I always find myself and co-workers using the term "gets it". It can be loosely defined as the athlete/celebrity understanding that it is (and will always be) all about the fans. The appearer that "gets it" takes the time to talk with, shake hands, take photos with and relate to the customers. They do it out of a mutual love versus simply upholding an image. They are the ones that will stay until each and every last customer is satisfied and has an amazing lifelong memory (i.e. Tiki Barber,Mariano Rivera, and Joe Pepitone- first Pepi shout-out of 07! and certainly not the last)
Today we had a legendary appearance with the immortal Hulk Hogan. I knew from the moment he walked through the door that Hogan truly gets it. He is the exact same guy we see on VH1 and have seen for years in the WWE and WCW. He arrived this morning to one of the biggest crowds I have ever seen at the countless public appearance I have been a part of. Hulk sat down for his first ever public signing at about 12:30 in the afternoon and did not stop until 5:45. He shared stories with everyone about subjects ranging from "Hogan Knows Best" to his epic battles with the late, great Andre the Giant. Hulk seemed really touched that every customer had some sort of Hogan apparel on (ranging from the classic Hulkamania shirt to the black NWO shirt which, by the way, I need if anyone would like to send me one). The thing that stood out the most was how amazing Hogan was with kids, especially a few sick children that came out to see him. He told them all to stay in school and eat fruit- because if they don't he is going to find them and bodyslam them. It was awesome. The kids loved it.
Hogan came around the table to talk to and take photos with several sick children in wheelchairs. It was incredibly emotional especially when one of the father's thanked Hulk. Hulk's response was simply that it's so easy to do and means so much to the child. That is exactly what we mean by "getting it".
I want to end this post on that note rather than talk about product. Today was all about the fans and the memories. I was as much a fan as anyone as I have followed Hulk's career from the start. There was no bigger "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan fan than myself and I still have my fingers crossed for an NWO reunion - Wolfpack 4 Life...brother!.
Check back tomorrow for an update from our appearance with the 1961 Yankees infield and also more on the Hogan signing.