Pull Up A Chair #7

Today, my golden retriever Nashville—Nash—turned one. And when I thought about where to celebrate him, there was only one place that came to mind: Lowe's Companies, Inc.

That might sound unusual—until you understand what’s been happening there for the past year.

Since Nash was 8 weeks old, we’ve been bringing him to Lowe’s.

At first, it was practical.

A place to practice socialization.

To learn how to walk on a leash.

To meet people, navigate noise, build confidence.

But it quickly became something more.

The staff didn’t just tolerate him—they welcomed him.

They carried treats in their pockets.

They greeted him by name.

They knelt down to meet him where he was—literally and figuratively.

They made him feel safe. Seen. Special.

We even held training sessions there with our trainer. And the team? They didn’t just observe—they engaged. Encouraged. Reinforced. They became part of his learning.

And somewhere along the way, something remarkable happened. The store manager noticed how often we were there—and gifted Nash his very own (highly coveted) Lowe’s red vest.

Staff members began sharing their earned badges with him. We built relationships. Real ones. Now when Nash walks through the store in his vest, customers stop. They smile. They ask to pet him. He brings joy into that space.

And here’s the thing—this isn’t just a sweet story about a dog. It’s a story about leadership.Because what’s happening inside that store doesn’t happen by accident. It tells me:

- Leaders have created a culture where employees feel empowered to engage—not just transact

- There is trust—no one is afraid to take a moment, offer a treat, or build a connection

- The employee experience is strong enough that it spills over into the customer experience

- The brand isn’t just something on a sign—it’s something lived, moment by moment

This is what great leadership looks like in action. Not in strategy decks. Not in mission statements. But in small, consistent, human interactions.

The kind that make people—and apparently, dogs—want to come back.

And we do.

When we need appliances, home improvement supplies, or advice—we go to Lowe’s.

Because we’re not just customers. We’re connected. That’s the power of experience done well. That’s the return on investing in people.

So today, Nash celebrated his first birthday surrounded by the people who helped him grow.

Pull up a chair—what kind of experience are your people creating… when you’re not in the room?