Day 8: Talk about a Sunday drive. Remember those? I took off from Parker, Colorado, at 6 am drove east on I-70 for 10.5 hours to see Erik’s Bikes and Boards in Overland Park, KA. https://www.eriksbikeshop.com/ Got there just before they closed and there was a healthy line. I waited my turn, but instead of taking up the time of the manager I simply handed him our packet and let him know I would call this week. I don’t want to wear out my welcome before they even get to know me learn about RIDES and I would love to do business with them. They are courteous and committed. Judging by the # of people willing to wait, they have earned their reputation. Drove another 1.5 hours to downtown Columbia, MO where Mizzou is. Nice campus. Beautiful city. However, I am very concerned that the wearing of masks by people other than those that worked at the shops and hotels seemed to disappear. Seriously. I was the only one wearing a mask to check in, to order food, to take the elevators. Was this a sign of what was to come as I drove further east?
Day 9: I walked over to Walt’s bike shop right as they opened. https://www.waltsbikeshop.com/ Had a chance to visit with Matt, discuss RIDES and the advantages over the Red Shield once offered by Trek. I love the history of this shop and all they do in their community. When Frank bought the shop from Walt, they continued the free labor policy, which fits perfectly into the RIDES program.
It was then off to see the Rural King store in Warrenton. I was able to train about 20 employees, (management, floor people and associates). We handle the RKPPP, Plus Protection Plan, which is growing at a rate of 4X and we hope to build to 10X. Our visits prove that face to face training is highly effective. From program details, to sales, to the use of metrics to manage, we set examples of how to succeed and make a difference. RK employees wear masks, clean carts and count the max number of people in the stores. However, very few customers wear masks. I wear one whenever I am in public. Doing my share for those I come in contact with. It astounds me that so many people think the nasty virus can’t reach them. Scary to me.
Day 10: Visited a very busy Wentzville Rural King store. It is really impressive to see RK’s commitment to keeping their community in motion. These are farming and rural communities that need their supplies. RK keeps their shelves stocked, have a ton of employees and do their best to make this a safe and pleasurable experience. I did the trainings again, engaging with 30 or so people. Lot’s of fun to see the lights go on as we teach about the program.
Day 11: Yesterday was a 2’fer. I got into Waterloo early, and finished the day in Collinsville. More of the same and once again, customers were generally not masked up. I noticed this also in the hotel. Though at the restaurant there was only outside seating, they were not spread out and were not wearing masks. The servers were, but not the customers. What is it that makes them think the transmission principals are only one direction. It seems they would want to keep each other and the staffs serving them food safe. It’s not that hard.
As I continue east and get back into the Bike dealers I’ll continue to check in. I may take a day or two away from reporting blow by blow and instead focus on something I read this morning about the difference between Resignation and Acceptance. A very timely subject.
You can reach me to discuss R.I.D.E.S. (Ride it Daily Extended Service) or how we can help you make changes to your OEM Warranty or ESP programs at frank@ensureprotect.com or call us at 844 927 7689, (844) WARRNTY.
See you out there. In the mean time enjoy a little Canned Heat. Beign a harmonica player it always puts a smile on my face.