Behind the Scenes of Business

08-19-2025

Behind the Scenes of Business.

In the family business, I was tasked with handling donation calls and walk-in inquiries. This responsibility was passed down through generations, a tradition that carried weight. The way you handle public interactions can significantly affect a company’s reputation. I took it seriously, especially with the old CCTV camera that had sound monitored by my father, and knowing he had high expectations for how I managed these situations.

The Self-Styled Lawyer and His Rhyme.

Our business was located on a busy street, frequented by panhandlers and colorful characters. One such character was Chesterfield Peyton, a self-styled lawyer. Although he had no formal legal training, he had both personal and business interactions with criminal defense lawyers and judges. Mr. Peyton would often stop by, share his wit, and recite amusing rhymes. Despite our business being far from the courthouse, he made a few appearances as he was passing through, adding his unique flavor to the day.

On one occasion, I offered him a Pepsi, and we exchanged a few amusing anecdotes. Then, as quickly as he came, he left, heading downtown. At that point, I couldn’t help but wonder: was Santa Claus moonlighting as a lawyer?

Ms. O’Coma Wilson’s Generosity.

Ms. O’Coma Wilson, a mother of the church and a deaconess at Sycamore Hill Missionary Baptist Church, visited twice a year for donations. The church was founded in 1860 and has deep community ties and a legacy of faith. The contributions were started by my grandfather, followed by my father, and now by me. In return, she’d deliver her famous twenty-layer chocolate cake every Christmas. Rich with butter and sugar, the cake was not just a treat—it was a symbol of gratitude and tradition. After making our usual donations, I received the cake with my name on it. However, my father soon called me into his office. He reminded me that while I handled the donations, he was still the President—and the cake was his. Although I got a small piece, I still felt victorious.

An Unexpected Call.

One day, I received a call from a man explaining that his wheelchair tire was flat. He needed a replacement to attend a revival. When I clarified that he’d reached the Pepsi-Cola Company, he said that the Kiwanis club had referred him to us. I gave him the social services number and ended the call, though not before joking with my secretary. I said that the next time the Kawannis came by selling peanuts, I’d hit one of them with a bag.

After the call, I stepped outside to clear my head. Staring at the company’s sign, I walked back inside, still confused by the unusual request. My secretary had overheard everything and was laughing. At that moment, I realized that surprises were simply part of this line of work.

The La Leche League Donation.

A woman called one day asking for a donation to the La Leche League. At the time, I had no idea what the organization was about, but she explained their mission: to promote breastfeeding. She requested 200 cups with our logo, which were used by mothers breastfeeding their babies. Without hesitation, I agreed, hearing only the words “women” and “breasts.”

When I hung up, my secretary, who had overheard the conversation, smiled. I joked, “Who could be against babies and breasts?” In that moment, I realized that handling donations wasn’t just about giving away products—it was about supporting causes that mattered to the community.

The Legacy of Community Engagement.

Behind the scenes of business, there’s often an entire cast of characters who shape your journey. From self-styled lawyers to dedicated church leaders, every interaction contributed to my understanding of community responsibility. These experiences taught me that public relations, both formal and informal, is key to maintaining a positive reputation. Consequently, I continue to carry that legacy forward, knowing that every interaction—no matter how unexpected—matters in shaping the business’s identity.

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