This is one strange series of wrong numbers, mistaken identity and coincidental bizzaro.
The tale, coincidentally, also has a happy ending.
In the spring the phone started ringing off the hook at Jim Klassen and Mirjana Komljenovic's house in Summerland.
Wierdly, always at the other end of the line was someone asking about Napoleon barbeques -- How do I troubleshoot this and that? Where's my closest Napoleon dealer? What tips do you have for inspired grilling? etc.
Seems Napoleon unknowingly provided incorrect contact information for its customer service line to the massive Google and Apple platforms.
The listings all had Jim and Mirjana's phone number.
What happens next is also somewhat random and completely abnormal.
Jim and Mirjana, albeit a bit perplexed and bewildered, field the calls with aplomb.
They answer questions, tell callers where their closest Napoleon dealer is and guide fellow grillers through their challenges and triumphs.
You see, Jim and Mirjana own a Napoleon barbecue themselves and were happy to answer the calls and questions.
In fact, Jim and Mirjana became extraordinary customer care representatives.
Never were they peeved or angry -- even when the calls came in the early morning or late at night.
But, Jim and Mirjana did reach out to Napoleon to point out the mix up.
Napoleon contacted both Google and Apple to have the incorrect information and phone number corrected.
And then, all of a sudden, Jim and Mirjana's impromptu, ad hoc careers as Napoleon customer service specialists was over.
But, their relationship with Napoleon is not over.
Last week, Napoleon named Jim and Mirjana 'honorary customer service ambassadors' and rewarded them with a brand-new, Canadian'-built Napoleon Prestige 665 BBQ valued at $2,900.
By the way, the Prestige 665 is a sleek stainless-steel, 7-burner gas grill with jetfire ignition, infrared side and rear burners, infrared sear station, rotisserie burner, warming racks, illuminated LED control knobs and lifetime warranty.
"For more than 50 years, Napoleon has built its reputation on taking care of consumers one at a time," said company vice-president of marketing Garry Scott.
"Jim and Mirjana went above and beyond by taking care of us. We're proud to recognize their kindness, generosity and true community spirit."
Jim and Mirjana were surprised with their 'honorary customer service ambassador' status and new barbecue at a ceremony at the Napoleon dealer in Kelowna -- White's Barbeque & Fireplace at 2000 Spall Rd.
