We live here now.

I figured the epic nature of this story simply demanded the use of Roman numerals.

Most of you have, over the past 5 months, listened to me whine and complain about the general lack of competence of customer service agents, shipping companies. . . basically anyone whom I’m paying to handle issues of importance to me.

I think the wounds are still a little too deep to go back to day 1 with the shower, but don’t worry, the FULL story is coming (and is probably going to The Consumerist as well) but I would like to recognize one individual who made all the difference in this process, and who is singlehandedly the reason that I have a luxury steam shower in my home (albeit still in pieces in the living room, but that’s another story).

Our contract broker in this ordeal was Ms. Beverley Johnson from A&A Contract Customs Brokers Ltd. I won’t get into the boring details here, because they really are quite boring compared to the rest of the story — she did her job, she made phone calls to other companies on our behalf (instead of requesting that we relay messages back and forth like the shipping company and manufacturer did), she called us regularly to keep us informed of the process (alleviating some of the stress of my newly acquired full-time shipping detective job) and she KNEW WHAT SHE WAS DOING.

Sorry to scream, but those of you who know how patient and tolerant I am with the general moronic public will understand.

I have a request, if you have a few moments to spare out of your busy day. Since you know me and my painfully exacting high standards of customer service, and since I have seen fit to post here that Beverley Johnson is the only contract broker a Canadian will ever need, therefore by flawless logic, she must be the BEST CONTRACT BROKER IN THE COUNTRY.

I happen to know that this week (sorry this post is so late) was “Staff Appreciation Week” at her company, so if anyone has a chance to send an email to Mr. G. B. Robins Mr. Dave Costa (gbrobins brobins dcosta AT aabc DOT com — don’t want him getting spam because of this!) and say something along the lines of

“Sarah is the pickiest person I know; she doesn’t like anyone, and she thinks she can do anyone’s job better than they can. But, she raves about Beverley Johnson, so she must be the best service professional in the world!”

then hopefully this dear, wonderful woman will get the recognition she deserves.

I know we often use the power of speech to gripe, complain, and generally vent. But, I was thinking today as I crafted my own letter to Mr. Robbins how good it felt to be able to use my gift of writing irreverent and stand-out reference letters for real good. I hope that I’ll be able to make as much of a difference in Beverley’s day or week as she made in our time of need. (Not that all you guys weren’t supportive as I complained about the shower, but you didn’t really make it get here any faster, now did you?)

So, if you can spare a couple of minutes, please do write on Beverley’s behalf. The logic is simple. I am disappointed with the service of pretty much everyone. I was thrilled with Beverley’s service. Ergo, Beverley rocks. That’s all you need to say.

Oh, and of course, if you need a one-time, contract broker for importing all those BELOW PAR US goods in to the country, you know whom to call. I can give you her direct number.