While I shoveled the first genuine snowfall of the season, I caught sight of a man on a blue bicycle – not something you spot all the time in Oakville in December. We both nodded hello and then he said, “How are you doin’ there, m’am?” “Oh, fine,” I answered, “the snow’s not too heavy.”
He then hopped off his bike and explained how he’d been busy shoveling driveways in the neighbourhood. I studied his weathered face as he told me that Southern Ontario snow was no challenge for a Newfoundler like him (although he used the term Newfie, with a laugh). Hmmm. “Are you looking for more shoveling work?” I asked. “Oh, yes, m’am.” In a flash, my new friend took the shovel off my hands and got to work.
And work he did. He cleanly cleared the circular part of the driveway and the sections at the end, near the road, where the town plow had dumped frozen boulders.
Every snow day since that time in early December, Andy has been back, happily clearing my drive, and those of my neighbours too. Along the way, he has taught me a few things:
Word-of-mouth is the best generator of new business. Since he first cycled by my house, Andy has gained at least five of my neighbours as customers. All hired him eagerly after seeing his fast, neat work.
Assume the sale. Each time the snow falls, Andy shows up. He assumes I want him to clear the driveway. I imagine this grizzled Newfoundler knows a thing or two about marketing, although he’d never call it that.
Be grateful. A few times this month I was feeling sorry for myself, juggling deadlines and trying to cram Christmas shopping and baking into an impossible schedule. Then I thought of Andy, who would never ever complain about “too much” work to do. And he’s outside, digging through icy mounds of snow in biting winds, while my labours involve nothing more strenuous than splicing sentences or storyboarding videos in a warm office. When Andy finishes the job, he knocks on the door and humbly shows me his handiwork. When I pay him, he says thank you, and his face lights up as though I’ve given him a wonderful gift. Yet he has bestowed one on me, freeing me from an onerous chore that has irked me ever since I became a solo homeowner.
May your New Year be filled with gratitude and new friends.
