Posted on Jul 31, 2014

Longevity In Action

Franco (right) and Joe (left)

I was recently visiting family in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, where I grew up. And I was in need of a haircut.

Driving along a familiar street, I saw “Franco’s Barber Shop”. I was stunned. Could it be the same barbershop where I got my hair cut growing up? I hadn’t been there in at least 25 years.

I had to stop and check this out.

When I opened the door, I immediately recognized the same small barbershop. It had 4 stations, a crammed room with 7 patrons waiting to get their hair cut, and 3 barbers working away.

As soon as I saw Franco and his familiar smile, I knew it was him. Then the same Joe I knew from years ago turned to me and said:

“Come in. Sit down. Only a few people in front of you. It won’t take that long!”

It was like walking back in time.

Their jovial nature and friendliness hadn’t changed. Even their Italian accent was the same.

But there was something else.

I proclaimed: “You’re still here! I haven’t been here in over 25 years!”

To this, Joe proudly replied: “Well, we’ve been here for 47 years!!”

Now, that’s longevity in action.

Embracing the Value of Longevity

As a differentiating value, Longevity means duration of service; or long-lived. This is not a value one can validate easily or quickly.

It only happens with time.

Franco opened his barbershop in 1967. His cousin, Joe, had just moved to Canada from Italy and needed a job. But he didn’t know any English. So Franco said:

“You come work for me. I’ll teach you how to cut hair. You’ll learn English, and you’ll do just fine.”

So Franco and Joe started working together. And 47 years later they are still working together! How many businesses do you know that have lasted that long? (heck, how many marriages last that long?)

Now, there was one thing obvious in the tone of Joe’s voice. He was very proud of their longevity. In fact, I sensed he was clearly targeting to reach the magic number of 50.

Of course, these fine gentlemen are not spring chickens anymore. So what’s the future of the business?

Franco has 2 sons – Claudio and Paul – and they have joined the business and now run the shop. Franco only works a few days a week, and more when needed (when I visited, he was actually covering for Paul who was away on vacation). And Joe works as many days as he chooses (or can).

But then came an amazing surprise.

A Special Gift for Longevity

As I sat in the chair getting a haircut, we chatted about living in North Carolina and and what I’m now doing. Then I mentioned that my father used to get his hair cut there too (over 25 years ago).

Franco then stopped and asked me the name of my dad, and after a slight pause, said:

“Oh….. Charlie Ferguson. He used to be Vice President at the University, yes?”

“Yes!!” I said.

Again, I was amazed. What a memory!

Then… a few minutes later, Joe leaned over to me and says:

“Didn’t you used to sell furniture?” To which I replied “No. No.”

Joe paused. Then said:

“You used to sell kitchens.”

“Yes!” I said. “How on earth do you remember that?”

Joe just smiled. And so did Franco.

I was joyfully astonished

It was like meeting an old friend and within a few minutes you’re connected just like you were years ago.

I realized then that when you truly care about people – your customers, your friends, your family – you have a greater chance of experiencing the benefits of longevity. It’s not about the business, or property, or hobbies, or even knowledge.

It’s about people. It’s about relationships.

A lot of things will change over time. Over this we have no control. But one thing we can preserve regardless of how much change we experience in life: Friendships.

How much we care about others today determines the longevity of our relationships.

P.S. If you are ever in Guelph, Ontario, drop by Franco’s in the Wellington Plaza (and no, they don’t have a website). Tell them Robert sent you!