I love that this happened! It does make us feel all's right with the world, at least for those moments--and we can take them away with us and maybe be a little kinder ourselves.
I'll take Lowes over Home Depot any day. I've had much better luck at Lowes in the past, when I was shopping at both. I don't shop at Home Depot now, for political reasons, but I think I wouldn't, anyway. In every town that has one of them, they also have the other. Almost without fail. So Lowes it is, for me, anyway.
You are so right, Ramona. 'Tim' gave me a kindness boost that impacted my day and the way I reacted to others.
I've been partial to Home Depot, which is why I went there first (it was actually several miles farther away). But when both stores offer the same products, customer service can be a huge differentiator. Tim would have been Tim no matter where he worked. I was just grateful to have met him. We had quite a conversation walking out to my car. I learned about his wife and their recent trip to Colorado to a friend's concert. It was just two people engaging in a friendly and positive way. Life is good that way.
My cousin is a department manager at a Home Depot in Canada and I have no doubt he's another 'Tim'! He has some funny stories to tell but in a good way.
Yes, I'm going to try and stay on the island for the winter. Don't know how that will go, but I always have the option to leave if things get rough. I'm kind of looking forward to the peace and quiet, so I'm hoping both the cabin and Mother Nature cooperate. 😏
Just goes to show you that it's not the (big) box, but what's in it. You have to wonder about the corporate culture at these respective stores, whether it's inspired locally or nationally. Either way, what a difference a Tim makes!
"... even if you have all the products that the ‘other guy’ has, you still need one more thing to be successful." Yes! It is the employee/customer interface. That is why I always shop at Trader Joe's. I don't know if their clerks are well-trained or if TJs only hires friendly, happy, helpful people? But I will pay more just for the kindness shown there. Nice post Heather!
Okay, I’m going to share a dirty little secret about Lowe’s.
I got involved in a project that donated almost 500 storage sheds built by volunteers for people who lost their homes in a Northern California wildfire. Thousands of homes and other structures were destroyed and almost 90 people lost their lives.
A nearby Lowe’s supplied most of our materials and donated the roofing and paint for the sheds. They got the roofing shingles from a supplier near Seattle and delivered them to us with a Lowe’s truck.
If we needed something, our Pro Desk person dropped everything to help. Lowe’s employees even helped built sheds when they could and Lowe’s sent trucks and forklifts a few times to deliver sheds to the new owners.
Here in Idaho, Lowe’s provided support for a major facelift on a residential youth ranch. The ProDesk person who helped us was pure gold. The project started during the time of Covid when everything was difficult to source, but somehow we never ran short of and materials because of her efforts, even when she was down with Covid herself.
So the dirt little secret about Lowe’s is that they are about more than only a bottom line. They really do help out with projects in their local communities. It’s probably a great way for them to build goodwill, but it also seems like a big part of their corporate culture.
I honestly think the people at Lowe's are friendlier than the ones at Home Depot. Like, Home Depot's CS is on par with Walmart's. And I absolutely HATE that place.
Isn't it amazing how our impressions are shaped by the service we receive, not the products. Those are pretty much the same, yet customer service can vary so much. It sounds like you haven't had great experiences at Walmart.😔
Never. But I'm also biased because my nephew currently works for them in the warehouse (loading the trucks), but he used to work in-store and his experience there was JUST HORRIBLE. Honestly, I'm surprised he's stayed as long as he has with this company.
Internal customer service (staff) is just as important as external customer service. And just like ripples of kindness affect everyone around, ripples of negativity also affect others.
No name for the new microwave yet, but I'm a little partial toward 'Fritz' as in "don't go on the Fritz" lol. If he makes it through Christmas that'll probably stick.😁
I'm so glad we have connected. Your salad and song post this week was clever and witty... and your husband has a great voice. I could see him in The Phantom of the Opera quite nicely.
Such a breath of fresh air when someone goes out of their way to make life easier for you. I think it's pretty obvious which guy loves his job and which guy dreads it.
I was in Walmart three years ago when I asked and an 80ish year old thin black guy with an "Air Force " cap where the toys were for someone my grandson's age. He proceeded to walk me all the way back to the far corner of the store and helped me find the type toys I had in mind. He impressed me so much that a few months ago I asked a middle-aged guy if he by any chance remembered the guy I described. He immediately responded - "Oh, that's Harry, he's working just mornings a few days a week now. I hope he doesn't have to work, but at least he seemed to love his job.
As you point out, the media with its megaphone can offset so much good that's in the world. We just have to look harder for, and be more aware of the wonderful people under our noses - like Harry.
Therein lies the conundrum for me. I believe there are plenty of good people doing good things. I think that a way to combat negative media (and negativity in general) is to have more people telling the stories of kindness that they experience (giver or receiver) or witness. Imagine people on social media telling 'kind' stories -- thousands upon thousands of them, instead of spreading gossip and ill will.
I suspect with "Us and Them" you are approaching the same subject matter and with a really interesting perspective. I'm looking forward to continuing to read your work.
Your comment about thousands and thousands of people sharing positive stories would be so nice but I'm afraid it wouldn't have nearly as much appeal as angertainment - which is sad. All we can do is keep trying to add to the positive side. Yes, our topics overlap in some ways but they complement each other. I look forward to getting more energy and positivity from your writing as well - Thanks.
I love that this happened! It does make us feel all's right with the world, at least for those moments--and we can take them away with us and maybe be a little kinder ourselves.
I'll take Lowes over Home Depot any day. I've had much better luck at Lowes in the past, when I was shopping at both. I don't shop at Home Depot now, for political reasons, but I think I wouldn't, anyway. In every town that has one of them, they also have the other. Almost without fail. So Lowes it is, for me, anyway.
You are so right, Ramona. 'Tim' gave me a kindness boost that impacted my day and the way I reacted to others.
I've been partial to Home Depot, which is why I went there first (it was actually several miles farther away). But when both stores offer the same products, customer service can be a huge differentiator. Tim would have been Tim no matter where he worked. I was just grateful to have met him. We had quite a conversation walking out to my car. I learned about his wife and their recent trip to Colorado to a friend's concert. It was just two people engaging in a friendly and positive way. Life is good that way.
I hope you're doing well. Are you in Michigan?
My cousin is a department manager at a Home Depot in Canada and I have no doubt he's another 'Tim'! He has some funny stories to tell but in a good way.
Yes, I'm going to try and stay on the island for the winter. Don't know how that will go, but I always have the option to leave if things get rough. I'm kind of looking forward to the peace and quiet, so I'm hoping both the cabin and Mother Nature cooperate. 😏
Just goes to show you that it's not the (big) box, but what's in it. You have to wonder about the corporate culture at these respective stores, whether it's inspired locally or nationally. Either way, what a difference a Tim makes!
They could use some of your leadership ideas!
"... even if you have all the products that the ‘other guy’ has, you still need one more thing to be successful." Yes! It is the employee/customer interface. That is why I always shop at Trader Joe's. I don't know if their clerks are well-trained or if TJs only hires friendly, happy, helpful people? But I will pay more just for the kindness shown there. Nice post Heather!
Yes. Trader Joe's has awesome people working there!
Thanks for reading, Sharron.
Wouldn't miss it. I love your posts.
Very nice, Heather. These little interactions are always so inspiring.
Thank you, Jim.
Glad you got your Thanksgiving fixed!
Nowadays, good customer service is SO scarce that when we actually receive it we can't help but notice it!
I love putting these kinds of moments in my back pocket just to remember that kindness does still exist.
Lately I've been more open to looking for kindness... and for some reason I seem to be seeing it more.
Okay, I’m going to share a dirty little secret about Lowe’s.
I got involved in a project that donated almost 500 storage sheds built by volunteers for people who lost their homes in a Northern California wildfire. Thousands of homes and other structures were destroyed and almost 90 people lost their lives.
A nearby Lowe’s supplied most of our materials and donated the roofing and paint for the sheds. They got the roofing shingles from a supplier near Seattle and delivered them to us with a Lowe’s truck.
If we needed something, our Pro Desk person dropped everything to help. Lowe’s employees even helped built sheds when they could and Lowe’s sent trucks and forklifts a few times to deliver sheds to the new owners.
Here in Idaho, Lowe’s provided support for a major facelift on a residential youth ranch. The ProDesk person who helped us was pure gold. The project started during the time of Covid when everything was difficult to source, but somehow we never ran short of and materials because of her efforts, even when she was down with Covid herself.
So the dirt little secret about Lowe’s is that they are about more than only a bottom line. They really do help out with projects in their local communities. It’s probably a great way for them to build goodwill, but it also seems like a big part of their corporate culture.
I love this. Thank you for sharing it. Big Box. Big Heart.
I honestly think the people at Lowe's are friendlier than the ones at Home Depot. Like, Home Depot's CS is on par with Walmart's. And I absolutely HATE that place.
Isn't it amazing how our impressions are shaped by the service we receive, not the products. Those are pretty much the same, yet customer service can vary so much. It sounds like you haven't had great experiences at Walmart.😔
Never. But I'm also biased because my nephew currently works for them in the warehouse (loading the trucks), but he used to work in-store and his experience there was JUST HORRIBLE. Honestly, I'm surprised he's stayed as long as he has with this company.
Internal customer service (staff) is just as important as external customer service. And just like ripples of kindness affect everyone around, ripples of negativity also affect others.
I'm sorry he has had that experience.
We need more 'Tim Kindness 🤍
Thanks Heather, the ripples of Kind stories never end.
Thanks for reading "Tim's" story, Janet. There are so many kind people in the world. We just need to shout them out!
You named your microwave too?! Love it! Whats the new one’s name? Your pieces always make me smile and warm my heart. You exude kindness. ❤️❤️
Awwww, now you've made my day!
No name for the new microwave yet, but I'm a little partial toward 'Fritz' as in "don't go on the Fritz" lol. If he makes it through Christmas that'll probably stick.😁
I'm so glad we have connected. Your salad and song post this week was clever and witty... and your husband has a great voice. I could see him in The Phantom of the Opera quite nicely.
Happy Thursday, Carissa.
Such a breath of fresh air when someone goes out of their way to make life easier for you. I think it's pretty obvious which guy loves his job and which guy dreads it.
I was in Walmart three years ago when I asked and an 80ish year old thin black guy with an "Air Force " cap where the toys were for someone my grandson's age. He proceeded to walk me all the way back to the far corner of the store and helped me find the type toys I had in mind. He impressed me so much that a few months ago I asked a middle-aged guy if he by any chance remembered the guy I described. He immediately responded - "Oh, that's Harry, he's working just mornings a few days a week now. I hope he doesn't have to work, but at least he seemed to love his job.
The media may thrive on negativity, but isn't it the wonderful people like Harry who leave a lasting impression on each of us?
Thank you for your service, Harry.... in more ways than one.
Thanks for sharing that, Mark. A little kindness ripple.
As you point out, the media with its megaphone can offset so much good that's in the world. We just have to look harder for, and be more aware of the wonderful people under our noses - like Harry.
Therein lies the conundrum for me. I believe there are plenty of good people doing good things. I think that a way to combat negative media (and negativity in general) is to have more people telling the stories of kindness that they experience (giver or receiver) or witness. Imagine people on social media telling 'kind' stories -- thousands upon thousands of them, instead of spreading gossip and ill will.
In Jan. '22 I wrote a piece about our built-in negativity bias. Research shows that it takes 5 positive thoughts to overcome one negative one. Yikes. https://heatherbrebaugh.substack.com/p/negativity-machine
I suspect with "Us and Them" you are approaching the same subject matter and with a really interesting perspective. I'm looking forward to continuing to read your work.
Your comment about thousands and thousands of people sharing positive stories would be so nice but I'm afraid it wouldn't have nearly as much appeal as angertainment - which is sad. All we can do is keep trying to add to the positive side. Yes, our topics overlap in some ways but they complement each other. I look forward to getting more energy and positivity from your writing as well - Thanks.