Earlier this week, I received an email from Jim that my BeATs were going to be ready for pick-up. Since I live about 15 miles from his shop, I asked if I could just come and pick them up. Jim graciously agreed so I took the day off of work and planned the trip.
Since it was my kids’ last day of school, my 13 year old son was available to come with me. We all know that a teen son would rather do almost anything on his last day of junior high than go with his old man to pick up some speakers. In this case, I felt it would be beneficial for him to accompany me on my trip to Pontiac. You see, he just finished his wood shop class where he gained an appreciation for working with his hands. While I feel that a solid academic education is critical, I think learning to create with your own hands using a medium (wood in his case) is beneficial to his educational experience. I dropped Jim an email that my son was coming and a small amount about the recent completion of his wood shop class.
Upon arriving, Jim’s wife commented to my son about his class. Then Jim greeted us and gave myself and my son a complete tour of the shop, all the while imparting many years of business and real-life wisdom on me and my son. He didn’t have to do this; but that’s the kind of guy he is. After a solid hour tour and discussion, it was time to load up the car. Jim, his wife and one of this employees, all met us at the loading dock where Jim himself helped load the crated speakers into my car!
When I got home and was setting up my new speakers, I was telling my wife about my trip to Salk. I told her that even more than the speakers, which I love, I am appreciative of the care that Jim and his team showed to my son and I. He didn’t have to spend a big part of his day with us, but he did. I know it’s an experience that neither my son nor I will ever forget. Jim even gave some sage sports advice to my son, who is a competitive soccer player from his many years as a competitive athlete himself.
Thanks again to Jim and his team for making my purchase such a memorable event. It’s something that will stay with me and more importantly, my son forever. He’ll always remember meeting Mr. Salk.
I
think I can sum it up with one word: class.