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CHARLIE HUA

Pouring happiness, one support ticket at a time

https://lnkd.in/gJq9aS9w I rarely post anything, but this one hit way too close to home. Having been a local grocer for 15 years in the community of East San Jose, I have seen it all and have been in my fair share of beer runs and shoplifting fights. To the business owners who are working the front line of their own businesses, it's not worth it. You can do a million things for prevention, including setting up mirrors and cameras and having a presence with good employees, but if someone is intent on taking something, they will take it. I understand how much your business means to you and that it is the thing that puts food on the table for yourself and your family. But it means nothing when a potential shoplifter carries a dangerous weapon. Thank goodness nothing happened here. I once worked overnight to update our PoS lanes solo. At 2 a.m., these three or four teenagers with ski masks and gloves carefully removed the side door panels to avoid tripping the alarm. As the owner of my 'domain,' a 20,000 sqft operation, my instant reaction was to puff up my chest and walk straight at there, yelling, 'HEY - WE'RE CLOSED!' They took off running in a panic, shocked that anyone would be inside the building with all the lights off at such an ungodly hour. Watching the evening surveillance, I realized how upside-down that situation could have become. That instant reaction I felt that night was the same as these two ladies, and I commend them for being so strong and offer my deep relief that they were not seriously injured. To the thieves hoping to walk out with some drinks for a quick buzz, you need to reassess your life. Our society is far from perfect in addressing the needs of the marginalized, but that does not mean help is not there. Reach out and get help, and work with our available institutions instead of against them. And respect your community leaders, including business owners. They are there for themselves but often contribute to the community in ways most of us cannot see. As an example, our market participated in several local food security programs and provided over $1000 in free produce every week over the course of a two-year pilot program with the County. I also engaged heavily with our local neighborhood, hiring directly from the neighborhood and focussing on minorities new to the US but simultaneously enrolled in ESL or entry-level college courses. When I visit my old market, I can no longer recognize it because of its rebranding and re-alignment to a new target audience. But the soul of the community is still there and is a place from which I often reflect on life. Only Good Things, Charlie

Caught on camera: San Jose business owner attacked

https://www.youtube.com/

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