National Clothesline

If I surveyed most of the cleaners out there about what they have to be thankful for this year, the one thing they would probably say is that they are thankful that the year is almost over.

Many cleaners experienced a downfall in sales and they are looking to 2010 as a new year with new hopes. Well, what if 2010 brings the same amount of bad news and you continue to do what you did last year?

It is our goal with our clients to keep them focused, energized and moving forward, not backward. Although not all of them have increased in sales, we have taught many to be more efficient and to do it right. As I look back at the hundreds of calls The Route Pro, Inc. received, many came from direct competitors of one another.

So what do I have to be thankful for? Here is my top ten.

•The Clean Show: We had a good day at the show this year. It started off with the DLI Award for Commitment to Professionalism and ended at The Cleaner’s Supply booth. Sandwiched in between that was the jam-packed seminar. DLI, the GreenEarth seminar, and all the press coverage was a true blessing and I am forever in your debt.

•All the RPI members: Our commitment begins with those who have put their trust in our advice.

As we continue to grow with new staff, our group grows. The Route Pro, Inc. has grown due to their commitment and due to the dozens of referrals we receive. We also give thanks to all the best practices out there. Keep up the good work.

•My beautiful wife: Larry Long of Long Cleaners thanked her personally for the sacrifice she makes for our on-site training. Although she does travel with me on many projects, Peg has had to stay home to mow, clean house and feed our pets. Our commitment is to come to you, and your success wouldn’t be possible without the support of my wife.

•Those cleaners who are stuck in the 20th century: You know who you are and I am sorry for the changes in our industry.

However, with the computer age, the economy and sometimes the multi-generational owners, some have stayed dormant while their competition passes them by. Many of my clients are putting a hurt in your bottom line.

We focus on growth with efficiency and strive to discourage cutting back.

Hopefully you are not just sitting there riding out the storm. You never know where the waves may take you.

•Competition: This year provided a couple of new route consultants and this encouraged me to take our service to the next level again this year.

Although our company is not quite on the same page as the rest, I appreciate the excitement provided with their product and enthusiasm. For us, we raised our level of service and our clients noticed it.

•National Clothesline: Hal and Carol give me so much press and I can’t pay enough for it. I thank you again for taking a chance on me a few years ago and for fixing all of my typos.

•Mark Mills, Sir Galloway Cleaners: Those who know Mark will testify that he will hold you accountable. Of all my clients, he is there when I fail and keeps me focused.

He may be in a tough market, but his success is a reflection of leadership and looking at the numbers. Thanks again, Mark.

•SEFA, NEFA, MILD: These organizations allow me to speak and provide excellent opportunities for me to get in front of people. It is no wonder that I have more clients in these areas than most.

•Rex Carrigan: Again, another year goes by in which I work with five new clients who had Rex come to their place. He was a true pioneer and I know that many of you as well as I would not be in the position we are without his guidance and enthusiasm. Many of you miss him and I wish that I had been given the opportunity to work with him.

•Al Robson: Many of you have hired me simply because I worked with Al for many years. I thank him every year and celebrate by having one of his Busch beers he left behind in my fridge. This year will be my last one I have left to toast for him.

The bottom line is that one of the things our company focused on is minimizing the negatives and focusing on the positives. Your staff, future and sanity depend on it.

This may be one of the worst years you have ever experienced and doing the same things again next year will probably increase your discouragement. When DLI and NCA come out with all the forecasting reports, the question is where are you going to be?

Don’t forget to thank your greatest resource – your staff. I went to a breakfast meeting when I visited Bill Ford in Charlotte and a top executive from Coca-Cola announced that their secret formula was their employees.

Sometimes we take them for granted and don’t thank them enough for their hard work and commitment. It is an old cliché, but you are only as good as your worst employee. Thank them this year as they feel the pressure of hard times as well.

Also, thank your current customers. We do not do enough for those who continually put food on our tables. Have a customer appreciation week during Thanksgiving and personalize your Thank You cards with staff members, drivers, etc.

Again,thanks for all the support the industry has given The Route Pro, Inc. We strive to give back as well!