Page 89 - IT'S A RUM LIFE BOOK TWO "BOSTON 1960 TO 1970"

Salesman and mechanic had both been inherited from the
previous owners and seemed to work “flexi hours”. “Salesman”
lived in Skegness and travelled the 22 miles there and back
every day.
He was never on any site at the week end and I can never
remember him selling any cars.
“Mechanic” was the only mechanic in a fairly large
workshop at West Street and never seemed to have any
specific clients on a regular basis.
Management changes obviously had to be made by
somebody. I suppose I was one of the first changes following
pressure from the Factory and within a couple of months I was
sent on an American styled car induction/sales course at the
main Factory.

AN EYE OPENER IN SALES TACTICS
William’s father was a large man, a strong, imposing,
character. I suppose the nearest comparison you can make is
with Capone and his contemporaries of the 1930’s. His big
boned square frame was always dressed in smart grey suits
and he had permanent waved grey hair.
His success in selling second hand cars had bought him a
large property not far from their original garage site. His body
language was every bit intimidating.
Despite his son William trying hard to keep “father” out of
this new larger picture, from time to time he kept his hand in
trying to introduce his own brand of customer care to the
system.
My first introduction to this was on one visit to the
‘original’ garage to deliver a car. He gave me a comprehensive
lecture of how to make extra money when topping up the oil
for motorists on the forecourt.
st
Those modern filling stations of the 21 Century could
learn a thing or two from this thickset dominating man, who I
took an instant dislike to.

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