Chapter 33: A Fruitful Discussion
“So, if we change the lighting on the fruits and melons to a warmer tone, most of them will look more appealing,” David explained. “However, we should still keep the cooler tone fluorescent lighting for the vegetables, which will look fresher because of how the color affects the green pigment in the vegetables to the customer’s eyes.”
Harvey Ross, the owner of the grocery store, had come to make his monthly inspection. The manager he’d appointed, Dennis Cameron, had been telling him repeatedly about this exceptional new employee, David. After hearing so much about David, Harvey had to see for himself who this new kid was and what made him so interesting. He wasn’t disappointed.
Harvey chuckled with intrigue, leaning back in his chair.
“An interesting idea, David,” he said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “But wouldn’t different bulb tones make the store look strange and confusing to customers?”
He was not opposed to the idea, but he didn’t want the store to look messy or unkempt. He had always prided himself on the grocery store’s neat and organized appearance.
David nodded, acknowledging Harvey’s concern.
“I’ve considered that issue,” David admitted, his tone earnest. “And I’ve thought of a way to test my theory without incurring expensive installation costs or too much risk.”
Harvey and Dennis exchanged curious glances, their interest piqued.
“If we arrange the produce section so that all the vegetables are in the center, where the fluorescent lighting is strongest, then line up all the fruits and melons along the walls, where the fluorescent lighting is weakest, we could then add several warmer tone lamps to light up the fruits without too much perceptible color change.
“The arrangement would be simple to execute. Lamps are very inexpensive and flexible to position, so it would only cause a minimal increase to our electrical expenses.”
David paused, as if trying to gauge their reactions.
“I’ve noticed many of our middle-aged and elderly customers come here specifically for vegetables, and most buy their fruits elsewhere,” David added. “If we can make the fruits look more appealing, we could capture more of that market and reduce our losses on perishable inventory.”
Harvey considered the cost and benefits as he digested David’s idea. It was bold and innovative, and it had the potential to give the grocery store a unique edge over its competitors.
Suddenly, Dennis roared with laughter and slapped Harvey on the back.
“Haha, see Harvey? This is what I was talking about; this kid thinks of everything!”
Harvey, chuckling at Dennis’ reaction, turned back to David.
“Well, I must admit it’s an interesting proposition, David,” he said approvingly. “Let’s give it a try. The worst that could happen is we end up with some extra lamps and a slightly higher electric bill.”
David’s face lit up with a smile.
“Thank you, Mr. Ross. I really believe this can work. I won’t let you down.”
Harvey nodded.
“Alright, David. You may return to your shift now. And could you please close the door on your way out? I’d like to have a word in private with Dennis.”
David stood up straight.
“Yes, sir,” he responded. He left the office, making sure to close the door gently behind him.
Harvey then turned to Dennis, a curious glint in his eyes.
“So tell me, Dennis, where did you find this kid?” he asked, intrigued. “He looks like he should still be in school. I’m surprised he’s out here working. He seems pretty sharp, too; a bit odd that he’d work at a place like this with a mind like that.”
Dennis chuckled, leaning back in his chair.
“To tell you the truth, Harvey, he found me. Showed up one day at the store, clothes looked cheap and worn-out, but he had this look in his eyes...a kind of determination you don’t see often in kids his age. Honestly, he looked like a homeless teen, maybe kicked out of his house and just looking for a fresh start.”
Crossing his arms, Dennis continued.
“I told him right then and there that I’d only hire him on probation. He’d have to prove he could keep up with the job’s demands. But let me tell you, Harvey, that kid has more than just kept up. He’s worked harder than anyone else in this store and is well-liked among all the staff.
“Honestly, Harvey, we should let him handle some of the store operations or at least give him some responsibilities to put that mind to work. He’s got a lot of potential, and I think it would be a waste not to take advantage of it.”
It was an interesting proposition. Harvey gazed at the closed office door, his thoughts on the young man who had just left. He saw potential in David, a spark of intelligence and creativity that was hard to come by.
“What did you say his last name was?” Harvey asked, turning his gaze back to Dennis.
Dennis scratched his head, an uncertain look on his face.
“To be honest, Harvey, I don’t know. It felt like a sore topic of conversation at the time. It really seemed like he was kicked out of his home, so I didn’t want to push, especially since I wasn’t sure if he’d last here,” he admitted.
“Hmm, well, it’s not important now, but we’ll need his legal information if we offer him an official salaried position. I’m certainly impressed with the boy, but you know my policy of letting people prove themselves over time before promoting them. After all, that’s what I did with you, Dennis.”
Dennis laughed lightly, a warm smile on his face.
“I remember, Harvey. I think you had me sweeping floors and stocking shelves for three years before you finally trusted me with running the store,” he said as he rolled his eyes.
“Well, you can never be too sure, you know? Sometimes I still wonder if I’m sure about that decision,” Harvey retorted playfully.
Closing his eyes and letting out a deep sigh, Harvey continued.
“You know, Dennis, he reminds me of William Hall. He truly was one of the greatest business tycoons to ever grace this city. He’d take a look at one thing and instantly figure out a way to make it even better.”
“I’ve only heard rumors about him,” Dennis responded. He looked at Harvey curiously. “Did you know William Hall personally?”
“No, no,” Harvey said, waving his hand dismissively. “I was just one of the many who admired him and tried to be like him. I’ve only seen him once or twice on occasion, but he was always trying to help all the local businesses out, even his own competitors.”
Dennis looked surprised.
“Wow, he sounds like quite the noble character,” he commented, clearly impressed.
“Indeed, he was,” Harvey agreed, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. “Perhaps this David is a reincarnation of him, or maybe another fan, trying to be like those men of Dalton’s glory days. I suppose time will tell.”
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