Getting to know people – watching the maestro at work

I’m pretty close friends with Vic Colwell, the national sales manager at Loren Cook. For those of you non-HVAC readers, that’s a fan company.

When it comes to getting to know people, Vic is a maestro. I doubt he knows it even though I’ve told him before.

On occasion, Loren Cook will “lend” us their jet and fly 6-8 customers down to the factory. Sometimes we bring our friendly customers and sometimes we bring people that need to be won over.

This particular occasion, we brought what one might call a more “prickly” customer.

We’re out for lunch eating barbeque in Springfield Missouri, hoping to keep our shirts clean.

Vic tells everyone where to sit, and positions himself next to the head of the department.

“Do you have a smartphone?”
“Of course.”
“Is it the kind of smartphone that has pictures on it?”
“Yes”
“Do you mind if I look at some of your pictures?”
“Oh, sure. That’s fine.”

Before you knew it, Vic and the customer were talking about the customer’s kids’ sports, dog training, forthcoming anniversary, and on and on for the remainder of lunch.

“Prickly” no more.

It’s fun to recognize the genius in others. That was one of those moments. Thanks for the life lesson Vic.

Until next time.