It has struck me how many times we use things to promote our community – well any community. We tell people about our things like – hey look at our river, we have a museum, our arena, sports stadiums, golf courses. All knowing that we are telling others who have the same things – look at our things they are better. Now don’t get me wrong – and full disclosure I have worked on many of these very things for much of my career. I would also argue that we have some of the best in the country considering you can call many of them the best things in their category.

But, do they have a Wayne? I mean that they more than likely have someone named Wayne, but do they have someone like our Wayne. Our Wayne – Wayne Crane – has lived in Columbus, Georgia, his adult life and currently resides both on the street and in various other places. I first saw Wayne in downtown Columbus about 10 years ago. He was recognizable for many reasons. First, he stands 6’5” and has a full beard – usually has a cigarette in hand – and pulls a suitcase with him wherever he goes. He’s kinda noticeable anyway…

Over the years we have waved to each other, traded good mornings, and at times my wife and I have dropped food for him. We are not the only ones. Wayne eats pretty good but has never asked anyone for anything. A common theme with Wayne is to keep to himself and sometimes talk to himself. But anyone who has engaged with him or brought him food or asked him to watch their dog while running into the coffee shop will tell you the same thing about Wayne. He helps when asked, he never asks for anything in return, he has a great smile, and we are lucky to have him in our neighborhood.

I mean we have a an incredible river, and so does San Antonio – but do they have Wayne?

Very few things have brought me more joy than seeing Wayne walk two little dogs around downtown with poop bags in tow at seven in the morning. He has been a set of eyes and ears for some downtown. He has washed windows, watched bikes while someone shops, helped move and set parking cones early in the morning – the Wayne’s are what rounds a community into something special.

But we have two of the best museums in the country, and so does Milwaukee. And absolutely no Wayne.

Today Wayne serves as Franks Alley’s marketing coordinator, well kinda. (I mean if we had that position at Franks he would be a front runner.) For now he has been holding up signs hopefully getting people to eat more hot dogs. They have also become an outlet for Frank’s Alley to ask questions or say something positive for the day.

What is more positive for us has been how people feel about Wayne as a person standing on Broadway and 13th avenue holding a sign. It may say “Smile. Eat More Hot Dogs” or simply “Pay Teachers More” But more than the message, the positive vibe has been demonstrated and expanded. Wayne as our silent spokesperson. Ok just riffing now because writing this is making me think. You’ll just scratch this anyway I am sure – or they have stopped reading in any case.

So – we have a Walmart, Lowes and a Home Depot. I am sure we will never “outthing” (pretty sure that’s a word) somewhere else. We have Wayne and I am encouraging you to get to know him or someone else you find interesting in our community. We have a lot to learn about the people in our community. I’ll do the same and share some of mine here. Or not, this deadline stuff is pretty demanding oh and pretty sure I’m not getting paid. But I do get to tell you to eat more hot dogs!! Unless they just delete that too…

Ross Horner, Not Frank, is the owner of Frank’s Alley in Uptown Columbus on Broadway. Check them out on social media (heard they are funny) and give their chili dog a try.