Detroit.
So early in the morning, my eyes are still closed. Had to arise at 4:00 a.m. for a flight out of New York, and now I’m walking in somnolent silence down to Gate F2 for a connecting flight to Seattle. Try walking in an airport sometime with your eyes closed. Not easy. But I’ll get where I’m going when I get there. No rush.
I’m soooooo tired.
Normally, I’m an early riser, but I didn’t finish packing until almost midnight.
One word – Ugh! Even three jolts of Starbucks espresso fail to awaken me. Zzzzzzzzzz.
William sees me coming.
Little did I know I was about to meet a successful businessman who would shake me out of my doldrums. He utters only one word:
“Shine?”
I’m twenty paces past William’s shoe-stand before a dim bulb pops. “Shine? Hey, why not?” I have an hour and a half layover, and my shoes look like they’re on the verge of a nervous breakdown.
For the next 20 minutes, William and I attempt to disprove the axiom that there is nothing new under the sun. He likes my shoes. “Excellent quality. Very nice – see the stitching here? That’s really good. You have excellent taste. These might be the best shoes I’ll work on all day.” William laughs so hard his belly shakes.
William and I proceed to talk about politics, religion, and his favorite subject – basketball. We talk about the Pistons, Bulls and Sixers, Air Jordan, and Dr. J. I tell him the Bulls have won enough titles. It’s time they let Philadelphia win one.
The discussion flows to the subject of lifestyles. William neither smokes nor drinks.
“Been there, done that,” he says with a knowing smile. A regular attendee at church, William advocates moderation in all aspects of living and says he now exercises daily on a stationary bike.
I slowly lean sideways and look at William’s ample girth. With a wry smile, I gently admonish him with two words – “Pedal harder.”
William roars with laughter at the obvious reference to his spare tire.
We’re already friends.
Meanwhile, William assumes loving control of my shoes with no less devotion than a French chef preparing a seven course meal – from the initial cleanser to the final buff. Imagine a moderately skilled violin maker handling his first Stradivarius for an up-close inspection.
William is in love with my shoes, and he’s massaging them with the care of a skilled therapist. He doesn’t merely shine my loafers – he brings them back to life.
My shoes are converted – born again.
I am truly amazed.
I tell William the truth – they didn’t look this nice when I purchased them.
William again smiles and with serious conviction says he is undoubtedly, “The Best in the World.”
He’s not joking.
The best shoeshine man in the entire world? Wow. I believe him. Who could dispute William’s abilities with the evidence right at your feet. The proof is in the Italian loafers.
Total charge? Four bucks.
I give him a ten spot; well aware I’m still getting off cheap. His advice was worth at least that much – rather cheap therapy at that. He certainly shook me out of my doldrums.
No longer glum or sleepy, I wander down to my gate with eyes wide open, smiling broadly … with a jaunty swagger befitting a man with the best-looking shoes in Michigan.
How many people in business, or any line of occupation … how many can say with all seriousness they are “The Best in the World” at what they do?
William is the first I’ve met. I don’t think I’ve met one other person who felt that way – who said with confidence they were that good.
I practiced law for almost 40 years and had justly earned a reputation for competence. But, best in the world? No way, Jose.
Whether you are a banker, candlestick maker or pursuing a career in Footwear Rehabilitation, if everyone exercised the skill and loving care of William in what they do, think about how much success they would enjoy in business, life and love.
If you have a business and want advice on improving your bottom line, I have a suggestion on where you should go – Detroit.
Go talk to William.
Think about it – for the cost of airfare and a measly four bucks, you’ll have an audience with somebody who is the Best in the World at what he does. He’s a great resource, and you’re sure to return home with a smile and a personal conviction to improve.
William is an inspiration to anyone who aspires to be great, in everything they do.
Don’t forget your most nervous shoes.
-30-
Originally published in 1993, Wayne (PA) Times
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