So my building was sold on Friday. My wife and I moved here in May of 2012 and have loved everything about it. But the building was sold to a new apartment management company, and so we have new people in the front office.
Normally, this wouldn’t mean anything. I’ve lived in a few different apartment complexes in my life and rarely can I tell you the name of the person working the front desk. I know. I should be better about that, but often I got the impression that they cared about my check, but not much else.
That changed with this complex. From the moment we toured, the apartment representative, John, was so incredibly friendly. He answered all of our questions and did so in such a personal manner.
We’d run into him a bunch in downtown San Diego, at a dinner, at the gym, walking back from the post office. He always initiated a quick conversation and always with a “Hi Patrick” or “Hi Jessica.” As our wedding gifts arrived, he’d talk to us about our big day. When a great comic book movie came out, he and I would have a 15 minute conversation about it in the office.
For the first time ever, I really wanted the front office staff to be my good friends. John was good at his job–not just for his efficiency, but for his personal approach. He’d remain positive regardless if it was just a quick hello, an inquiry into our theatre rental, or a complaint. His company recognized his contribution and our monthly newsletters would highlight his promotions. Soon after it you’d see people regularly pop into the office and congratulate him.
Sadly, he doesn’t work for our new apartment company.
There’s a weird feeling around the building today. Everyone wants to be nice to the new staff, but we all already miss John–even though it has only been a few days.
I’m hoping it’ll just take some time, that this new group will be just as awesome as the last, but again–there was something about John. He made it more than a job.
He made it who he is.
He’s always kind. Always outgoing. Always willing to listen.
Such great traits.
I don’t know where John is headed, but I know he’ll be successful.
If we all could try to emulate his traits, we could be as well.
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