Exxon being unfair to loyal patron?

[TD00]

I've been going to certain Exxon Tiger Marts in San Antonio for coffee every morning I'm not traveling for the past few years. Enough to where the employees know me. I get coffee, maybe a little banter, sometimes gas, and I leave.

I recently moved from downtown to a nice area about 20 miles out. One morning soon after the move I went to the nearest Exxon Tiger Mart, introduced myself to the employees at the time and told them I just moved to the area and I would be in regularly for coffee in the mornings. Over the next few weeks I felt I had developed a similar rapport with the employees there as I had with the folks in the downtown store. I do the same routine as before. I get coffee, gas, and leave. Then one morning the manager on duty approaches me and says, "I need you to stop looking at our girls." I asked for clarification and she said, "I don't know. I just know my babies tell me you are looking at our girls and please stop." I pondered for a moment then thought it best just to leave the store and informed the manager I would handle her request at the corporate level since she was not willing to explain. I still have no idea. To get my morning coffee, I went to another Exxon down the road. I told the employee what happened and even before I finished the story was handed the coporate phone number and encouraged to call immediately. I called and explained the situation to an understanding Exxon representative who said I would hear back in about three weeks. I have since not returned to the offending store and have been driving twice the distance to go to the other store.

Today, I received a call from the same Exxon coporate individual I reported the incident to. He said, as neutral as he could, that I am not welcome at that store and should stay away. I asked why and no explananation was given and was told I would be arrested for trespassing if I return. I also asked for a written statement of Exxon's charge against me and was denied.

With all due respect and sincerity to this forum, I still have no idea what they are actually accusing me of and why I can't buy a cup of coffee there. Bottom line, I want an explanation. I am deeply offended by this action which now has me second guessing how I interact with people. And I'm a professional speaker on presentation skills and recognized in my industry! I've been encouraged to seek legal council by my closest friends and colleagues if only for the principle of the matter and to protect myself from other implications that may arise from this. I've not been served with any legal papers or actions as of yet. I will promptly provide any other information this forum needs to provide advice on this matter. Drop it, stay away from that location and hope nothing else comes of it? Or pursue with diligence to protect my name and piece of mind?

Respectfully submitted............TD

 

[presutin]

Howdy TD - please read these comments with an open mind, OK?

Here is what I think is going on - what you perceive as a friendly approach when talking to those at the place you were getting your cup of Joe, might (and I mean might) have come across as borderline stalking. See, in today's world, not a lot of people are used to friendly fellas and/or to regulars coming everyday into a business. Technology has replaced that. What you may think is pleasant, small talk might have come across to those at that business as inappropriate. Also, your approach might have intimidated the girls and boys there and, believe you me, it only takes the simplest comment or gesture to trigger a scare. Exxon did the right thing by investigating the case and they are not obligated to give you details or written explanation. Legally, there is no issue here for you to pursue on your end. There will be if you insist in returning to the place where you were asked to not go back. So, my advice for you is for you to shop for a business where your friendly personality will be welcome and your business appreciated. Hope this helps!

 

[TD00]

Thanks for the quick response. This is really flipped for me because I'm the one usually posting solutions on presentation and software forums.

I totally get what you're saying. And a sad thing it is too. My father was cop when I was growing up. He was always, and still is today, so friendly and treated with respect. That is the environment that taught me respect and how to be a good man. Two words he used to say to me when I was a boy stick with me now and will until I die: be nice.

Funny thing. I actually address something like this in my own presentation skills sessions. You never know how what you say can be interepreted by some people. Our society is shrinking into a paraniod delusional state. I have friends in Houston that have just really met their neighbors after years of living next to or near each other......because of a storm.

So the world will just have to accept me opening and closing doors for ladies, being polite, and generally treating people with respect. And if people want to go after me for that, I am absolutely guilty.

Friendly advice tells me to talk to an attorney just to cover myself should the same people decide to conveniently implicate me with something else. So I can see it now. Police at my door because something happened at that store and now I have a "record" with Exxon. The whole thing sounds like a John Stossel "Give Me a Break" story.

I get the idea you understand where I'm coming from. Thanks for that and for your observation. And thanks to all of the experts posting in this forum!

.............TD