I have a heart condition
Phil Gerbyshak
Helping Sales Professionals and Sales Leaders Reclaim Their Confidence and Their Energy!
This morning I splurged and got my shoes shined before my first meeting. I had an hour to spare and when I have the extra time and cash, it's a nice treat for me.
I love to learn the story behind the person who has chosen to shine shoes for their vocation. Today I met Jimmie - with an IE, not a Y. Jimmie has been shining shoes for the past 15 years, the past 4 at Oxford Exchange in Tampa. He admits he's not a 5 minute shine, and that's what some people want. Instead, he's a craftsman and it takes a full 30 minutes to shine a pair of shoes, at least it did with my pair. That's what I want.
Jimmie started by asking my name, and he shook my hand, and looked me in the eye. "Nice to meet you Mr. Phil." I like that. He got my attention right away.
Then he tucked in my laces, and rolled up my pants, so they didn't get any shoe shine on them.
Now he started the process of his shoe shine. He started by cleaning my shoes. He removed all the sand, salt and other random debris that had grown into the leather on my shoes first, so they could take his shine.
Then he put the lotion on the shoes. Leather lotion is perfect for keeping the leather supple and like new, and it extends the life of shoes by a few years. Often when I get a shoe shine, they skip this part because it takes the longest. Jimmie made sure every inch of my shoes, every nook and cranny, every eyelet, got attention with the leather lotion, and he rubbed it in until you couldn't see it anymore.
Jimmie asked me where I was from (Wisconsin) and he asked me what brought me to Tampa (the weather). He said "You mean a girl?" Technically, he's right. My girlfriend did say she wanted to move somewhere warmer and she'd like me to come with. Jimmie read me like a book.
We talked quite a bit more as Jimmie moved on to the polishing of my shoes, the buffing, and the final touches to make sure the color of the shoe shine stayed for a while. I thanked him and tipped him well for his wonderful craftsmanship.
Then he shook my hand and smiled wide and said "Phil Gerbyshak - you have a heart condition. You have a good heart. I can tell you're a good guy."
In just 30 minutes, Jimmie had sized me up for a heart condition, and I know why: I put my phone away, I didn't take the paper, and instead, I was fully present with Jimmie. I asked questions. I paid attention. I smiled. I laughed with him.
Simple really. You can have a heart condition too. Just be fully present with whomever you're with. Smile. Laugh. Share your heart condition with a friend. With a stranger.
Next time you're in Tampa, stop by the Oxford Exchange. Tell Jimmie Phil sent you.
I've got a heart condition. What about you?
About the author: Phil Gerbyshak teaches sales people and leaders to position themselves as an expert in their niche to up their influence, impact and income. If you're looking to be more effective using LinkedIn, get your complimentary copy of at LinkedIn Daily Dozen and tune in to Conversations with Phil, where Phil interviews today's business leaders to find out the straight talk on the latest business issues affecting you.
Founder & CEO of Growtech Partners Inc.
7 年Two amazing persons with great conditioned hearts! One who puts his heart to perfect a mundane act every day; the other who loves perfectionism, admires the actor and shares with others. I loved it! Every bit of it! Great job guys!
Proud Army Dad | Substitute Bus Driver | Interim Technical Director | Lay Pastor
7 年Getting a proper shoe shine is one of the few treats I appreciate very much, Phil Gerbyshak! My two favorite places to get my shoes shined are the Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage and Nordstrom's in Arlington, VA. Next time I'll fly through Tampa, I'll add Oxford Exchange adding at least 30 minutes to my airport time to savor and enjoy meeting Jimmie. I've got a heart condition too! ??????
Keynote Speaker & Podcast Guest | Attract Your Ideal Targets Through My Proven Process ? LinkedIn Credibility Consultant | Looking to Book Your Next Speaker? Reach out!
8 年I've seen Jimmie multiple times flying in and out of Tampa, Phil Gerbyshak! He's a legend and I'd venture to say that he has a heart condition too :)
HR and Leadership Trainer | Coach | Speaker | 3x Author
8 年Thanks for this, Phil. I've walked in to OE several times and always see Jimmie there smiling, but I've never stopped to say hello. And he's right- you have a heart of helpfulness. I'm so glad you are in my circle of influence. You are an inspiration!