It’s Friday night.

It’s Friday night, and it’s Valentine’s Day.

It’s Friday night, it’s Valentine’s Day, I’m taking my bride to watch ballet an hour from our home, and I have a time zone difference to contend with.

With all the guaranteed aspects of creating a time crunch, now I’ve increased the pressure by swinging by Columbus, GA’s Barnes and Noble “real quick” to get the final piece of Leslie’s present . . . a couple’s devotional. She’s excited, and I’m nervous about having enough time.

As we make our selection, I peek at the clock . . . “It’s gonna be close, but we’re good!”

We bolt towards the check-out counter, and I see gridlock as we round the corner. There are kids, couples, friends catching up, and people cutting line for hugs while I’m desperately trying to pay and escape.

I assess the line. “I say we just come back after the show.”

“Why?” Leslie inquires.

“You want to get there early. I don’t see it happening if we stay in this line.”

Leslie and I have the advantage of walking out and not having to deal with this line. The man behind the counter, Mr. Terry Shoemaker Jr., does not. He must whittle down this crowd so he can get back to helping people throughout the store.

While Leslie and I chat, I watch Terry professionally carve up the line like a Thanksgiving turkey.

He’s contending with the same long line as us, but my emotions and Terry’s are polar opposites. While most people seem irritated to be working on a busy Friday night, Mr. Shoemaker looks like he is having a great time.

As our place in line continuously improves, Mr. Shoemaker handles each customer with a warm smile, a pleasant greeting, and fast service that doesn’t feel rushed. He smiles. He laughs. He asks questions. He makes the customers feel welcomed and appreciated.

We get to the counter much faster than I anticipated. He gives the same greeting he gave everyone else, but this one feels genuine, fresh, and uniquely created for us.

He asks for our information so he can access our account. Phone number? . . . strike one. Email address? . . . strike two.

Leslie and I look at one other like we’re lost in the wilderness. He laughs and says, “That’s okay.”

Before we can offer a third strike, Terry’s already used the information we previously provided to create a new account. He smiles and hands us a new rewards card while explaining all the future benefits.

I don’t know Terry’s role at Barnes and Noble. It could have been his first day on the job; he may normally only change light bulbs, or he could own the joint. The way Terry treated us, we walked out feeling like we were the owners.

Terry showed great poise and joy in serving his customers while demonstrating several wonderful traits of being a Sharper Leader. Barnes and Noble and Columbus, Georgia are blessed to have Terry representing them well!