Small correction, she actually saved the voicemail to play later rather than keeping it as backup proof from the start, but the exit plan tip is solid. Showing up late and leaving before dessert really does take the pressure off the whole day.

My uncle ran a small hardware store in Oak Park and when Home Depot came in he had about 6 months to figure it out. What saved him was getting his regulars to call ahead and ask for him by name, so people started coming in just for his help and not the stuff on the shelf. Maybe Dave could push for a "helper" role at the front where he walks people through the machines, since that's the one thing a kiosk can't fake.

My buddy's club in Tulsa had a guy start "suggesting" picks and within four months nobody else brought a book. The two members who pushed back just stopped showing up.