Loyalty.
I believe that we were created to be loyal to something or someone. I find myself always tempted to draw sides, pick this over that, and swear allegiance through my thoughts, actions, and deeds.
We were made to be loyal but we’ve also been made to love and support.
Our local dry cleaners is seriously convenient. Location-wise it’s right outside our neighborhood. I can walk there in less than 5 minutes time if I scurried. The owner was Korean which made our limited engagements even more “close” and personal, if that makes sense.
They recently told us that this was the 2nd operation of two and that they were going to close this one down and move all their resources and staff (probably laying off a few too) to their first location about a mile or so away. They’ve done a good enough job with serving us and we’ve been satisfied with their pricing so there was little question that we’d just start going to their first location upon closing.
But, that all changed.
They didn’t announce the move and when we dropped off a large blanket there was new management in town; apparently the previous owner had sold the business to another and had already cleared out and we didn’t get the memo. And before my wife apologized and started to hop back in her car she noticed something:
Emptiness.
This older couple (probably in their 50’s, at least) was another Korean couple who took over the business. Surveying quickly the back of the shop you could tell that they had very little business and the future didn’t look so promising.
So, we decided to give them a shot. We just felt like we had to help and support them, and not out of pity necessarily but perhaps something else. We have always favored the underdogs and we felt like this older couple was certainly an underdog.
I went to pick up the blanket yesterday and struck up a conversation with the 50-year old woman while I waited for her the machine to rotate my order around. Her husband was on his knees scrapping god-knows-how-old dirt off the floor near the machines and I asked how “business” was. Her english was good; really good. So good I think I stuttered the next line or two in response. She replied:
It’s good, but we’ve just started.
And then she described how they had taken the business back after 10 years of retirement because of the economy; she was the original owner who had sold it to the younger gentleman and had decided to buy it back due to the economic times.
And as surprised and pleased as I was with her english-speaking skills, I loved her attitude and that small sparkle in her eye. She believed she could make it. She believed it was good. And she believed it’s just the beginning.
My loyalty to my dry cleaner switched yesterday and I’m not looking back.
[Image from Kana]
I just read every word of this story – couldn't stop and couldn't skim. You're an awesome writer, dude! Makes me want to go find a neighborhood Korean-owned dry cleaner and become loyal to them!!
PUAHA! thanks dude. i don't often feel like i've got stuff like this in me, but there are times where i want to share a bit more.:)
I love this story, their story and your attitude! Thanks for sharing it.
Great Reminder. So easy to want immediate gratification. I've heard it said that if you want to leave a mark on society you need to keep at it for at least 30 years. Businesses and ministry are no different. It just takes time. Thanks for the reminder
My recent post Pursuing God in 2010
Great Reminder. So easy to want immediate gratification. I've heard it said that if you want to leave a mark on society you need to keep at it for at least 30 years. Businesses and ministry are no different. It just takes time. Thanks for the reminder
My recent post Pursuing God in 2010
sure thing brent. 30 years. clock is starting…
I love when you throw in posts like this on your blog. What a sweet, tender story. Thanks for sharing it.
My recent post $5 Million in Text Messages
thanks nicole. have a great weekend… k?
Thanks, John
You too.
My recent post World Vision Update
Who knew dry cleaning was so important. Now I want to go and find a cleaner and ask them how business is going.
laundry fTW!
I actually have a similar story that happened to me last night in regards to customer service: http://bit.ly/4PhXBf
Cool.
John
Great post! Love the story. Your loyalty hasn't changed: you are loyal to your God, and to the values instilled in you. You are loyal to meeting people and understanding who they are and what makes them tick. You changed dry cleaners, but you are one loyal guy. Thanks for sharing this.
Hanging in there. Started the new job this week (first one in two years for a change of pace), started another semester at DTS this week (only one course – on line for a change of pace). So, all in all, I cannot complain, although I truly want to.
great!
what job?
I am the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of EvanTell here in Dallas. Maybe you know Larry Moyer from DTS. He comes in and does lecturing in the evangelism courses.
i thought you were doing that for a while now…?
I was, part time and volunteer. This past week was first week full time and as a paid staffer. Big difference when you are working all week and being paid as opposed to volunteering when you can and want to! But I love the job, just need to get used to being at work on a daily basis again.
congrats on that! 2010 has started off well…!
It actually has been a huge roller coaster ride. I lost my Dad on January 2, and started a job I love full time on the 11th. Not an easy way to start the year, but the Lord is so good to me that I know it will be fine.
omgoodness… i'm sorry to hear that bro. i'll be praying for your healing process. good to hear from you…!
Two thumbs up for your new dry cleaners, and for you!
haha! thanks.
Great story John. I love the lesson in here too, that sometimes circumstance overcomes loyalty. Sometimes God calls us to do something different and when we listen to that call… good things happen.
My recent post Haiti
Yup.
John
Great Attitude.
My recent post Number One Blogging Tip: Expect Nothing
With a capital 'a'!
John
Good Luck to their business!
i hope so too!