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Cars & People

by on ‎04-12-2018 09:54 AM

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People are a lot like cars and I have never met a car I didn’t like.  Well, okay, that might not be true, but I have found automobiles much easier to get to know than most people. I find cars to be reliable pieces of engineering where each part has its purpose, and when put together properly, all those gears and whirling thing-a-ma-jigs magically come together in a ballet of precision. People are tougher to figure out. Some are finicky, hard to steer, difficult to maintain and always in need of maintenance. I’m talking people now ...not cars.

 

Two weeks ago, I met a gentleman that I had always wanted to meet.  One of the so called “perks,” of working on national TV is the opportunity to meet celebrities.  On most days it is a joyous occasion. I am a simple man from Indiana and I admit to being somewhat enamored by those that I have seen in the spotlight.  On most occasions it is a nice departure from just talking about vacuum cleaners and garden tools. (Not that we don’t offer the best vacuum cleaners on the planet ...but you get my point…)  I was a tad nervous to be honest, for some celebrities do not live up to expectations.  There have been a few occasions over the last 29 years where I met someone famous, only to think afterwards, that it would be just fine if a house fell on them from the sky as I watch their striped socks curl up and wither beneath the floor boards… (obscure movie reference …Wizard of Oz ..come on people stay with me.)  And no, I will not mention names, and no this was NOT one of those times.

 

So many, “celebrities,” have entourages.  This man did not.  He showed up for rehearsal an hour early with a single buddy in tow.  When he shook my hand, he meant it.  In blue jeans and a polo shirt he was not out to impress and that impressed me. I am not one to name drop …Jay Leno ...for that type of behavior is beneath me ...Jay Leno.  People who do that sort of thing … Jay Leno … usually lead shallow lives and are only hoping to increase their own affluence by mentioning some one of a higher caliber than themselves. So, for the record, I am not going to tell you who it is…Jay Leno… ‘cause that’s how I roll.  (His picture is above…. I’m the bald guy on the far right by the way….)

 

When I tell you that he is a nice guy I mean it.  In fact, maybe too nice.  Have you ever met someone so warm and friendly it makes you wonder if you’re not a jerk?  Ten minutes into our conversation we had both forgotten about rehearsal and we both had cell phones out sharing car pictures like proud daddies at our children’s bar mitzvah or holy first communion.  Our common passion for automobiles and in-depth discussion about horsepower, cubic inches of motor displacement, bore and stroke had the rest of my crew looking like confused dogs that had just heard a whistle, but I was thoroughly enjoying myself, and so was he.     

 

Jay started a company awhile back that manufactures really good auto detailing products.  Like me he was dissatisfied with the stuff on the store shelves and wanted something better.  On Sunday morning (April 15th,) I will launch his new line to a national television audience and I couldn’t be happier.  The fact he chose QVC and me in particular to do so is an honor.

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So, tune in Sunday morning … even if you’re not a car guy or girl.  I have tested his products in my own restoration shop over the last two months and am truly impressed.  Even more important, I want you to get the same opportunity that I did in meeting someone who lives each day with a passion.  QVC is as much about people as it ever was about products.  I think your going to like this guy…

 

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Email: d_hughes@qvc.com

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