A bit of both. He was a great guy who loved people, selling stuff to them was just a thing you did to keep the conversation going. But, he wasn't unique in doing this... plenty of business owners, especially smaller businesses, pay for better employees. Ever go to a hardware store where the clerk has worked there for 20 years? She doesn't make minimum wage.
I think the discussion here is a demonstration of how bean counters have conquered the world.
I think the discussion here is a demonstration of how bean counters have conquered the world.