“A Businessman Who Cared More About People Than About Selling”
Bob Kramer shared this story about his Father who focused more on loving people than selling sewing machines. It demonstrates how many times a simple kindness done years before can be remembered and repaid.
“Carl Kramer was a kind gentleman who made his living selling a funny looking green sewing machine from Sweden. No matter how busy he was, he always had time for courtesy. When he attended Home Shows at various hotels and convention centers, he would rent a booth and entertain people of all ages demonstrating the Viking Husqvarna sewing machine.
It did not matter if you were rich or poor, young or old, Carl took the time to show you the sewing machine. He would always ask people their name and speak to them as a friend. He would end his demonstration by embroidering the person’s name on a piece of fabric presenting it as a gift.
One day a young lady came into his shop expressing interest in buying a sewing machine. She bought a Viking, which, by the way, is a very expensive machine. Just before she left, she pulled a tattered piece of fabric from her purse with her name sewn on it. She said, ‘Mr. Kramer, you made this for me when I was only twelve years old. You were really nice to me even though I was only a child. Fifteen years ago I made a promise to myself that if I ever bought a sewing machine, I was going to buy it from this kind man. So, here I am today!’
Kindness really does pay! What kindness can you do for someone this very day?
For more inspiring stories, read Barbara’s books, “The Simple Truths of Appreciation” and “The Simple Truths of Service” available at www.barbaraglanz.com/products/books/.
