Thriving to be the best: Veronica and Niger Advance Auto Parts

Veronica Portillo Store Manager

My travels have revealed some strange encounters and I have met many interesting people. This story is about a group of people who was really exceptional. 

Everyone who knows me or who reads this blog knows that without a doubt, I am an AutoZone guy, I like AutoZone for several reasons which include:

• They have a wide variety of products.
• They offer a high standard of Service.
• They have a customer friendly return policy.
• An utoZone store can be found almost everywhere.

While on the Road I ran into and did business with lots of AutoZone Stores, and with the exception for one bad experience, the service they provide is impeccable. It is strange that in Creedmoor, North Carolina, there is an AutoZone Store that had the most helpful Manager, but this store also had one of the most dishonest customer service representative there is. This representative spiteful behavior, was responsible for causing me a couple hundred dollars in unplanned expense.

On my long journey, I have also used the Service of several Advance Auto Parts stores and although they provide a fairly good Standard of Service, they have not live up to the standard of Service I received at AutoZone. But this was soon to change. On the 4^th of December 2013, I went into the Advance Auto Parts store, which is located at 2206 North Roxboro Road, Durham, North Virginia. My objective was: price checking before I made a fairly large purchase, I was also double check my RV batteries; this was when I ran into Veronica Portillo.

This (Veronica) happy go lucky go getter had just reentered the store after running a battery diagnostic test on a customer’s vehicle; she was all bubbling over with joy and with a big smile on her face, she wanted to know how she could be of help. Immediately I declared my desire, and Veronica was only to eager to help. Immediately; Veronica got her battery testing equipment and out to my van where the batteries were we went.

She tested my batteries and give me the results, I told her I will like to have the batteries charged, and with the same fit of excitement, she picked up the battery and with an enthusiastic “lets get you all charged," she head into the store and place the battery on the charger and wanted to know if there was anything else she could do for me.

Nigar Vargas Ass. Manager

Veronica maintained her smile and “go happy friend” personality, which she displayed to every customer that came into the store. I was shock to learn that Veronica was the store manager. She is a manager that leads by example and one who get things done. Veronica was not only professional, she was courteous, willing to help and she was easy to speak to.

The next time I went into the store, I met Niger Vargaz, Nigar is the Store's assistant manager, this young man is also a very friend and helpful fellow. Mr. Vargaz is a little reserves, but when he gets going there is nothing that can stop him, Like Veronica Niger will turn the store inside-out to help his customer. The soft spoken articulate gentleman is very calculated and he hates to see a customer leave the store without what they came in for.

Another member of this exceptional staff is Janice Campbell  or Miss Janice as she is affectionately called. Miss Janice is a down to earth lady whose level of maturity commands the respect of both staff and customer alike, Miss Janice who appear to be a little shy, tends to put the customers at ease, when she opens her mouth and her smooth southern accent is heard. Miss Janice is a woman who is not only quick to help but seems to know most of the customers by name; this quality represents the peek of customer service. It is only an in tuned customer service representative, who takes the time to remember their customer's name. Miss Janice gives to her customer the biggest compliment anyone can give to a customer, and that is: to remember the name of the person who spend their monies at your establishment.  

Jeanine McDonald getting a customer's battery after
it was charged

This store has ten employees including both Managers. Another of the employee is Jeanine Mc Donald, who is originally from New York City. Jeanine is a free spirit and there is no doubt she enjoys her Job. Jeanine can be seen checking customer’s engine oil, replacing batteries, etc. and she does it with a smile and with her own special swag, as she floats in and out of the store as needed. At times she can be seen shaking customer’s car testing their shocks or engaged in healthy discussion with the customers.

Together Veronica and Nigar make a good team and it is reflective in the quality customer service provides by the staff they manage. This outgoing friendly bunch of workers has definitely out class the staff and the quality of service I received at my favorite auto Store. Congratulation guys, please keep up the good work.

After several encounter with the staff at this Advance Auto Parts Store, I have been asking myself this question: is this Advance Auto Parts store the exception to the rule or is there a concerted effort to lift the game of this franchise.

UPDATE:
Since this article was first published, I learn that the staff received a call from the president of the company and the were congratulated by him on a good work done. I also understand that the other branches were admonished to lift the quality of the service they provide and to emulate the guys at 2206 North Roxboro Road Durham, North Carolina. 

I never expected that recognizing the high level of service that was provided by this group of workers would have propelled them into the spot light in such a manner, but if a group of people deserve to be so elevated it is this dedicated staff at Advance Auto Parts store. 

Mishaps and good fortune

It was the night of Tuesday 3rd December, 2013. I arrived at the Five Oaks Seventh Day Adventist Church compound and I spent the night in the R.V. I felt good about my accomplishment, I have purchased a heavy duty two bar for a price that was far less than its real value (which was the advertised price), I had my van, I was happening. I woke up early and I began to prepare to continue on my wild adventure. I parked the Camper in the open, I positioned the Van behind the camper and proceeded to connected the van to the RV using the tow bars.

I hooked the tow bar to the front metal bumper of the van. In my excitement, I connected the tow bar on the lower less reinforced part of the bumper. When I was finished, I examined the apparatus and all appeared to be well; I tugged on it, I even walked on the connected bar and it seems well. But the pressure I applied was nowhere close to twelve hundred pounds, which was the estimated weight of the van.

Now I was all excited and I was ready to go. I put the van in the neutral gear, close the door then I boarded the RV. In a matter of minutes I was on my way. While I drove, I checked the van to ensure that all was well. After all what could go wrong? I was confident about everything; so, I began my journey, never neglecting I continue to monitor the added vehicle. It was the first time I was using a tow bar; it was also the first time I was towing an additional vehicle with the RV.

I drove to the gate of the Church compound and I check to make sure it was safe to enter the road before I did so. When It was safe, I proceed to drive the RV onto the public streets for the first time with a vehicle hitched to the rear. After all how hard could this be?

I turned left and began my journey down the small hill that ends Farrington Road, which led to a busy intersection. From my observation, there were utility workers at work at the bottom of the hill. They had heavy equipment in the vicinity and there were other vehicle that were associated with the utility workers parked on the side of the road. 

When I was about five hundred feet into my journey, I saw the van outside of its fixed perimeter. As a result, I slowed down the vehicle and slowly turn to the right to get a better view of what was happening. Visual of the rear of the Camper was restricted only to the left and right wing mirrors. My view revealed a reality I was not ready to see and or deal with.

I was shocked to see the van had broken loose from the hitch and was heading down the hill into the busy intersection. Immediately; a picture flashed across my minds-eyes; it was a graphic picture of a multi vehicle collision at the intersection involving the runaway van. In that visual the van ended up at the bottom of the bank where the utility workers were working.

In order to avoid such an expensive disaster, I quickly pull the RV into the path of the van, stopping the van's uncontrolled progress down the hill, thus avoiding what could have been a serious multi vehicle collision, which may have resulted in serious injuries even the lost of life.

The damage to the Van

I noticed water was spilling out of the RV by the gallons. I feared the worst. Could it be that the impact had smashed the RV's plumbing system? What other damage there were, other than that which was visible? On inspection, I noticed the rear water and waste compartment was badly damage to the point where the door was unable to close. 

I looked at the van and I noticed the right front fender was badly dented, the right front indicator light was mashed up, and a little part of the right front bonnet was slightly damage.

I was angry yet thankful. I was angry that this happened knowing it was my error that cause the van to break loose of the tow bar; but I was thankful that I was able to stop the van before it got into the busy intersection.

The Rear compartment after I had worked on it

After closer inspection and a little thought, I was able to pull the van free of the camper without creating any more damage to either vehicles. On close inspection, I was relief when I discovered the only damage to the RV plumbing was restricted to a broken water pump; which had a nagging drip and needed to be replaced or repaired. It was the broken water pump that was responsible for the mass exit of water that flooded the streets and caused me to panic, fearing the worst.

I immediately got out my tools box and I began to work on the camper, Hammering, screwing pressing and forcing things back into place. Within two hours, the rear compartment door was able to close again and the damage area of the camper was looking as decent as it could be expected all things considered. I was indeed proud of my efforts.

Through inquiries, I discovered there is a junk Yard not too far from where I was. I visited the junk yard and I was told that the fender will cost: one hundred and fifty dollars ($150.00). One of the workers took me to see the fender. I noticed the fender was on a black van; unfortunately one black fender on a white van was not a good fit. I try negotiate getting the two black fender exchanging my good white fender; however, according to the sales person, the company don't barter, trade, etc.

Front view damage to the van

I decide to take some time to think about buying a black fender to put on my white van. I was standing outside trying to work out my nest course of action. Just then I saw a young man walked out of the Junk yard's office, he looked as disappointed as I felt. So I started a conversation with the young man who was looking for parts also. One thing led to another and the young North Carolina youth told me there was another junk yard that was in the direction he was going. He requested that I follow him and he will take me to the Junk yard.

A little into the journey, I saw his car stopped and the young African American fellow exited the vehicle and walked back to me. He said: “There is another junk yard that is much bigger than this one and the one I am going to take you to, but there is two difference; you have to pay to enter and you have got to take off the parts yourself. The thought of having access to a whole Junk Yard with cars of all description got me all wired.

The Front of L.K.Q Junk Yard

I opt to visit the junk yard where I had access to the vehicles. The young man took me to the junk yard where you pull the parts yourself, I paid two dollars to enter the facility, and I got a new fender, a new right indicator light, a fairly new chrome front bumper, two tow mounts, two side door hinges, four relays, two hubcaps and a fairly new rear indicator light for less than one hundred and fifty dollars. I also made friends with the owner of the facility: who is called Waggs, with whom I always have a discussion.

Not a bad deal after all.

     

   

My encounter with the Virginia State Police

Shevorn John

It was Friday 8^th November 2013, I have been driving for most of the day. The Sabbath hours have fallen and I am still on the Road. I received a phone call from my ex-girlfriend Shevon John who wanted to find out where I was, how I was doing and what was my next move. Shevorn have been following my movement on line, she will google the places I visited or was headed to and learn a little about the place and will bring thing I may not have known about the city or county to my attention.

So I pulled onto the handle of the busy highway, I turned the engine off, lay back my seat and I began to speak to shevorne. Because I was trapped between two mountains, the reception was poor so we chat for a while and I told her my plans for the weekend.

Each time Shevorn calls me, she does so with the map of the Unites States of America open on her computer. She will inquire about my experience while on the road. There is always excitement in her voice when she call.

After the conversation with Shevorn ended, I continued on the journey, I was in Virginia at this time, I saw a most welcoming sign that said, Rest area a mile ahead. I was happy for now it was way pass 10:00 P.M. and I was tired. It is my plan to spend the weekend at this sight.

When I pulled into the Rest area, I find a nice place to park, I pulled my curtain and I prepare for bed. On Saturday the 9^th November I stayed indoors all day. I listen to Gospel Twang Radio on my phone and I read my bible for most of the day. I could hear the workers outside sweeping and the many vehicles that came and left. Sunday I came outside a few times just to stretch and to look around. It was my plans to leave on Monday morning bright and early. However I did not have to be at my destination until Tuesday at 9:30 am for an appointment.

Extract of: The Virginia State Police

It was about 2:30 A.M. on Monday 11^th November 2013, I was fast asleep. I was suddenly and unexpected awaken by a firm knocking on my door; I was wondering who could this be, so I waited for a while to ensure I was not dreaming. I heard the same loud knocking on the door; however, this time the knocking was followed by a voice. The voice said, “Mr. Palmer, this is the Virginia State Police.” I quickly jumped to my feet, I move to the small kitchen window then I pulled up the shades of the kitchen window which is near to the door. 

I looked out of the window and I saw a white male dressed in the Virginia State Police uniform. I glance to my left and I noticed that there was another uniformed officer standing at the other end of the door in the shadows. It is common for the police to run your plates in their system, before they approach. Such a check give the officers vital information of the nature of the person and the possible level of threat the person they are dealing with may pose.

After I made sure they were actually who they said they were, I proceed to turn on the lights in the camper, so they can see me clearly and can follow all of my movements without any problem. I did not want to be shot because the trusted men of the law had to speculate as to my intent and what I doing in the dark.  Then I turned the porch lights on. I open the door and I had a discussion with the officers.

The lead officer wanted to know if I was ok, he then brought his observation to my attention. He said Mr. Palmer, we noticed you have been here in this very spot for quite a while; why is that? I told him, when I got to this location it was the Sabbath; as a result, I spend the Sabbath here. The officer did not know what the Sabbath was so I give him a quick explanation. I also proceed to tell him I have an appointment on Tuesday and I decided to stay in this rest spot until Monday when I will drive to my place of appointment to make sure I know where I am going on Tuesday. The officer then asked to see my driver’s license which I handed to him. They  also wanted to know if I was alone; which I was.

After my explanation, I was handed my license, the officer apologized for disturbing me, bid me a good rest then they left.

The police officers were very professional in the way they conducted themselves, I was never place in fear or for felt a hint of prejudice by anything they did, said or inferred; I felt safe and respected. These men were indeed a credit to their uniform. 

Meet Crable Ivy: the toothless trucker

Crable Ivy

While I was in a rest stop in Virginia, after breakfast I began to replace some strip on the camper, the weather outside was beautiful, there was a beautiful chill in the air that I took care of with a long sleeves T- shirt. I was wearing a black base ball cap with the words: I love Jesus; inscribed in bold white letters on the front of the cap.

I noticed an older man looking at me, with a smile on his face. With the smile still on his face he walked over to where I was and he said to me: do you love Jesus? I stopped what I was doing, stood up and looked at him and I said: "of-course he is my all in all." Then we started a conversation. The friendly trucker name was Crable Ivy and he hailed from the windy city of Chicago. Mr. Ivy has been driving for some 24 years and his main gold is to replace his missing teeth. He claimed that sweet keep him awake, as a result he eat a lot of sweet when he was on the road especially when he was doing long distance as he was doing when I met him or when he had to drive at night. He blames his sweet tooth on his toothless condition. He jokingly told me: “I have eight teeth six in my mouth and two in my pocket.” Then he had a good laugh at his comment while I smile not wanting to appear as if I was laughing at his predicament.

Mr. Ivy with his rig

Crable Ivy was a good spirited man who was happy to share his experience with me. One of the things He shared with me was how to deal with swarms of flies. “This is something I learn recently, after so many years of driving,” he said; “when the fly season is on in the summer, the flies comes out in swarms, if you get ammonia, mix it half ammonia to half water and spray it onto your windshield, the flies will not land and remain on your windshield; they will avoid you he said beaming with excitement as he share his newly acquired knowledge. 

When it was time for Mr. Ivy, who was traveling with an empty rig, to go; he politely said “I must be going if I am to get to Texas on time." Before he got into his rig, He took the time to pose for a picture; then he said to me: “Say your prayers at night and drive between the lanes.” He then boarded his rig, closed the doors, he started and revved his engine then off he went.

In my list of experiences this is another pleasant person with an awesome sense-of-humor who is not afraid to laugh at himself. 

Meeting Dawn Alexander Linton: a cool Dame

Dawn Alexandra Linton

I came into contact with many wonderful people and Dawn Linton is one such persons. It was my last day in Martinsburg, West Virginia, The day before that Day, I had to pick up a package from the Martinsburg's post office. I had ordered a 12 volts solar battery charger and I was expecting it. So after I was finished using the internet at Martins Supermarket in Martinsburg, West Virginia, I decide and then I drove to the post office and park on the compound of the plaza wherein the Unites States Postal Service was housed.

The post office was about ten minutes away, it was 12:30 A.M. when I arrived at my destination. So I pulled my curtain and I prepare for bed. The night was cold so I ran my heater at a sixty four degrees, unfortunately when I woke up, I discovered that my batteries were dead. From my interacting with the people of the area I was told the evening was going to be cold.

The dead batteries grounded me for the day, there was an Advance Auto Parts across the street, from the shopping plaza that housed the post office; so I load my two heavy batteries on my mini hand truck and I cross the busy highway to Advance Auto, unfortunately; this Advance Auto Parts store had only one battery charger, this extend my waiting time, so I took the opportunity to checkout the stores within the vicinity. I had to return to Advance Auto at 8:00 or 8:30 P.M. Which was the estimated time to charge the batteries.

Even after browsing the stores I still had a two hour wait before the batteries would be ready. Unfortunately for me the weather became extremely cold. It was then I decided to use the facility of the laundry mart on the compound. The Laundry Mart was worm, there was a television and it is always a good place to meet people.

The next day the cold spell continued, everyone I met were complaining about the cold. I went to the nearby gas station to replenish my petrol tank, I was allowed upon request to replenished my fresh water thank also. I was grateful to Kimberley Sullicvan, the friendly gas station attendant, who  granted me permission and directed me to the area of the station where a faucet was. I connected the RV to the water outlet, then I went to enjoy the warmth of the gas station, where I chat with Kimberley while I waited for the tank to be fill.

While there, a beautiful, energetic, happy and very friendly young lady whose name I later found our to be Dawn Linton walked in and a bungle of happiness came in with her. I cannot remember how I got into the conversation but Dawn and I really had a good powwow. 

Dawn and her hubby and teenage love: Tim

Apparently Dawn was at home on her day off from work, when her cousin call her to run an errand for him. Which was to pick him up some smokes and bring them by his job.

After a half an hour or so chatting, Dawn quickly nip off to take her cousin his smokes then she returned. On her return we chat like forever. It was so easy speaking to Dawn that I was sure we were almost best friends. We spoke of may thing from family to travel to favorite things to do, from vacation spots, to sharing our faith etc. In sharing our faith, discovered that Dawn was in love with her Lord and savior Jesus Christ. When I share the story where I was eaten a live by bed bug at one of the local motels, it was - A buggy situation and Dawn she sure got a kick out of it. Then it was time for me to leave.

I think Dawn Linton is a pretty cool dame and one of my new friends. She is another wonderful person who took the time to care.

Pastor Scott Young a good guy

Pastor Scott Young

I had to be back in New York City (NYC), as a result I need a safe place and someone to take care of the RV, for it will be too costly and too much of a burden to drive the RV back to NYC and back to the south where I am at currently.

The task I am faced with, is to fine someone who is trustworthy and honest to leave the RV and its contents with. I do not know the people on this side of the country, It was hard to decided who was the most appropriate person to leave the RV with. Another question I must also consider was: would they want the responsibility of taking care of my property?

It was totally impossible to come up with someone at such short noticed. Then I had "a Holy Spirit moment" (idea), why not try the church you attend, after all the leadership are always boasting that we are a world wide organization.  As a result of my "Holy Spirit moment" I did an internet search for the closest Seventh Day Adventist church to my location.

I discovered the Five Oaks Seventh Day Adventist church was the closest to where I was.  So I sent the pastor an email, for I did not expected anyone to be at the church and the Pastor's number was not listed on the website. The mail failure alert I received alerted me the pastor's Five Oaks email address was not working.

Due to the fact, I did not received an expected email reply or a call from the pastor, I used his alternate email address and resent the email informing him that I was on my way to his location.  My back up plan was to go to another church (not necessarily and Adventist church) within the area and make the same request. I know this world is fill with Good Samaritans and a lot of them still wear the robe of ministry.

So I drove to the Five Oaks church location, I parked the RV on the church property and I began to look around to see if there were anyone on the compound. I notice a vehicle drove onto the compound, however; when I try to flag down the vehicle, the driver  did not stop but just kept on driving. Five minutes later I received a call from an elder, who informed me that he will be at the church within an hour. About an hour or so later, the person who called earlier showered up, accompanied by his wife as he said he would be.

I parked the RV in the place suggested and I was also given a safe place to store my valuables. When I experienced some unexpected difficulties, which I brought to Pastor Young's attention, he expressed his sorrow and satisfied the humble request I made.

I am grateful to Pastor Young and the other members: of the Five Oaks Seventh Day Adventist Church, who was involved in extending  their kindness to me. Thanks to this Servant of the Almighty God: Yahweh and his son Jesus Christ.

Theadore and Tammy an act of kindness.

Theodore and Tammy

It was my intention to take my van with me, when I leave NYC, for it is not convenient for me to drive the large camper to and from certain places. However in order for me to take my van along I needed a tow-bar, which is the easiest mean of traveling with two vehicle. I checked the prices and discovered that a tow-bars which is used to tow cars and average vehicles, has a five thousand pound towing capacity and they are affordable; unfortunately, my van is over ten thousand pounds and therefore I needed a tow-bar of that or higher capacity. Tow-bars with a ten thousand pounds or higher capacity, ranged in price: from five hundred to several thousand dollars.

So I decided to check the internet for used tow-bars. Since there were no tow-bars in my area, I decided to look for tow-bars in those states I must pass through on my way to pick up RV. Fortunately, I discovered a used heavy duty tow bar in Maryland.

On the evening of the Monday 2nd, December, 2013, I showed up to the address I was given, there I met, a man, who introduced himself as Ted, He showed me the tow-bar we speak about on the phone; he  also took the time to explained its features to me; Ted, provided most of the information I needed to know about the tow-bar and its safe usage.

I paid for the tow-bar and I put the apparatus in the van. While I was getting into the van to leave,  Theodore (Ted) asked me if I will like something to drink. I had a long way to go and I did not want to be held back, but I could not reject the worm hospitable gesture that came from this helpful and kind gentle man. After Ted named a range of drinks, I settled for a glass of milk.

On invitation, I entered Ted's beautiful home and Ted and I sat down to a glass of milk. While I was having my milk, Ted insisted that I have a turkey sandwich, but before I could refused he got up moved over the fridge took out the container in which they kept the turkey and placed it  on the table in front of me. He offered me rolls and vegetables for the sandwich.

While Ted and I were about an hour into our conversation, a woman appear from one of the rooms in the back of the two story house, she had a white cotton stylish poncho draped over her outfit. Ted introduced the lady as Tammy: his wife.

Although she did not say it, I guessed Tammy became concerned after she heard Ted in a prolong conversation with a man who was a total stranger, in their home. The knife with which I cut the turkey, was sitting on the Turkey dish, on the table between Ted and I. Tammy's first order was to removed the knife from the table; an instinctive cautionary measure. After which she joined the conversation which went on for four hours. When it was time to go, the couple insisted that I took some fruits with me; however I reluctantly took an apple.

Theodore and Tammy have been married for thirty years, the couple have one daughter and three grandchildren.

This was another awesome couple and for me another beautiful experience.