Photo Credit: © Can Stock Photo Inc. / Klementiev
The Harmons were proud of their “mom-and-pop” store, which had been in the neighborhood for years. Although it was really nothing more than a convenience store, the customer base was so loyal that the most popular items were always stocked. “Pop” was a fellow named Eddie. As a kid, he bought candy and soda at the very store he now owned. After high school, the place was so run-down that the aged owner sold it to Eddie for a minor share of the monthly profit. The former owner had passed on years ago, so Eddie and eventually his wife Eve assumed full ownership; they brought the building up to code, made some cosmetic improvements, updated the lighting, and added a fresh coat of paint. In no time, “Eddie and Eve’s” was a thriving cornerstone of the neighborhood. Riding the wave of “good enough” success, Eddie spent most days on a lawn chair in front of the store talking with the locals, fixing a bike or two, and serving free coffee to the senior citizens. Someone had taped a small faded sign to the front window, reading “Mayor Eddie’s Office.”
Who’s Who
The Harmons had two sons, Jimmy, 15, and Tommy, 19, and both worked at the store frequently. Both were capable of running the place; they sliced cold cuts, stocked shelves, opened and closed the place, and locked up properly at night.
Jimmy was especially good at making deals. He could talk a vendor into waiting for a payment or two now and then, and was also savvy about investing. The money set aside was beginning to look substantial. Jimmy hoped that the savings would provide enough for their parents to retire comfortably, and that each boy could one day buy a house of his own with cash.