April 1, 2011

“I wouldn’t buy one if you gave it to me.”

We conclude another NCAA March Madness basketball tournament this weekend with Butler University and Virginia Commonwealth showing us that status or size doesn’t necessarily beget quality.  In fact, many of the schools in the tournament with what the experts determine to be “less talent and athleticism” often wind up demonstrating true basketball excellence.  On the other hand, the big boys get by because they’re the big boys.

Quality inspires a touch of awe.  Mediocrity imbues madness.  We bristle at an expensive, poorly prepared dinner.  Patience reaches its limits when our experience with a customer service organization requires an interpreter.  Shoddy or incomplete work creates frustration and contention.

Alan Shepard is a famous American astronaut and the fifth man to walk on the moon.  In 1961, Shepard sat atop a Redstone rocket as the pilot of the Freedom 7 mission, ready to be the first American launched into space.  When asked his thoughts as he sat perched atop the rocket, Shepard pointed out the “fact that every part of this ship was built by the low bidder.”

Unfortunately, money doesn’t guarantee quality.  In fact, in a disturbing trend, I watch often as prices above the market norm are paid for below market service.  Individual consumers are perhaps most adept at paying a whole lot for a little.  Thankfully, not all are duped.

When discussing local crab cakes recently, my partner Joe, referring to the product of one of the most famous restaurants in the area, made his determination for quality clear.  Evidencing the fact that mediocrity does imbue madness, Joe said this of the restaurant’s famous crab cakes, “I wouldn’t buy one if you gave it to me.”

I doubt that he would eat it either.  Sadly, in too many transactions, “eating it” isn’t an option.  We’re left the fool, searching for quality even when it isn’t April 1^st.

Craig Halsey

They Said It

April 1, 2011