Day 1 – A visit to a Plumbing Supply Store
One day, I took a client to the Cleveland Plumbing Supply (CPS) store to pick out a faucet for her small kitchen project. I came back to the office with a showroom remodel project!
Day 2 – …A General Store!
Gene Groff, the showroom manager of CPS, called to make sure I knew he was serious about his showroom project. He said he was thinking about a small face-lift for his new ‘baby’. You see, Gene used to work for another retail showroom for the luxury kitchen and bath industry. Of course, I said a resounding ‘YES!’ I was impressed with the history of the building and I wanted to be involved in its facelift, if you will. I wanted to be a part of its re-birth. I wanted to see if I can bring back the wonderful glory of its simplicity just like the service I got when I entered his showroom.
When I entered his showroom, I felt the warmth and the down-right friendliness of all Gene’s sales associates. I probably shouldn’t even say ‘sales associate’. Such a buzz word these days for people who try to sell you their product. They are really more than that. I think of the General Store from Laura Ingalls’ Little House on the Prairie, where everyone knows your name. Great service from the minute you step in. Smiling faces from everyone, whether they have had a bad day or not. I met friends there and not just sales associates.
I also wanted to approach the concept of that good-old-fashion service and marry that with the sort of throw-back look at their interior. An old-fashioned General Store where you can find a friendly warm space along with a friendly warm staff fit perfectly with the town as well.
Day 3 – A day of discovery
Well, as you can see. A lot of work to be done. Rather than bore you with all the everyday details, I will choose milestone progress!
Stay tuned!!!