Even the most casual reader leafing through the pages of this book will
quickly realize that it is not the thoughts of one indi- vidual set down
on paper, but rather the synergism of many people. Herbert Goeler of
American Cyanamid and Keith Slater of Johns-Manville, the latter now
retired, are certainly the brightest stars in my particular customer
service galaxy. They have been well-springs of information, thinkers and
thought- starters, friends and fellow-believers, for almost two decades.
Without the encouragement and inspiration they gave me, this book would
be much shorter and far less relevant. In 1984, my firm presented Herb
and Keith with our special "Patron Saint" Award; it doesn't say nearly
enough for what they have meant to me personally and, through me, to the
field of customer service management where I disseminate ideas and
guidance as an editor and teacher. Some years ago, the American
Management Associations asked me to chair a series of seminars on
Customer Service Management in the U. S. and Canada. Through this
activity I met many wonderful people who in many cases taught me more
than I taught them.