Determining who is the best kitchen designer in Philadelphia is difficult. This story about several kitchen designers shows why.
One Saturday, we were having an open house at a showroom I used to work at. The 5,000-square-foot display area was packed with visitors as well as the 10 designers who worked for the company. Some of the designers mingled and answered questions, and about five of us had congregated in the middle of the showroom talking among ourselves while casually looking around to see if anyone needed assistance. Apparently, we weren’t that observant because I suddenly realized there was a customer in our little circle quietly listening. I looked down and said, “I’m sorry. We didn’t notice you, miss. Can one of us help you with something?”
The customer thought for a moment and said, “I don’t know if one of you would be able to help. Is it OK if we really don’t know the design we want in our kitchen? Even what style cabinetry we want yet?”
All five designers immediately started to laugh, and the woman looked a little taken aback at our laughter.
I smiled and apologized telling her, “Miss, we aren’t laughing at you. We are laughing because you are the favorite type of customer for any kitchen designer, and all of us would love working with someone who is so open to our ideas. But, we may have a problem figuring out which of us gets to work with you.”
“I don’t want to start a fight,” she said, “And you did notice me first, so why don’t you help me? I do hope you’re one of the best designers.”
Again, all the designers started to laugh.
“Well,” she asked, “Now what’s everyone laughing at?”
I put out my hand and said, “My name is Paul, and I believe we’re all laughing because we know that all of us believe he or she is the best kitchen designer.”
With that, everyone started laughing, and we found out our new customer’s name was Colleen.
