Lately, I’ve been harsh on a few companies for their lack of service or, far worse, uncommitted executive leadership. Today, I experienced the flip side of that and wanted to share the experience to demonstrate equality.

I just returned from a visit to the local Big-O Tire Center around the corner from me because my Cherokee driver’s side front tire had been losing air the past few days and was affecting the drive-ability of the vehicle. I figured I must have run over a nail, glass or whatever and was prepared to have to shell out for at least one new tire if it was glass which meant two new tires (to me) to balance everything out. I felt guilty for not visiting the Goodyear store a friend of mine happens to work, but the tire was awfully low (i.e. flat) so I didn’t want to push it. The Goodyear is at least 15 miles away so that eliminated that from consideration rather quickly today. Not many gas stations offer tire repair these days so the choices are rather limited.

To my surprise, according to the technician, there was nothing wrong with the tire other than the lip had slightly bubbled under the rim just enough to allow air to slowly escape. He said SUVs and trucks have that happen every now and again. Ok, great! The beauty of it all–they didn’t charge me a dime to fix it! Even though I have that friend that works at a tire shop some 15 miles away that would undoubtedly give me a good deal should I need tires or work done on my vehicle, I’ll likely go to Big-O the next time I need tires for two reasons: 1) this act of uncommon kindness and 2) it’s within walking distance of my home so it’s extremely convenient.

Big-O has at least earned my business the next time I need tires without even doing anything to market to me or hook me to come in. They showed me they might actually care about their customers and doing the right thing even if it doesn’t translate into immediate revenue or profits. I’ve already told three people (friend, girlfriend, and dad) about this without prompting from the folks at Big-O–I’m happy to share this kind of news because it’s so rare. It beats the hell out of griping about something, too.

What’s the last uncommonly good encounter you’ve had with a business lately? Hopefully some folks find working with my consulting company worthy of frequent unprompted praise at some point along the way.