By Tony Huppert, CEO, Team Oil Inc.
A lot of times we hear of the benefits of big business versus small business in retail. Items that are offered in one or the other are always a matter of discussion. Here is a story that shows the difference.
This last Saturday, I attended my wife’s sister’s funeral. Amidst all the sadness of this 51-year-old young person’s passing, an individual approached my wife, Trudy, and her sister to offer his sympathy.
Some 20 years ago, Trudy and her sister were secretaries of mine at a small heating oil and LP delivery business. And 20 years ago this individual, a customer of our small business, had lost a very dear family member. A family member who’s life meant everything to this customer of ours. Twenty years ago, Trudy and Leanne realized this. During their lunch break they went to this customer’s time of need, the visitation of his son. He told Trudy and Leanne that 20 years ago when everything was coming down on him, he remembered looking up at the visitation, and seeing Trudy and Leanne. He felt he had to come to comfort the two that comforted him 20 years earlier.
When you think small business people aren’t making a ‘Difference,’ think again.
Tony Huppert is a Wisconsin businessman of 40 years and CEO of Team Oil Inc., the family-owned and operated Team Oil Travel Center, and Subway in Spring Valley, Wis.