The Hot Dog Man & The Recession: 

An old story about how recessions happen and how to end one – retold by Lonn Dugan

Once upon a time… there was a good man. He had worked hard all his life.  His work was not rewarding but he was careful to do a good job. Even so, it seems as though his boss was never happy. He often wondered what kind of boss he would be if he ever set out on his own. Suddenly, one day the company closed the doors. Just like that, the good man was unemployed. He went home and told his wife. She cried.

Then she asked, “How are we going to send our boy to college”? The man said, “I will think of something.” He got to thinking about the times he had traveled on business to the big city and needed a cheap lunch. There was always a hot dog cart on the corner by the hotel. A Hot Dog Man was selling hot dogs from a little cart on wheels. It seemed like a very small enterprise, but he was always happy. He always gave a little something extra – a friendly smile with every purchase. This experience had made quite an impression. The margins had to be pretty good. The man decided to follow his dream and sell hot dogs.

Soon the Hot Dog Man was enjoying record sales. He ALWAYS used the best meat, bread and top-quality condiments. He charged more than some, but his dogs were very good. He always said his secret ingredient was the free smile he gave with every purchase.

 He put up signs, advertised, cross-promoted, and did all the right things. He regularly added new carts and new employees. Business was very good.  Overhead was low and profit was high.  He made sure to teach every new employee to give service with a smile.

As his company grew, the Hot Dog Man came to realize that his lack of a formal education might limit his success. He felt this was needed to grow even bigger. Fortunately, he made enough profit to send his oldest son to a VERY GOOD COLLEGE.  And this is just what he did.

After many years, the big day finally comes when the son graduates and comes home from college. Everybody is happy to see him, and wonders what he has been learning. The son asks about the business. His face becomes very long and serious as he listens.

“Dad, don’t you know we’re in a recession? You need to cut your spending, be ready, business will slow down. All the experts predict this.” The father is very concerned when he hears this.  He stays awake all that night worrying about what his son has said.

He Decides to Listen To “The Experts”. The following day he pulls down several signs, abandons a few street-corners, and lays off a few employees.

Sure Enough: By The End Of The Month: Business is Down!  He thought, “Wow, it’s a good thing I listened to my son. There really is a recession.”

The next month, the son says “This is not over.  It’s going to get worse.  All the economists say so.” The Hot Dog Man trusts the experts. He sells a few of his hot dog carts and cuts advertising. Instead of being optimistic and trying new things, he begins to take a wait and see attitude. Why not let others try new things first? He hangs on to the cash he has instead of promoting the business as he had.

Sure Enough: Business got worse! He thought, “Wow, it’s a good thing I sent my son to college to become an expert on the economy”!

This went on for some time. Days were gloomy. 

Then one morning, as the Hot Dog Man was remembering the good old days, he decided to disregard the so-called experts.

He got some carts out of storage, put up a few extra signs, and sales went up! He began advertising again and sales went up again! He hired some of his people back and reminded them to give service with a smile. Sales went up again!

The Hot Dog Man learned to make his own luck and sales continue to increase to this day!

THE END

Moral:  Let others complain about the economy. You Make Your Own Luck!