The Gift
A good work ethic and a good attitude are two of best qualities a manager could hope to find in a team member. Inside, we all hope our hard work and dedication will be recognized. For Raymond, that recognition came from a customer who saw a chance to help.
Raymond has been an employee at Anchor Ace Hardware in South Yarmouth, Massachusetts for the last 5 years. He has a joyful, effervescent spirit that is always sunny, no matter what the weather is outside.
"He’s warm, welcoming, helpful and friendly," Ace employee Elisa says. "He always has a smile."
A long commute can sometimes be enough to dampen anyone’s spirit, but Raymond takes it in stride even though his commute is 20 miles each way. What’s really surprising is that Raymond rides a bike to work, regardless of the season or weather. He stopped driving when he was in high school, but his love of the team at Ace keeps him pedaling to work despite the distance.
It's not just Ace employees who love Raymond’s helpful attitude. One day, a customer came in and noted how impressed he was with Raymond. He saw Raymond riding to work on many occasions, and he asked if Raymond could use an electric bicycle to make his commute easier.
The customer chose to remain anonymous and have the Ace staff present Raymond with his gift – a card with a handwritten note and the funds to purchase an electric bicycle. In the note, the customer mentioned Ray’s great work ethic, which he compared to his own. The customer came over from another country, worked hard, did well for himself, and wanted to share with someone he saw leading by example. Raymond, of course, was over the moon!
"The hills are so much easier to go up!" Raymond exclaimed. "When it’s windy, when it’s raining, it’s just like ZOOM!"
Raymond initially felt like he did not deserve this gift. His fellow employees were quick to convince him that people love him and his cheerful disposition and that he is completely deserving!
Raymond’s Manager Jim summed it up best. "We all have choices in life," Jim said, "and he chooses to be kind to everybody."
