My father was a born salesman. My earliest memories of him include tagging along on his route as a proof passer for a photography studio. He loved talking to people and they in turn loved talking to him. For my dad, selling was as much about providing the public with something of value as it was about the monetary reward of the sale. Forming a connection with the customer was what fed his mojo. As a maverick entrepreneur, he built a successful sales company based on that chemistry and his personal vision.
He passed away in 2004 while Son was still in college deciding on a future. As a parent, it’s fascinating to watch your children’s natural talents and inherited traits fuse in a way that allows them to form their own signature. As general manager of an off campus fast food franchise in college, Son discovered what it takes to be successful, both as an employee and as a manager. It also convinced him that being your own boss is the brass ring.
Son is all about business now. His days are filled with a demanding full-time job and launching his own endeavors in whatever time is left over. His radar is always on. I recently confided to Husband that I only wish my father had lived long enough to see this. Husband said, “Trust me, he knows.”
I try and meet Son for dinner every week or two, outings that include Husband unless he’s working late, in which case he gets a well-chosen doggie bag. Last Wednesday, I called Son at work to see if he was available that evening for the two of us to meet for sushi.
OSV: I’m home from school by 3:00 so pick a time that works for you and I’ll be there.
SON: Let’s plan on 6:35-ish.
OSV: 6:35-ish? Are you sure you don’t want to narrow that down? I’m okay with a 40 second margin.
SON: No, 6:35-ish works.
At our precisely timed dinner, I told Son that his sister was home sick for over a week with what was diagnosed as a recurrence of the mono she had in high school that made her miss half her sophomore year. He remembered that awful time well and said he’d call to check on her.
In a phone call from Daughter a few days later, she mentioned she had heard from her brother and was happy to tell him she was feeling much better.
DTR: He said, “Well, I was calling to cheer you up but now it’s not necessary. So I guess I’ll go.” I told him, “Wait a minute, we can still talk for a while.”
OSV: So did you?
DTR: I think he was pressed for time. He said that since I was feeling better, we should get together in six or seven business days.
OSV: Get out.
DTR: No, really. I told him to have his people call my people.
I bet he will.
Daughter took her camera into the street and found some Unusual Suggestions
e.t. saves the day
hang in there hulk
robots will kill
additional baggage charge applies