| On a recent vacation trip, a friend and his family drove | | | | Dave was appreciative of the offer but said he |
| from New York to North Carolina to spend a week in | | | | wanted to make more calls to see if they could find |
| the sun. Dave and his wife and three young children | | | | something so they would not have to take the |
| were packed into their minivan along with clothes, food | | | | personal vehicle of another. The worker understood |
| and toys for a 12 hour journey. Things were going fine | | | | and would wait with Dave to ensure they had a viable |
| until 10 hours in, their van began to heavily smoke from | | | | option. After several calls, Dave was not getting |
| the engine area. At this point they were in Snow Hill | | | | anywhere. The employee ensured Dave that he was |
| North Carolina, two hours from their destination and | | | | perfectly fine having him take his personal car for the |
| two hours back to the nearest city. After pulling over | | | | week to they could enjoy their trip. He could ride with |
| for a quick analysis, Dave knew it was something | | | | someone to work and he would ensure Dave's vehicle |
| serious. In spite of the billowing smoke, Dave decided | | | | was taken care of in a timely manner. After discussing |
| to drive to the nearest place for help. Fortunately there | | | | it with his wife, Dave decided to take him up on the |
| was an Advanced Auto Parts store just a couple of | | | | offer. After a handshake agreement, they exchanged |
| blocks away. | | | | cell phone numbers and the phone number of the |
| As Dave was walking toward the store to ask for | | | | mechanic and Dave and his family began to pack |
| assistance, a gentleman rushes out with a fire | | | | what they could from the van into the employee's car. |
| extinguisher to attend to the situation. After looking | | | | With a smile of deep appreciation, they were on the |
| under the vehicle, they determine the transmission seal | | | | road again. By evening Dave was at the vacation |
| is bad, there is no danger of fire and it's not a five | | | | destination and were starting to enjoy the time off |
| minute fix. Dave figures a quick call to roadside | | | | again. |
| assistance will quick address the issue and the family | | | | On Sunday Dave called to ensure the van was towed |
| will be back on the way to their vacation destination. | | | | to the mechanic which it was. On Monday he called to |
| Several minutes of waiting on the phone and Dave is | | | | get the diagnosis and estimate. It was going to cost |
| given the bad news. There is no rental companies | | | | much less than he expected. It would be done on |
| open within 2 hours of his location which is now going | | | | Thursday and he could pick it up any time after that. |
| past 4:40pm. There are no dealerships in his area with | | | | Dave could now fully enjoy his vacation. On Thursday, |
| rental cars available and they cannot find a taxi | | | | Dave decided to take the car back to Snow Hill and |
| service anywhere near his location as well. The | | | | pick up the van. It was ready just like promised. Dave |
| closest help was two hours in the wrong direction of | | | | could not give enough thanks to the Advanced Auto |
| where they wanted to be. At this point Dave is starting | | | | Parts employee who had given up his own vehicle for |
| to overheat as well. | | | | several days to resolve an issue of a passing stranger. |
| Dave starts discussing the situation with the Advanced | | | | So ask yourself how far you would go for customer |
| Auto Parts employees to see what they know is | | | | service and customer satisfaction. Would you give up |
| available in the local area. They all discussed it and | | | | your personal car for a total stranger in order to solve |
| made a few calls of their own to see what they could | | | | their problem? |
| do. After several minutes of patiently waiting, Dave is | | | | Success comes from solving problems. Creativity |
| approached by one of the workers. He knows the | | | | involves outside of the box thinking. Persistence means |
| local mechanic who can tow the vehicle after church | | | | you will not give up and you will explore all options until |
| in the morning and can work on it next week. He | | | | a resolution is found. Going the extra mile will always |
| assures Dave that it's legit and he does high quality | | | | win over the hearts of your customers. Have a |
| work. The worker mentions they could not find any | | | | positive impact on others. Improve the world. Make a |
| loaner vehicles but he was willing to let Dave take his | | | | difference. Contribute. |
| personal car to their vacation destination and keep it | | | | Your results in life will be determined by how you think |
| for the week and drive it back after his car was fixed. | | | | and what you do. Let's all learn a lesson from our |
| He was offering this free of charge because he | | | | friends in Snow Hill North Carolina on what can be |
| clearly could see that Dave and his family were stuck | | | | done for the satisfaction of our customers. Have a |
| without options including no local hotels. | | | | great day everyone! |