Deluxe Service With a Smile
Cosmo-Yajima Service Station
If you live on Oahu, I urge you to fill up next at Cosmo on the corner of Keaumoku and King St. I actually look forward to getting gasoline there. They never fail to RUN out to greet me (everyone) as I pull into the driveway. I love watching them “attack” my car, washing the windows, checking the tires and oil as well as anything else I might need. I haven’t tried their hand wash yet, but I will soon. I most likely will never use the self serve aisle, but my guess is that both are exceptional as well. When they finish, I am always thanked for my business with a huge smile. The whole experience takes me back to the days when this was the norm at filling stations.
The Good Ol’ Days
Last Friday evening I saw them in a light I couldn’t even imagine and I must share it with you. It was 6:10 PM and I was running late, on my way to an event in Aina Haina. I looked at my fuel gauge and realized it was going to be a close call, so I pulled into Cosmo. I was surprised that no one ran out to greet me. Within minutes an employee came to my window and said, “Hello, we are actually closed, the pumps have been shut off and the computers are in the process of shutting down.” Sensing my disappointment, he said, “But please wait a minute and let me see what we can do.” How different is that? I got out of my car and looked into the office where about five people were huddled around the computer feverishly trying to reverse the shut down process.
Success!
Once they succeeded, they came running out to my car actually cheering that they were able to service my car. I was totally blown away. I snapped the photo above with my iPhone and was sad to see later that it was blurry. I must have been too excited. I just had to put it on here anyway. I plan to contact the manager or owner and hopefully arrange to do a YouTube interview. I am also hopeful that you will get your gasoline there the next time you need it. I promise you that you will be amazed.
November 16th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
I too have experienced the wonderful service at this gas station. I suggest that you try the car wash next time. You will be delighted.
November 16th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
I can relate to why you wanted to post this experience. When you are around people that are genuinely happy to be doing their jobs it is just simply invigorating. And, it is attractive. By that I mean, other people will be attracted to that genuine behavior. I am wishing I still lived in Hawaii, just so I could go to that filling station.
Also, I feel a need to mention, these are the days of digital cameras (like the one you used). You know, the pictures don’t cost anything to develop. I always try to take a few, especially if I am excited like I think you were. What the heck, like I mentioned, pictures these days don’t cost anything. Take a few. Don’t lose the moment :).
November 17th, 2009 at 11:03 am
service like that deserves a nice tip!