J. T. Pedersen » Doing It Right!

Who’s Doing It Right!

JT — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:56:54 +0000

The fine folks at Heavenly Acres Pet Cemetery, in Brighton, Michigan. That’s Who!

For those of you who have been with me a while, you’ll recall the passing of my dear friend, Kimba. She had succumbed to cancer this past August.

Working in the garage yesterday, my 9 year old son asked me why we had ‘gotten rid’ of her. Though he had lived through the period with us, I was surprised to find he thought we had gotten rid of her for somehow having been a ‘bad’ dog. This led into some deeper discussions, and eventually the topic of her ashes came up.

I’m sure I’m not the only person, who after having had their pet cremated, might have waited months, years even, to look inside the returned package.

This isn’t the first time my family has been through this. Yet, it was ‘my’ dog this time, striking closer to the heart than with previous pets. So, there was a bit of gravity to the moment as I retrieved her and began to look inside.

Placed nicely on top, was a small package wrapped in white tissue paper with black dog prints. Unwrapping it, we discovered a small monument with her paw impressed into the plaster.

Even after being with us for 10 years, it was surprising how hard it was to find something (dog bowls don’t count) of hers that would remain as a persistent reminder.

Thanks to Heavenly Acres Pet Cemetery, we have the best, persistent memory of all. Priceless comes to mind.

Yep, I know, just another dog story for most of you. I thank you for your understanding and perseverance. Talk with you more, tomorrow.

Heavenly Acres Pet Cemetery
4369 Old US Highway 23
Brighton, Michigan 48114

(ps: The plaster is actually a gray-white, but lighting didn’t want to participate)

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Who’s Doing It Right!

JT — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:02:12 +0000

Dr. George Atsalis (DDS) and his team.

For more than a decade Dr. Atsalis has been my primary dentist. After relocating some distance away my family had started visiting other dentists. This week, I had the opportunity to revisit Atsalis Dental. The difference was noteworthy.

Being with George from the beginning, I have watched him consistently strive to be on the leading edge of his industry. But first and foremost, he is focused on his customers! It is evident in the major remodeling he did years ago; frequent updates to equipment and processes; and, professional staff in manner, appearance, and execution.

Three immediate additions to his practice jumped out at me this week: digital picture frames used to promote messaging; staff wearing earpieces (he keeps up on patient status wirelessly, “Is the patient tingly yet?”); and a full coffee bar.

As a coffee lover, I had to admit I was very pleasantly surprised to see this addition. If coffee service is even available, it is normally hours old coffee in a Mr. Coffee maker somewhere, with some Styrofoam cups somewhere. Not here. Customers, I hesitate to say ‘patients’ or clients, are treated to 6 flavors of gourmet coffee and a Keurig coffee maker.

Sometimes subtlety can make a powerful comment.

Today, my hat’s off to Dr. George Atsalis and his Team, for Doing It Right!

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Who’s Doing It Right!

JT — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:00:08 +0000

Periodically I am going to start highlighting the people I know or have met that I believe are doing it right! With so many items in our lives challenging us negatively, it is important to be reminded there are actually a lot of positives surrounding us. All we need to do is look.

Rob Pasick

Dr. Pasick organized CEO Connect as a means of bringing together area business and government leaders. The focus is on positive leadership. His latest book, “Balanced Leadership in Unbalanced Times,” underscores his efforts. You can learn more about Rob’s activities here.

Jeannine MacDonald

Ms. MacDonald is the proprietor of Lady Rebecca’s Choice, located in downtown Howell, Michigan. Jeannine is a strong supporter of local business, actively leading efforts to educate both the public as well as fellow merchants. Hat’s off to Jeannine!

Scott Lorenz

Scott owns Westwind Communications, a Michigan public relations and marketing firm. He is also a licensed balloonist regularly seen flying over southern Michigan. Mr. Lorenz is one of the most supportive, creative, imaginative friends a person could have.