One Simple Way We Work To Create Comfort At Top Tier
One of the things that was non-negotiable for me when dreaming about our new shop space was a cookie jar on the front counter. This probably seems pretty odd to most people why this would be one of the first things I thought about and not about the office areas or shop space. I take it very seriously that we live by our motto of Trust, Quality and Comfort. That is what is essential to providing to not only our customers, but also our employees.
My grandparents owned a plumbing company while I was growing up and the very first memories I have of their shop was the old pressed tin metal ceiling, and Grandma’s cookie jar that sat on her front counter. It was Grandmas way of welcoming anyone who came into their shop – vendors, customers, sales people, employees. That first impression of feeling welcome and cared for.
My Dad is an incredibly talented hobby wood-worker – and many of the things in our new shop – live edge desks and tables and cabinets were built by my Dad. Growing up, Dad always had a project he was working on which would typically require a trip to the lumberyard – and it was always Hartje Lumber. If we were lucky, my sister and I would get to ride along with Dad to the lumberyard. We weren’t excited about the wood there, we were excited about the candy jar. I have so many fond memories walking into that lumberyard and Virgil Hartje coming out from his office to greet my Dad and in his big booming voice would always ask my sister and I, “Girls do you want some candy?” Which we would always shyly take one piece to which Virgil would say, “Oh you better take another.” It was that one small seemingly insignificant gesture that left a huge impression on us and our childhood memories. We felt welcome and cared for.
When I think of Top Tier and the role that we play in people’s lives I always want it to be one where people feel taken care of. Part of our mission statement says, “When you open your homes and businesses to us we value that trust and reciprocate it with quality that lasts and open and honest communication.” I want our customers to trust us as their plumbing professional. I want our employees to feel cared for and valued. When someone walks into my shop I want them to feel at home. And just maybe, there will be little kids that I can encourage to take another cookie and help create a lasting memory in their childhood.
