Care for an Altoid?

Good morning.... What can I get for you?

So, today is partner day. I'd like to talk with you about a partner we'll call "Jarvis". Jarvis did my 2nd interview at Starbucks. He called me at my morning job (while I was prepping 40lbs of halibut) and wanted to interview me.

Jarvis: "Hey... we'd like to interview you, can you come in?"

Pat: "Sure... but you should know that I smell like fish"

Jarvis: "Hell, I was a Navy cook... I think I can handle a little fish."

Needless to say, I knew I had the job with that phone call.

So what's so special about Jarvis? Well, Jarvis cared about people. It wasn't uncommon for Jarvis to notice a partner's headlight out and buy a replacement for them... install it... and then surprise them with the news. His trademark phrase before starting every shift was... "Care for an Altoid?" Now I'm not sure if he thought we all smelled, or if it was just a professional courtesy since we were all coffee professionals. Jarvis also had an uncanny ability to talk people into coming in on their day off or picking up an extra shift after working 8 hours. You could never say "No" to the guy.

Now, Jarvis was the customer service guy... not so good on the bar, he could get the angriest of customers to change their minds and apologize for how they'd acted. He was just that kind of guy.

What happened to Jarvis? Well, he went to open a store near Portland back in the mid-90's. He was promoted to customer a couple of years after that. I was bummed to hear the news. I can't imagine what he did to deserve it after knowing who he was...

Thanks for your influence Jarvis. Every time I eat an Altoid I think of you.

Well, that's it... I know some were expecting a different kind of story... and we'll get to those.... soon enough.

See you tomorrow for your usual.

Pat Nerr...