Chapter 1: The Encounter with Earnie

In the world of car dealerships, old habits can be tough to shake. My name is Alan Bliss, and I'm currently managing my late father's car business. I found myself sitting across from Earnie Lewis, a man who had a reputation in our industry. He was being overly cordial, reminiscing about how he enjoyed working with my father, Carl Bliss. However, I couldn’t shake the feeling that his friendliness was insincere.

My father was known for his fairness and intelligence, traits that earned him respect across the board. He often recounted his experiences, including dealings with Earnie, whom he had warned me about. Dad advised me to scrutinize every contract carefully, always ensuring that no hidden clauses slipped in. As I sat there, I wondered if Earnie had changed since my father’s passing two years ago.

Earnie had long been the go-to supplier for hard-to-find parts for vintage cars, which made him an important contact for one of our dealerships. His prices were always negotiable, but I was wary of his past behavior. My father had shared stories of Earnie's attempts to pull fast ones, like double-billing clients. His character was questionable, and his track record in personal relationships—three divorces—spoke volumes.

As I reviewed a contract for Porsche headlights and brake pads, Earnie again brought up my dad, expressing his regret for not attending the funeral. That's when I noticed a problematic clause in the agreement, granting Earnie exclusive rights for two years if we accepted his parts. I immediately crossed it out, and he tried to convince me it was a mere oversight.

When he offered coffee, I declined, but he left to get one anyway. I used the opportunity to read further and found another clause that absolved him of responsibility for damaged or incorrect parts. This was a deal breaker. I stepped into the hallway to confront him, only to overhear him disparaging my father and questioning my competence to manage four dealerships.

Returning to his office, I decided to play along for the moment and signed the contract. Earnie beamed with satisfaction and suggested lunch at the nearby “Crazy Greek” restaurant, which he offered to pay for. As we enjoyed our meal, he praised my father and expressed hopes for a long-lasting working relationship with me. I held my tongue, knowing that his flattery was likely just a facade.

After lunch, I returned to my car, feeling a mix of frustration and resolve. As I drove away, I was determined to never let myself be fooled by Earnie again.

Chapter 2: A Surprise Twist

Upon returning to his office, Earnie called in his Sales Manager, Chris Montgomery, to celebrate the contract signing. However, Chris's reaction was far from enthusiastic. “Did you check the signature?” he asked, shaking his head. Confused, Earnie looked at the contract and turned crimson as he read my signature: "Fuck You."

I had toyed with the idea of writing “A Shmuck is Always a Shmuck,” but space was limited. As I drove away, I felt a sense of triumph, knowing that my father would be proud. I had made a definitive choice: never again would I engage with someone like Earnie.

The first video, titled "Is Schnucks The Grocery Store Of the Future? Experts Weigh In On Robotics, Smart Carts, and More!" delves into how technology is reshaping the grocery shopping experience. Experts discuss the impact of robotics and smart technology on customer service and efficiency in stores like Schnucks.

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