Inspired by another influential person, this Ode to Flipper provides a glimpse into what made him special and how he made us all better. Read on! –the editor
From Lover of Horses to … a Dolphin??
I guess that’s a good place to start as this piece is about a remarkable man who let us get away with calling him Flipper.
[click here for a 2-min video]
Truthfully, his name was Felipe. According to online sources:
But for me, the story behind his nickname, stuck:
Who’s Flipper??
Yup! As simple are that. Handwriting issue (‘er… challenge).
Anyway, for now let’s just say that he was “A fish who taught us how to fish”…
In fact, he spent lots of precious time doing just that. I treasured Saturday morning shifts where my introduction to merchandising was guided by the one and only… Chef Flipper!
Learned in a previous life, he had his own restaurant (in Chicago?). Anyway, Executive Chef Felipe gently brought us Sous Chefs along for the ride.
It’s all about… the presentation, right? Furthermore, it’s been said that you eat with your eyes. And in retail, visual sells (or so we were told).
Gently he trained our eyes to see what he saw…
He was super nice. He taught in a way where you didn’t feel bad about something you missed. And you didn’t miss it twice, as a result of his “teaching technique.”
It got to the point where you’d automatically see how you can make incremental improvements — and you just did them without asking. He’d see it and smile. Nice!
And eventually, he’d sidle up to you and say, “I’ve got an opportunity for you…” That was his “throw down challenge” — to fix it … make it better. And oftentimes, he’d circle back around saying, “You making it happen?” Always gently and always with a smile on his face. You couldn’t help but smile back (and in your head be saying, Oui Chef!).
Not a PB&J Guy…
I noticed how he brought fantastic meals for his breaks. He’d settle in and truly enjoy his food. I thought of him when I was watching Gourmet Samurai on Netflix. They both seemed so happy!.
I was happy too, as working with Chef Flipper was a truly joyful “I get to work!!” experience.
There were always opportunities to make things better. Always opportunities to make someone’s day…
Make Someone’s Day…
Watching Hulu’s “The Bear” can be kind of stressful. That being said, I did find value in this particular episode and scene.
For sure, a reminder to “stay in the moment” with your awareness meter on high.
Notable quotables c/o “Setting the Table” by Danny Meyer.
And Life IS Like a Samba…
Yes, and… life is a dynamic and joyful experience… Just like a Samba!
So awesome, here’s another rendition:
That’s a Wrap…
-30-
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