It was about six years ago when I was researching the purchase of a Sea Ray. I made my first call to Sea Ray Customer Service.
When I was greeted on the phone it was certainly an unusually enthusiastic hello and welcome. As I introduced myself and let the representative know I was shopping for a boat that was no longer in production the rep assured me he was extremely familiar with the model. He proceeded to tell me about the model history, where it was made, year model differences and bragged about the boat model as if he built it himself. He had a confidence like a company owner, builder designer, service manager, salesperson yet he came across as a rather friendly person . . . and even interested in me.
I asked many questions and received wonderful answers. I was asked questions as if it was the representative’s job to make sure I was making a good decision. There were no time limits in our phone conversation, no hurries to get to the next call, no quotas. Just a simple and straight forward interest in “What can I do to make boating better for you”.
When I was closing our conversation I simply could not thank Rusty Higgins enough for his generous attention, enthusiasm and sincere interest. During following weeks we had a few more conversations as I got closer and closer to my Sea Ray purchase and Rusty’s effort to assist me never failed. Once I had my rig on my lake I could not wait to call Rusty. What I got on the phone was an enthusiastic congratulation from a real Sea Ray guy.
My story is probably not unlike many others. The difference is I purchased a used boat from a private party. Rusty did not care where or from whom I made my purchase. He just cared that I made a good purchase and gave me the information and confidence to do so.
From the bottom of my heart, Thank You Rusty.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I am reminded today to write this note because this past Saturday Rusty was coming through town where I live. I wish I could say we sat around and drank all those beers I owe him but we did not. I was stuck in my job. Rusty went out of his way to come by anyway and say hi. It was a real pleasure to finally meet Rusty in person. I hope you get a chance to meet Rusty. He is a great person.
When I was greeted on the phone it was certainly an unusually enthusiastic hello and welcome. As I introduced myself and let the representative know I was shopping for a boat that was no longer in production the rep assured me he was extremely familiar with the model. He proceeded to tell me about the model history, where it was made, year model differences and bragged about the boat model as if he built it himself. He had a confidence like a company owner, builder designer, service manager, salesperson yet he came across as a rather friendly person . . . and even interested in me.
I asked many questions and received wonderful answers. I was asked questions as if it was the representative’s job to make sure I was making a good decision. There were no time limits in our phone conversation, no hurries to get to the next call, no quotas. Just a simple and straight forward interest in “What can I do to make boating better for you”.
When I was closing our conversation I simply could not thank Rusty Higgins enough for his generous attention, enthusiasm and sincere interest. During following weeks we had a few more conversations as I got closer and closer to my Sea Ray purchase and Rusty’s effort to assist me never failed. Once I had my rig on my lake I could not wait to call Rusty. What I got on the phone was an enthusiastic congratulation from a real Sea Ray guy.
My story is probably not unlike many others. The difference is I purchased a used boat from a private party. Rusty did not care where or from whom I made my purchase. He just cared that I made a good purchase and gave me the information and confidence to do so.
From the bottom of my heart, Thank You Rusty.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I am reminded today to write this note because this past Saturday Rusty was coming through town where I live. I wish I could say we sat around and drank all those beers I owe him but we did not. I was stuck in my job. Rusty went out of his way to come by anyway and say hi. It was a real pleasure to finally meet Rusty in person. I hope you get a chance to meet Rusty. He is a great person.
