The man had barely stepped inside the dealership when a salesman blocked his path.
“Stop right there. You’re covered in paint.”
The visitor glanced at the polished vehicle beside them. “I’m here to buy that car.”
The salesman laughed.
“Look at your clothes. You look like you just walked off a construction site. Don’t waste my time.”
A couple near the reception desk stopped talking. The visitor looked down at the dried paint on his sleeves, then back at the salesman.
“I said I’m here to purchase the car.”
“Then leave before you damage something.”
Before the man could answer, the manager hurried across the showroom.
“Sir, you’re here! We have everything ready.”
The salesman’s smile vanished.
The manager turned toward him. “Do you know who you just insulted? This gentleman owns this dealership.”
For a moment, nobody spoke.
The owner spent his morning helping repaint a community center. He came straight over to collect a car for his wife.
“Sir, I’m so sorry,” the salesman whispered. “This will never happen again.”
“You judged the paint on my clothes instead of the person wearing them,” the owner replied.
Then he placed his keys on the desk.
“Tomorrow, you’ll greet every customer at the door. Ask what they need before deciding who they are.”
The following morning, the salesman welcomed a man in muddy boots.
This time, he offered his hand.
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