TV Lenny was an entrepreneur with an engineering degree. He took over a family appliance business and turned it into “American”, the electronic, appliance, & furniture “big box store”. Alas, they are closing their doors. I guess the competition from Best Buy, Walmart and locally VanVreedes was too much. “American” has a Wisconsin pedigree.
I remember that Grasshopper No.2 was going to UW-Wisconsin in Madison in the early ’80’s. She wanted a new stereo system but she didn’t have enough money (and her parents wouldn’t buy if for her). No.2 took a job at American as a security clerk. Her job was to browse the store pretending to be a customer watching for people that were stealing merchandise. I never personally liked the job for her because when shop-lifting occurs there can be some pretty violent confrontations. For some reason I still remember some of the basic rules of security. If somebody stole something, they had to be allowed to “clear the store” walking to the parking lot. The theft officially occurs when they leave the store with merchandise without paying for it. The customer needs to be confronted immediately and No.2 was told to always have a witness. The big requirement was that No.2 had to be sure a theft ocurred because if a potential thief is confronted and they didn’t have stolen merchandise, “American” could be open to a lawsuit. I don’t know how many people No.2 caught. She did earn her stereo system. Was there any doubt?
I see that Americans that win a gold medal at the Olympics get awarded $25,000. It is kind of a nice reward for all the work they put in representing our country. Oh yeah, they owe Federal Taxes on the money. Really?
Fresh chili in the pot!
Last weekend of February!
Love,
Dad