Saturday, September 01, 2007
I Like Mack!
I met him yesterday when I went to his shop to pick up Troy's resoled shoes. I didn't want to go. I really dislike trying to locate shops in downtown, meanwhile finding a place to park on the street, and getting the boys on the sidewalk with no one getting run over by speeding vehicles.Well, I finally found it - a tiny place crammed in the middle of a string of businesses. As I stepped inside, I felt like I had gone back in time. It reminded me of a place I would have gone with my grandpa. . . It was a simple - non nonsense place, a bit outdated looking to be honest! As I peered over his shoulder and looked in the back room, the equipment looked rather pre-Civil War era. But I like Mack! Want to know why? He is a hard working man that knows his trade and takes pride in it. This little shop had not let the big appetite of corporate America swallow it up. No, sirree. Mack has those strong hands of a man with a trade. He uses little handwritten papers and tags - no laptops sitting around that room! We chatted happily, and he never once asked me my zip code or home telephone number - just told me to come again. I liked Mack's personal smile - those white teeth radiating from his black face. It was such a genuine smile. It did my heart good to have to pick up those shoes! I was once again able to see the heart of America in the little "hole in the wall" place of a Southern tradesman. Thanks for being real, Mack. I hope, for your sake, that a lot of shoes find their way to your counter.
Mack brought to mind the vacuum cleaner repair man I met this summer, too. There was a short in the cord, so I took it to some little house that had a small sign in the front. Same scenario. An older man that knew what he was doing. No frills. He kindly asked me a few questions about when the vacuum died and told me he would call when he knew what it needed. The man did just that, and when I returned, he also had a little handwritten receipt. Never once did he try to get me to buy a new vacuum or give me an "upgrade." Nope. He was an honest man doing an honest job. I like that! But to top it off, he carried the vacuum to my van. I thought that was such a sign of respect. I hope lots of people use his shop; he deserves the business.
Oh, back to Mack. . .I need to mention something - you know what really impressed me with him? Besides doing a great job of resoling the shoes (which is what Troy asked), Mack polished them. And let me tell you, they gleam!! Mack didn't need to, but he did.
I like Mack! Kinda wish my shoes would fall apart so he could fix them. Take that back - - I buy my shoes at Payless and Walmart, so I guess they wouldn't be worth repairing! :-)
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5 Comments:
I am getting too used to cheap-o shoes... I even get them from the thrift sometimes... which makes certain folks cringe afraid I am going to get foot fungus! Hey, you know what happened to me at a particular store in the mall? I gave them some info they asked for, as ususal at the checkout, signed something and what do I know but I started receiving some magazine in the mail and keep getting these bills now! Yes, it is nice to be able to just leave a store knowing you haven't given away your phone number or address or your life story, and that you are not going to be "stocked" by some company for the next year or two!
I love those little shops. Before I had kids, I used to spend a lot of time scouting out out-of-the-way gems.
I happened upon your blog. It is really a neat arrangement I am going to call it. Probably should say back ground. Any way I think it is really nice. Where do you go to get the back grounds? I like the different lettering too. Well, keep up the good job. If you get a chance stop by at www.gramgram-eileen.blogspot.com I would love to hear from you. Eileen
Sarah,
I am starting to not give out my info. I am so tired of the extra calls, emails, mailings. . .
Eileen,
Thanks for stopping by. . . It is always nice to "meet" new people. This blog was put together by a designer that owns "Bluebird Blogs." The gal has a website if you are interested.
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