Denise Mucci, escrow/title officer with First American Title Co. is one of the unsung heros of a successful real estate transaction. Her sense of humor, attention to detail and professional experience can make the difference between a bumpy ride and a deal where things just seem to fall into place. When things get complicated, I can always trust that Denise is on the job, communicating and caring about my clients.
Alina Garcia, the force behind the historic bar/restaurant/dancehall, Little Switzerland in Sonoma is doing a couple of wonderful things for us. She not only is keeping the traditional Sunday polka/ballroom dances going (the place was established in 1906), she has expanded the venue to include Tango, Latin, Blues and Zydeco nights. If you’re looking for a fun night out, check out the calendar at lilswiss.com.
Jeanne at Chico’s knows the classic style I wear and keeps an eye out for pieces of clothing I might like. She knows her product and instinctively presents me with a selection that makes me want them all. Leaving the store, whether I have maxed out the charge card or bought nothing at all, I leave feeling I’ve been served, not sold.
Trips to the Cottage Gardens in Petaluma are a regular weekend pilgrimage for me. And when I’m there, Fionula (she finally made it to our salsa class!) and owner Daria, offer expert advice selecting plants, help diagnose plant pathogens and offer suggestions to help my garden bloom, all with personal warmth and attention.
Judy Theo, artist and owner of Red Wolf Gallery in Sonoma (http://www.judytheo.com/). She not only goes the extra step to provide that personal touch to her customers, she supports young, aspiring artists. As one teacher/artist explained it, “Judy gives from the heart.”
I know there are many excellent restaurants in Petaluma but two of the reasons I return again and again to Dempsey’s are Ryan and Ashley. These waitpersons are consummate professionals who greet customers they recognize by name, can characterize menu items and are Johnny-on-the-spot with service throughout the dining experience. It’s a blend of personal charisma and professional excellence that makes them a joy to be around.
Dan Stolz is, on the surface, the all American, good looking, forever young, boy next door tennis pro. But watching him with my daughter on the tennis court, it dawns on me that he is teaching her life lessons —about recovering from missed opportunities —about the power of visualizing goals —about focusing on a positive mental approach —about taking responsibility for her own actions and moving on. Tennis for Dan is simply a way to help people learn about themselves. And he does it with grace, patience, and generosity.
Marty of Marty’s Home Health Care is a charismatic, big sister you never had but wish you did. Her positive attitude burns like the North Star —constant, guiding, dependable. After I had been down with a cold for a few days, she showed up at my door with dvd, soup, pizza, flowers, orange juice and advice: “Get back to bed!”—that kind of big sister. After a career of taking care of people at 30,000 feet as an airline stu, she now looks after people who need the assistance of someone dependable with both feet firmly on the ground. A more caring, ebullient, red-headed angel you will never find.
Dan Williges at Math Passion is a get the job done sort of guy—a CEO kind of guy, but’s not until you see him tutoring the kids that you realize what a warm and fuzzy, funny guy he is. For some people it’s sports, or music, or theater—for Dan, it’s math, and his art is nurturing and allowing a child’s inner math passion to bloom. Like all really gifted teachers he is able to communicate his enthusiasm for the subject and has dramatically raised my daughter’s math skills. She sums it up as “Dan rocks!”
Theresa, my sales assistant at Frank Howard Allen Realtors is someone I hold in the highest regard. An exemplary professional, who gives unstintingly of her time and expertise, she is always ready with a smile and even a hug if she thinks I could use one, somehow she can always tell. She is a gift.
These are some of the Five Star People in my life. They go beyond being good at their jobs to reach out and care for others they come in contact with. They see beyond themselves to make the world a nicer place to live in with one encouraging word, one smile, or even one hug at a time.
I’m going to make an effort to let these people know what a difference they make in my life. I’d like to do the same for them.
P.S. If you have some Five-Star People in your life that you’d like to share, please drop me a note at sheila@707realtor.com.
