We’ve lived in Garner, NC now for almost 16 years. It’s nice when you live somewhere long enough (this is the longest we’ve ever lived anywhere!) to establish yourself in the community, make friends, and feel like a regular at your places.

We’ve gotten to know people working at local businesses and there are a ton of great people, and lots of good things to say…but there are 3 standout professionals who have gone above and beyond even what their job calls for. I want to introduce you to Laura, Tiffany, and Adam, because they are just super nice down to earth people, but also because we can learn a lot from them.

Here’s my sweet hair stylist, Laura! She’s awesome at her job, always getting the color perfect on my hair, gives good advice, and is the best at giving a massage when I get my hair washed! Just all around great at what she does, also managing the shop, keeping everyone happy AND recently got her realtors’ license and is thriving in that business too (not to mention the house renovations and airBnB…) she honestly must have more hours in her day HAHA!

And meet Tiffany, a wonderful dental assistant at my dentists’ office. She helps the dentist do the complicated stuff, and is always there to be a support when we have to get fillings, etc.

I met Tiffany years ago when Skye was little and having trouble with her teeth. Tiffany would always be sure and notice when Skye’s name came up, so Tiffany would be the one to assist the dentist for the procedures.

It always made us feel better when Tiffany was there to give an encouraging word and rub Skye’s shoulder, or do whatever she could to help the situation. It’s been so fun to get to know her through the years.

Adam has been Dave’s buddy and go-to insurance agent for years. Adam goes above and beyond to help his customers, and then his customers become friends. Dave just got together with Adam for lunch yesterday.

So now that we’ve gotten the introductions out of the way, let me tell you what makes these fabulous human beings so special.

1) They learn people’s names, they remember our names, they use our names. This is straight out of the book, How to Win Friends and Influence People. But they do it in a genuine way. I’ve noticed that this is a trait of successful entrepreneurs….if you listen to How I Built This….when the entrepreneurs are being interviewed, they answer the questions but also have a real conversation with the interviewer, saying his name and making him feel like he’s just as important as they are (even tho the spotlight is on them in the interview)

2) They make friends with their customers. They chat and enjoy small talk, they ask questions and really listen to the answers. They genuinely care about the people around them; customers and other coworkers alike

3) they treat people as better than themselves. I know there must be times when they are tired…and I know in Tiffany’s case (after I specifically asked, she admitted to being up several times in the night with her baby and being very tired) but you would not know it as she was still as friendly and encouraging as always). Laura is on her feet all day as a hair stylist, she has 100 details going on that she needs to keep track of, but she puts that aside and makes each client feel special and loved. Adam is not only an insurance manager, but also is heavily involved with helping his church in many aspects, as well as doing a lot to help with his kids’ school. Yet he takes the time with Dave, has lunch with him, sends notes of encouragement, and generally thinks of others. Dave knows that when he has a question, Adam will always get right back to him with an answer.

4) they pay attention to details. They are good at their jobs, they know the latest information, they work hard to get details right, they are knowledgeable and confident. This takes time and effort. They aren’t sloppy or lazy.

*Honorable mention!! Dave gives the best customer service in what he does as well. I tried to find his lowest rating on google reviews and the lowest was 5 stars !! …I’m sorry to brag😭😭 😉 But I am very proud of him and how he truly cares about helping people and doing his best…I see that every day and I’m so thankful for his impeccable work ethic! I see the 4 points in him as well; get to know people and their names (he has to spell them right as well 🤣), truly care about people, put their needs ahead of his own, and his attention to detail is perfection.

We can learn so much from these amazing people. They live whole heartedly and unafraid to dive into people’s messy lives. Thank you, friends! We can never move now that we’ve found you 😉