Randy's Rules For Life And Business

Hello Gas Nation!

This week we're going to take a break from the GBG 911 challenge. Things are progressing at our 5 locations and I'll have more updates for you in the next few weeks.

So what are we going to talk about this week?

A former business partner of mine, Randy.

Many of you have read about Randy on my Twitter page, but to those new to Randy, let me catch you up real quick:

Randy's a mechanic who used to work for my dad for 20 years and then he and I were in business together for almost the same amount of time. Randy's now retired south of the border, but not before giving me and others endless thrills. He's a colorful character who lives his life unconventionally. But man, was he effective and my time with him was never dull.

Here are some of the rules Randy lives life by and while I'm not advocating for you to make them a part of your life, I have seen them be effective time and again.

1. Customer Service - If a customer doesn't like the way you talk to them or complains about your prices, it's totally okay to threaten to beat them with a set of jumper cables. I've witnessed multiple arguments evaporate into thin air to avoid the cables from coming out.

2. On HR  - When confronted with a disgruntled employee, grab the nearest tire iron. Threaten them and their family and you'll never hear from them again. Again, the best defense is a good offense.

3. On removing vagrants from your lot - You rent a truck and tell them you'll pay them $10 to clean the back of the truck out. When they get in, shut the door and relocate them to a place of your choice

.4 - On choosing a spouse - The stronger the stripper vibe, the better. Look for someone low-class who's happy with trips to Dollywood and considers Old Country Buffet to be the peak of society, Manage expectations.

5. On safety - If someone ever sticks us up, don't give them any money. Call me on the intercom and I will neutralize the perpetrators with an armed weapon. Casings will start flying and the only thing they may leave with is their life and that's at my discretion.

6. On due process - If anyone owes us a nickel I'll handle it. If they don't pay the rent, I'll throw their crap out in the streets. There's no need to serve notice. Bad check? Go pay them a visit. File bankruptcy? I’ll tow their car back to the yard in the middle of the night until we get paid

We're all just living in Randy's world. Working with Randy certainly made my life exciting and colorful. Sometimes a little too much. While Randy is one of a kind, there are plenty of Randys in the fuel business and you will come across them, whether you're a distributor, a hauler or a store owner-operator.
·
Again, as a formal disclaimer, I do not recommend these methods but I've seen them in action and they have been very effective. Do not try this at home unless your name is Chuck Norris. Or Randy.

Till next week!

GBG