28. April 2008 by kevinmhuff.

What a week! I just returned home from a whirlwind week in Boston — one of the best weeks I have ever had while on the road. I walked the Freedom Trail, caught the final mile of the Boston Marathon, and had a blast thanks to my friends Robert, Tanzer, Lisa, and Jenna.

Robert, I can’t thank you enough for showing me some of the hidden treasures of Boston, like the clocktower and dome at the Custom House. Plus, the seafood was phenomenal!

Tanzer, I appreciate you leading the lunch charge on Tuesday — it’s a goal of mine to try the best local food around and you did not disappoint.

Lisa, thanks so much for making the trip into Boston just to see and hang with us for a short while — at least we took in some excellent seafood and a quick side trip to the most wicked view of Boston. I wish you the best.

Jenna, my sincere thanks for inviting me to my own private showing of, “Play it Again, Sam” at the Milton Woman’s Club. That was such a great experience and such a treat to enjoy something like that while away from home. I hope you had an incredible opening weekend!

I raise my glass in Cheers to Boston, where some of the friendliest, most hospitable people I’ve met, call home.  May the Barking Crab remain always open!

Posted in Hospitality | 1 Comment »

10. February 2008 by kevinmhuff.

I travel…a lot. Last year (2007) I traveled during 27 different weeks, renting a car at National for many of those days. It’s the life of a Corporate Training Consultant - and I love it! One of the perks is the award miles with airlines, hotels, and car rental agencies, like National.

As a long-standing customer of National, I earn Emerald Executive status every year. There is a higher level and I was sure I had earned it in 2007 so I called National’s Emerald hotline where I met Adam.

Adam took the time to, one by one, count each of my paid rentals, then separately (and again one by one) he counted each of my paid rental days. I couldn’t believe he took the time out of his day to do that to ensure their computers hadn’t made a mistake … and unfortunately, the computers were right I had rented for 83 days and it takes 85 to be an Executive Elite member. Ugh!

Then Adam surprised me again. He said we could challenge the Marketing department to upgrade my status and he started helping me put together my request to be “wish listed.” WOW!!! On top of it, HE submitted it!!!

I haven’t heard back from Marketing yet, Adam said it should take about a week so I have another 6 days to wait…but Adam’s service was above and beyond. Thank you Adam and thank you National Car for keeping employees like Adam in their role!

Feb 12 update: I heard from Adam today, several days earlier than promised. National has approved my status increase in an (this year only) effort to earn more of my business. Congrats, National — YOU HAVE!! Great work, Adam!

Posted in Hospitality, Customer Service | 3 Comments »