breyk-throo day October 27th

Our Unsung Heroes

Just thought I would share my story for breyk-throo day. I had an opportunity to hopefully make a small difference for someone last Friday 20^th October, while I didn’t do it on the exact day, my mind has been in tune to do something for others and that Friday seemed very appropriate.

On that Friday a large man with an Islander appearance who I had never met before walked into our business wishing to purchase a few items including LPG cylinders & camping burners for cooking. He had his eye on a product that we sell that in my opinion was and how I eventually described to him as a piece of crap! I then began to ask him what his needs were and he told me the following story.

“I’m going over to Somalia next week to see my daughter and help her to get back on her feet. She was caught up in the recent tsunami and lost her home, family members, friends and some of the basic equipment just to continue to survive. I was hoping to get a gas cooker and a cylinder so she could at least provide food for her family”. At his point this big strong man was getting quite emotional as he continued to tell me his story.

“OK” I said, "we have most things here that you are looking for."  I then proceeded to pull out and load him up with cookers, hoses, fittings, cylinders, pots, carry bags and most of the basic things required to do camp side cooking. As the pile of equipment grew larger he began to get a bit anxious and told me he had only bought so much money with him and felt he would not be able to afford what I was selling him. “Trust me” I said, “I’ll give you a good price.”

Once I had finished I helped him to his car with the equipment. He then produced his money to pay for all the goods he thought he had just purchased.

I extended my hand and said, “I wish you and your family well, that won’t be necessary”. I then realized this was the greatest sale I had ever & never made as he shed a tear and said “thank you for being so kind”. I walked with him to his car turned to this man I have never met before embraced him, patted him on the back shook his hand again and wished him luck.

It also reinforced to me and re-confirmed the reason for being in business.  I/we have the freedom to make our own decisions where we want, when we want and all without the need for board approval & the red tape associated with that of larger corporations. This experience was extremely rewarding for me, far greater than any time I can remember having been on the receiving end from others.

Cheers,

Glenn Archer

We held our Senior Pensioner's Lunch Tues, 27 October.  We had 30 people attend.  It was a beaut day in our garden for this event.  Everyone enjoyed a complimentary three-course lunch as well as great conversation!  The guests were very pleased with the day, thanked us for our generosity and left happy.  All our staff and some friends volunteered their time on the day too.  Fantastic!
 
Hope all is well.
 
Leslye & Fred Thies
Emeu Inn