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Ever google your own name?

I've done it. It turns out there are a lot of other Don Wards out there.  There's the Don Ward Trucking company. I've seen their vehicles on Colorado highways, complete with their name, our name, on the side.

There's a hall of fame hockey player from Canada and a comedian from the UK.  I've seen articles about a landscape painter in New Mexico and a newspaper columnist in Seattle. There's even a character named Don Ward in the movie "Casino"

My favorite other Don Ward though, is this guy.  He's a street corner shoe shine specialist in New York City.

He's been featured many times on New York TV, quoted many times in the New York Times as sort of a voice of the people kind of interview.  Just last month the Times talked to him about how a lack of snow in the city hurts his business.

When I was in New York a few weeks ago I decided to stop by  his stand on 6th Avenue at 47th St. 

He was great!  He thought it was really cool when I told him my name, our name.  He talked while I watched him do his thing.  He has a great rapport with the people of the city. He jokes with them, and pokes at them and talks them into his chair. He let me shoot some video with my phone for a quick feature you can watch here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71Xc9wYTlxs&list=UUXICGd74e2syo_-74Dsv7ig&index=1&feature=plcp

If you're in the New York, check him out. If you don't need a shine, you'll still get a smile.  He'll also pose for a picture, even if you don't share his name, our name.

That's Don Ward on the left...and on the right.

We'll talk again soon.

Don Ward