Joe Mascari turns 91 and still sets sales pace for Beaulieu
Before there was nylon fiber in carpet, before there were tufting machines, before wall-to-wall carpet was commonplace, there was Joe. Back when Warren Harding was president, Joe came on the scene and he’s not slowed down since. A few weeks ago at his home in the official “happiest place in America,” San Luis Obispo, California, and among 50 of his friends and family, Joe Mascari celebrated his 91st birthday -- but not for too long. He had to get back to his sales territory and home in Atlanta to take care of his customers who depend on him everyday.
Joe is a rare find in any business, not to mention the floor covering business. He’s a humble, unpretentious man. He loves people and it shows in his eyes and easy smile. And he unfailingly puts his customers first. When asked his secret for success, he replies simply, “Service your customers, answer your phone and meet with them face-to-face.” Not terribly complicated advice. His customers love the access, and can reach Joe at home, in the evenings or on holidays to get their issues and questions answered. Today’s generation of sales professionals don’t usually work that way observed Joe, and that’s unfortunate for them, their customers and the companies they work for.