So, really, he did. Save Thanksgiving. This is what happened. The whole story. And it is a perfect example of what's RIGHT in the world today, and in particular, in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
But the story begins in Las Vegas.
A week prior to Thanksgiving I was at the National Association of Realtors Convention in Las Vegas. (Going to sessions, thank you very much.) On a break it struck me, "Ohmygosh. I forgot to order my fresh, free range Thanksgiving turkey before I left!"
Now this was serious panic because I have a daughter who is passionately dedicated to the ethical treatment of animals and won't eat meat unless it is free range AND traceable to a specific farm. As you can imagine, this type of bird is not easy to locate and special order is a must.
I immediately called back home to my Byerly's market from the lobby of the Sands Convention Center. I asked for butcher Al Weber and he mercifully picked up the phone. I told him:
"Irealizethatit'sonlyaweekawaybutIforgottoorderLindsay'sturkeyforThanksgivingandifI don't finditshe'llonlyeatpotatoesfortheentireweekend. Can you please find me a free range bird?"
Not missing a beat, he answered, "Okay. Does it need to be organic, too?"
You can guess how this story ends: with a succulent free range and organic turkey from Niman Farms at our Thanksgiving table and very stuffed tummies.
Now what, you may ask, does this great story have to do with real estate?
It' doesn't. Not directly. What it speaks to is REMARKABLE SERVICE. First name, reliable, trustworthy service. The exact kind of service that the Tami and Steve team strive to furnish their clients every day.
Secondly, it belies the notion that a "name brand" (i.e. franchise) cannot be personalized to serve individual needs. Byerly's is a large specialty food chain in Minnesota, but my local market treats me as if it were a Mom and Pop shop that has known me all my life. I live in a community of 60,000 people, but when I grocery shop at Byerly's I am greeted by name at the entrance, the service counter, the deli, the meat and produce departments, the bakery and the checkout line. Byerly's never lets "name brand" equate to anonymous. They simply focus on every customer. Again, a Tami and Steve goal with every buyer and seller we meet.
I could go on with a list of the outstanding service organizations in St. Cloud and the surrounding area, and I think I will in future blogs!
In the meantime, let me know what you think!
And thanks, Al, for saving Thanksgiving!
