The McDonald’s Story

From my first Saturday job in 1996 at a computer retailer

Coffee Saved My Day Once Before

This coffee theme reminds me of a story from my first job in 1996. Every Saturday, I worked at a computer retailer to pay for my information science study. One morning, the store manager reported late. Painfully, she ought to open up while a couple of customers already lined up. Her estimated delay: 45+ minutes.

Luckily, a father with his daughter accepted my apologies and invitation to sit down at McDonald’s just around the corner. I ordered three coffees and listened to their preferences.

At McCaffeine round two, the dad asked if I recommend a suitable configuration for his studying daughter. I summed up their specification to verify good understanding and presented my best advice with three or four options. He picked a fine system on the spot, laughed and said “Alright Mike, let’s check the store now and wrap it up!”

Bless the company director who just arrived with his key to finally unlock the shop. The father purchased over $2,500, just under their budget. Instead of us waiting, we enjoyed a few cups of McDonald’s coffee. The real deal? Trust me, I’d rather visit a place like Starbucks if they served in The Netherlands. Frankly, instant coffee tastes good enough when you lack real alternatives, so we better keep healthy supplies!

Freedom of choice simply matters. Exactly here the Navigator fits in. With zero retail experience, I guided the family intuitively to facilitate them in making decisions. My incentive consisted of smiling customers and a grateful employer, not a futile sales commission. Heck, the McBill came out my own pocket, yet worth every guilder: a story with a happy meal end and colleagues assigned me this amusing nickname.

McMike’s day saved by coffee from McDonald’s. I’m Lovin’ It!

Oh, the delayed store manager? She arrived over an hour later and got sacked by her supervisor the next week. Turned out she overslept due to a massive hangover.