A couple of weeks ago, I made a Gatorade and hot chocolate run during a break between Wayne Kevin’s flag football games. Grateful to have a “real” bathroom at my disposal instead of the portolets at the field, I availed myself of the facilities at the Gate Station on Magnolia Drive here in Tallahassee, where I purchased our drinks.
The Magnolia Drive Gate Station is, as convenience stores go, pretty nice. Many of the employees have been there for years and go out of their way to be welcoming and friendly. I can count on the ladies’ restroom being clean. This time, the restroom was beyond clean — it was decorated!!
I had my camera with me because I had had it at football, and my “hmmm, this has blog potential” sensor went off when my eye was drawn to the two identical signs posted on the wall. They read:
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Gosh, I hope the effort works!
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Man, I hope no one messes up what they’ve worked so hard on
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Gee, I hope they aren’t disappointed if something gets “disturbed”
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Please, Lord, don’t let them lose the optimistic view that something they create has the potential to make another person happy
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Even if they are discouraged, give them the gumption and inner strength to try again
Wife of one, Mom of two, Friend of many. My pronouns are she/her/hers.
Paula, Now. I know which convenience store bathroom has the best decor and customer service.
I told you this evening and I meant it, this made my day! People don't often take the time to notice or comment the effort we put into our store and I thank you for noticing.
Bethany from Gate
Hey Paula,
You do not know me, but I'm a fellow blogger. I have also known Bethany since her days down here in the Mobile on US 1 in Stuart Fl. She DOES truly care about her stores and her customers.
I live in these places. I drink about three pots of coffee a day, and I ALWAYS know when I see Bethany, that the coffee is fresh and the stop will be pleasant. If with the insult of two. {Smile}
I also know she REALLY appreciated your kind words. She is the Best.
Peter
I sincerely appreciate your comments 🙂 It is always nice to hear that our customers appreciate our efforts. It is You & people like you, that we try so hard!!
I had to put alot of thought in wording the sign, so not to offend anyone, and it seems to be working. Thank you, you have made my day 🙂
Laura D. from Gate, Store 1194
Great story, Paula! I'm afraid I couldn't think of any convenience stores around here that go out of their way like that to improve their customers' experience, but it's nice to hear there are some that do. Have a wonderful new year!
Normally I wouldn’t comment on posts but I felt that I had to as your writing style is really good. You have broken down a difficult area so that it easy to understand.
This is wonderful! We have always liked that GATE store, too! In fact, we even talked about it today, after running the GATE River Run in Jacksonville. Bravo, Paula, for sending kudos to those who truly deserve them!
judy
paula – good for you for not just taking the time to notice the extra effort put forth on “the customer's” behalf, but for also taking a minute to let the rest of us know about it … while there is a comical nature to the post, there is also a level of appreciation for the efforts of another that deserves to be recognized – and you did just that! and now i know where my next tank of gas will come from – the Gate on Magnolia – regardless of the status of my bladder! Paul Mitchell