||| FROM EASE WILES |||
I wanted to write in after seeing your piece announcing Chip Long as the new Executive Port Director for the Port of Orcas Island, because I had the most amazing above-and-beyond customer service experience with him, and Orcas should know what kind of person they’ve got.
On September 8th, I lost my wallet between town and the ferry dock on Orcas between 12 and 3 p.m. First, applause to the community — my wallet was turned in with well over $100 cash in it. Incredible. By 4:08 p.m. that same day, Chip Long had somehow done enough research to find where I work (I assume LinkedIn), and emailed our website inbox (which isn’t regularly monitored) with this message:
“A purse was turned in for ‘Ease Wiles,’ I think she works for you. Please have her call 360-525-5393 and I can facilitate the return. Thanks, Chip.”
Since the inbox is not regularly monitored, the email didn’t reach me until September 20th, but can you imagine my sheer delight and surprise to learn not only that my wallet had been turned in intact, but that someone had gone so far out of their way to make sure it got back to me?
I immediately called the number and spoke with Chip. He gave me the detective’s name at the Sheriff’s Office handling the case, and unbelievably, I got a text from him later that same day following up to see if I’d been able to make arrangements. At this point I was already blown away by his commitment — and I didn’t even know who he was yet.
On September 24th, when I texted Chip again because I was struggling to connect with the Sheriff’s Office, I got a reply nine minutes later saying: “I just hung up with the Sheriff’s dispatch, they have both our numbers, one of us will hear tomorrow.” Let that sink in — where are the Chips of the world?
And he didn’t stop. On September 27th he checked in again. On October 3rd, after I apologized for coming back to him yet again, I had a reply within 11 minutes telling me he’d personally left a message for the property room and that he would make sure I got my wallet back ASAP.
Who does this? Honestly, I love this guy. When I finally looked him up and realized he was the newly appointed Executive Port Director for Orcas Island, I was even more impressed. Excellent choice, Orcas.
Chip, Chip, Hooray!
**If you are reading theOrcasonian for free, thank your fellow islanders. If you would like to support theOrcasonian CLICK HERE to set your modestly-priced, voluntary subscription. Otherwise, no worries; we’re happy to share with you.**
