You don’t have to know who Thelonious Monk is (bonus points if you do) or even be a musician to know what that quote means – if just one player in a band is off beat, the whole performance will sound off. Creating music is about more than a group of players each performing their individual part – it’s about the way those players listen to each other and perform together that really counts. Like any group working toward a common goal, the whole should be greater than the sum of its parts.

I am always on the lookout for great customer experiences. Whether in a restaurant, my bank, or any retail environment, I look for individuals who make a difference. A new Mariano’s grocery store moved into my neighborhood in April of 2014. I like Mariano’s. It is where Whole Foods meets Jewel. The one near my house features fresh produce, delicious prepared foods and even boasts a wine, oyster and sushi bar. Oh yes, and there’s fresh flowers and a gelato bar downstairs. Pretty fancy stuff.