Sue and I have lived in our beloved home in the Milton College Historic Neighborhood for 48 years. I used to think that people who have lived in their homes for that long were really “old”, but my filter on that has changed. The house was built in the 30’s and we are only the second owner.
A house this old does present some challenges from time to time. Most recently, I would hear very funny noises in the water system after the softener had recharged. This included having significant amounts of water sprayed about in the basement. I was baffled by this at first (not mechanical or intuitive about mechanical things) but soon discovered that the tubing carrying the discharge from the water softener to the drain had worn out and had holes.
So, I headed to Hometown Ace to purchase what I was pretty sure I needed to correct this issue. I was confident it would be a quick in and out so stopped one morning before I headed off to work. Janet greeted me immediately and asked some very good questions to help me explain my situation so that she could best assist me. It turned out not to be as simple as I thought and it was going to take some time to find the correct tubing, etc. I needed to leave for work so I told Janet that this was not an emergency, and I could come back that afternoon when my work shift was done.
After a couple hours at work, I received a voice mail from Janet explaining that everything I needed was ready for me and I could pick it up at my convenience at the service desk. To say the least, I was impressed. I know it took time and extra effort to fulfill my needs.
I stopped by later that day, presented myself at the service desk, and was handed my “stuff” by Sheila who also asked about other items I might need to complete this project. She then helped me find them.
My point here – would this have happened in Janesville or Madison? Maybe, maybe not. Would a Janesville business have spent the extra time and effort to find what I needed, cut the material to order, called me when it was ready, and then have it available at the service desk? Maybe, maybe not. Had I driven to Janesville or Madison and not been able to have my needs met and then have to make a return trip, I would not have been happy.
I find that 99% of my shopping needs can be fulfilled right here in our phenomenal city. I can think of no reason to go elsewhere. Some would reply that things cost more in Milton. Maybe a bit in some cases, but my time is valuable to me, so shopping locally helps me save time. I also save gasoline costs. Additionally, our local businesses are all extremely generous and supportive of so many activities both in the schools and the community at large.
Some would say that Janet and Sheila were just doing their jobs on that day they helped me. Maybe so, but they were doing their jobs in such outstanding ways. They didn’t just meet my expectations, they exceeded them.
Thank you, Janet and Sheila. And Delaney, thank you for creating this great customer service culture filled very effectively by these two and all your other staff members. I have never had a less than positive experience at Hometown Ace. Is it really the place? Absolutely!
#cruzan4milton#wearemilton
