I like saying yes to is for ebooks.  Both of my daughters love books, and they just got rewarded for it on a routine visit to the vet!  A love of reading can help with screen addiction, and bookstores are a great solution. Until last week, I did not know there was a used bookstore in Chesterton, Indiana!  I have yet to visit the bookstore O'Gara and Wilson, Booksellers, but my daughters and I are already raving fans.  One of the owners Jill,  stopped us at the veterinarian's office  to compliment my daughter Portia who was reading a book.  She said "I just love seeing children reading books, and I'd like to give you this card ...

I've always been fascinated by people, and they are everywhere!  It is interesting to watch how we all interact with each other. This is especially true in a customer service environment.  Most days all of us have several interactions with people in a customer service industry. This morning alone I bought coffee at the gas station and talked with the pleasant employee then went to church where greeters welcomed me and ushers handed me a bulletin with a smile.  I went to ballgame where ticket takers smiled and later I was waited on at dinner in a restaurant.  Each interaction shaped my day, and theirs.  Or did it? A grocery store in Chicago let you donate your bag credit to charity! A friend asked me when I last received EXCELLENT customer service and I had to think awhile.   My friend and I often taught sales people at any level that they can choose to be outstanding in their position...or not.  Even th...