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Last week, Calvin and I attended a week-long Workshop in Rome, Ga. that started on Sunday evening. The first few days were really long and the amount of information coming our way was almost overwhelming. On Wednesday, we were dismissed after a paltry 10 1/2 hours for our first night of freedom.
Our decision to wear our Smokingpipes.com T-shirts turned out to be the catalyst for an amazing few hours. After grabbing dinner at Brewhouse (the only place large enough for most of the classmates to meet), Calvin and I decided to walk next door for a smoke. We were within feet of the Old Havana Cigar Shop. Inside we went, past the lobby of big, heavy overstuffed leather chairs and over to a table. Off came our coats as we proudly displayed the wings on the back of our shirts. Calvin went for the humidor while I reached into my jacket pocket for my pipe.
There was a pretty good crowd for the middle of the week. Probably 10-12 folks inside at the bar and the high-top tables.
When Calvin came back a few minutes later, I walked over to a few guys at the high-top tables to ask them to take a picture of us. We wanted a memorial picture to share back at Laudisi. As I turned around to show him the shirt back, the adventure began...
"YOU GUYS ARE FROM SMOKINGPIPES? Aw man, we love you guys!"
We had just missed a meeting of the BROTHERS OF THE BRIAR Pipe Club in Rome. Half of the members had already left but the guys that remained were the "hardcores." Within minutes, we were standing there like celebrities. Calvin and I spent the next hour and a half talking pipes, cigars, dodging the multitude of offers to buy us a beer (too bad we had classes the next day) and having such a great time. Paul, Pat, Josiah (and a few more) kept the talk fresh, the smiles flowing, and compliments going. They love our site. They love our pictures. They love calling into Customer Service. They love the prices. They love the updates. It was so cool hearing how happy our customers (and now friends) were with us at the company.
It was difficult to say "Goodnight" to our newest friends. Handshakes turned to big hugs and pats on the back. Lots of "thank you's" from both sides.
Calvin and I had walked in thinking we'd get a little break from the pressures of the workshop. What we walked out with was a whole lot of new friends and a validation that everything we do at Smokingpipes.com is seen and appreciated by our customers.
So to Paul, Pat and Josiah, my personal thanks to you! You guys rock! I don't know when we'll see you again, but our offer to The Brothers of the Briar of Rome Ga. is always there. Come see us. It's a road trip you'll never forget, and it will give us the chance to return the warmth and hospitality you showed us.
Your friend forever,
Denis
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Comments
I had an awesome time! Thanks Denis for sharing this haha