In the early summer of 2006, when Rey was canvassing merchant opinion and doing a sales ‘trial run’ of Loudoun Rewards, a good majority of merchants were ‘off-tuning’ him, uninterested in the ‘One Community, One Card’ concept. The “No, thank you!” responses were totally disheartening, the task too daunting it was almost decided that Loudoun Rewards will be put off for another year.
Rey tried one more time, this time in the small square building overshadowed by Home Depot on Edwards Ferry Road.
Susan Cho, manager of Angel Cleaners was wrapping things up for the day. For the first time, a merchant was actually paying attention to what Rey was saying. Susan signed up right there and then! She was keen on the idea and believed in our concept! What’s more, with oozing confidence, Rey was able to sign up Mr. Tom Sabri of Finest Art & Framing and Voicecom Wireless next door on that same night!
The whole summer of 2006 was an emotional roller coaster ride for all of us — especially our call center people but without Susan, we would never have pursued the nerve-wracking part of the business — the initial merchant sign-ups. Little does Susan know that if not for her, there would be no Loudoun Rewards Discount Guidebook today.
Filed under: My Loudoun Rewards Card Experience
