Unmatched Frugality: How Car Salesmen Outsmarted the Dealership

Introduction to a Clever Dealership Prank

Imagine the scene: a bustling car dealership in Fridley, Minnesota, where every square inch of space is meticulously utilized, from the showroom to the office. In the early 1990s, I had the unique experience of working at a Chevrolet dealership that prided itself on efficiency and profitability. However, this experience was far from ordinary. The frugality exhibited by the car salesmen and staff was nothing short of an adventure in corporate pranking.

Electrical Update and the Hidden Slugs

The dealership underwent a significant renovation of its front-end area. As part of this renovation, the showroom floor was to be redone, which involved the installation of a series of electrical boxes. These boxes required removal slugs for access, which were precisely the size and weight of a quarter. During the renovation period, which lasted 30 days, several machines needed to be filled with quarters to provide drinks and candies for the staff.

However, a brilliant and ambitious idea was hatched. Instead of using quarters, the salesmen opted to fill the machines with slugs. This was a risky move, as it involved a considerable amount of work to collect and manipulate the slugs. The reaction from the management, however, was swift and stern. The owner and the general manager both warned the staff that any lapse in their vigilance would result in severe punishment, including termination of employment. The promise of a bribe only added to the mystique, suggesting an atmosphere of tension and intrigue.

The Trial and the Elusive Culprits

The machines were refilled with over 40 slugs every week. The challenge was to keep the plan a secret and avoid detection. As the collection of slugs grew, so did the frustration of management. Workers were constantly on the lookout for any disarray or excess quarters, but the stealthy collaborators managed to avoid detection. This was the era before widespread surveillance cameras, making it easier for the culprits to stay under the radar.

Despite the owner's best efforts to uncover the identity of the allegiant slugs, the mystery remained unsolved. The determination to find the culprit did not wane, and bribes were dangled, but the sneaky individuals managed to remain anonymous. The untouchables continued to maintain their position of obscurity, a testament to their careful and strategic approach to the prank.

The Moral of the Story: Valuing Frugality and Humor

The story of the slugs and the coffee machine serves as a reminder of the resilience and ingenuity of individuals within a corporate setting. It highlights the value of frugality and the importance of finding innovative solutions to common problems. While the owners were undoubtedly frustrated, the staff's ingenuity brought much-needed humor and lightness to an otherwise stressful situation. This unusual event also showcases the potential for workplace pranks to positively impact morale and culture, as long as they are executed with care and without causing harm.

In conclusion, the story of the car salesman using slugs instead of quarters for the machines stands as a fascinating glimpse into the human side of corporate life. It is a testament to both the ingenuity of the employees and the persistence of management. The true identity of the clever salesmen will likely remain a mystery, adding to the folklore of this cherished dealership.