It’s amazing how two everyday stops can leave such different impressions. On one recent morning, I walked into a Casey’s in Winslow, and before I’d even reached the counter, the employee greeted me with a genuine smile and a friendly “Good morning!” They were quick, polite and relaxed. One particular employee, Emmanual, saw me looking a bit lost and stepped up to go above and beyond to ensure that I had what I needed to finish up a project I was working on.
Later that day, I stopped at another retail store. This time, the experience was the exact opposite. The two employees at the register didn’t look up, didn’t say hello, and one of them dropped an F-bomb mid-conversation — right in front of customers. I didn’t feel welcome. I felt like an interruption.
Customer service isn’t complicated. It’s about respect, attitude and pride in your work — no matter what the job is. When employees treat customers with courtesy and professionalism, it reflects well on the business, the community and themselves. When they don’t, it leaves a lasting impression — and not a good one.
We all have choices about where we spend our money. The folks at Casey’s reminded me how powerful good service can be. A smile, a greeting, and a little professionalism still go a long way.
