I think you're on the right track with the name thing, just that alone will set you apart in the communication and will be remembered well. If you were to see that person down the track and remembered again I think they'd be impressed.
I liked your last lines; being wary is not a bad thing, but a smile and genuine greeting goes a long way.
Another good thing to do - pet their dogs and learn their dogs' names.
For sure, I do this a lot on business dealings. It's powerful.