08/25/2026
Today I was reminded that how we treat people matters just as much as the work we perform.
I walked into another local shop as a fellow business owner and a longtime customer, expecting a normal conversation. Instead, I was spoken to disrespectfully—and so were my shop, my work and the customer’s vehicle I was driving.
This happened in front of customers waiting for their own vehicles and employees who still had to continue working after the room was turned upside down.
We all have bad days. We all carry things nobody else can see. But if you’re having a day where you can’t treat people with basic respect, step away for a few minutes. Don’t make your customers question whether they’re safe bringing concerns to you, and don’t leave your employees standing in the chaos afterward.
An apology came later, and I acknowledge that. But apologies don’t immediately erase what everyone in that room experienced.
I chose to walk away, and the business relationship is now over. I won’t name the shop or encourage anyone to attack it—that isn’t the community I’m trying to build.
Small businesses should be able to communicate, disagree and correct problems without tearing one another apart. Around here, respect will always be part of the job.
Let’s do better—for our customers, our employees and each other.
That morning test ride grounded me this morning.
And so did every conversation i had afterwards.
I'm grateful for that.
