Meet Jesse – a story of top notch service

Investment Insights

Mike Jones

Back in the early 1980s when I was a newlywed, my wife and I would occasionally dine at the original Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. It was at this restaurant I was introduced to impeccable service. During those days there was a professional waitstaff that had been there since the 1950s. I thought I might never see service like this again.

Every year I try to make it to at least one investment management conference and this year I chose to go to one in San Diego, California. Because of the enviable location, my wife agreed to travel along with me. One night, we decided to skip the conference festivities and go to dinner by ourselves. We chose to eat at the restaurant located inside the famous Hotel Del Coronado. Looking at the picture below you can see why this iconic hotel is such a draw.

Little did we know what a treat we had in store for us on this particular evening. The location was beautiful. The food was spot on. But the most enjoyable part of our evening was our waiter, Jesse. Somewhere throughout the course of the evening I just had to ask Jesse some personal questions. He was too extraordinary.

Jesse seemed to me to be the ideal waiter. Upon quizzing him we learned that he graduated from high school in 1974 and that he had worked at this restaurant ever since. Yes, you read correctly – 43 years as a waiter!

JESSE IS THE QUINTESSENTIAL PROFESSIONAL IN THE SERVICE INDUSTRY.

For my column this month, I thought I would share with you the values I saw in Jesse, which is a model for those of us here at Argent Advisors as well.

1. Jesse is a pro. He was dignified at every level and we could clearly tell that he put all of his time and energy into doing his job excellently.
2. Jesse worked for a top notch company which had a corporate culture for excellence. It was obvious the restaurant supported and encouraged Jesse’s outstanding level of service.
3. Jesse highly valued his customers. We could easily see that he did not view them as merely a source of revenue.
4. Jesse delivered value. I have heard it said that cost is only an issue (assuming one has the resources) when there is a lack of value. On this night there was no lack of value. It was fine dining in every way imaginable, and we did not regret a single penny spent.
5. Jesse went the extra mile. When we complimented the chef for preparing an amazing dinner, Jessie went back to the kitchen and brought the chef to our table so that he could hear those words from us directly.
6. Jesse took care of himself physically. After all these years of waiting he seemed to move fluidly throughout the restaurant. Waiting is a physically demanding job, even for twenty somethings, but Jesse had energy in abundance. When I asked him about his excellent condition, he shared with my wife and me that he runs 3 miles every day.

Jesse was an inspiration to me. He made me reflect on my role as your financial professional and how his gifts relate to my role here at Argent Advisors. Look back at the six items above. They are important to me as your advisor, and I think they are important to you as as a client.

I promise to do my best to be a Jesse for you!

Byron R. Moore, CFP® is Managing Director / Planning Group of Argent Advisors, Inc. Mike Jones is Managing Director / Investment Group of Argent Advisors, Inc. Write to either at 500 East Reynolds Drive, Ruston, LA 71270 or call (318) 251-5800. This newsletter is available via email on a free subscription basis. You can subscribe by clicking here. Direct any questions, comments or suggestions to Byron Moore at bmoore@argentadvisors.com or to Mike Jones at mjones@argentadvisors.com.

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