National Clothesline

Opportunity does knock twice — for those trying to get the scoop on establishing or increasing their route service.

The Golomb Group is planning a second “Your Route to Success” seminar to be held March 29-30 in the Chicago area at the Oakbrook Terrace.

“The first one filled up so fast that we regretted having to turn down so many people,” said Dennis McCrory, president of the Golomb Group, a Chicago-based marketing firm that handles marketing for drycleaners nationwide. “Every day we receive calls from members who regret missing the first seminar because they want help from the experts on how to establish routes or beef up the ones they have.”

Rex Carrigan, former route manager for White Way Cleaners of Nashville, TN, will again be the featured guest speaker. In addition to sharing his expertise, Carrigan will entertain attendees with his colorful anecdotes. Those attending the conference will have the opportunity to purchase Carrigan’s book on effective route building at a $100 discount.

Ray Colucci, long time industry consultant and writer for the National Clothesline, will kick off the seminar with an opening address.

Wayne Wudyka, owner and CEO of 1-800-DRYCLEAN, will share information about his franchise opportunities for easy route building.

Attendees will learn how 26-year-old Matt Winter used routes to grow Buckeye Cleaners in Lewis Center, OH, into a $1.5 million sales operation in only five years.

Jim Parham, of Acme Cleaners in Orlando, FL, runs the valet service for the Disney Hotels. He will educate attendees on the components of a successful commercial route.

Harvey Gershenson, of Sterling Cleaners in Los Angeles and former president of the California Drycleaners Association, will talk about how he has managed to build numerous profitable routes in a highly competitive market.

Paul Harootuniam, owner of Wharton's Cleaners in Haverford, PA, will speak about how he established his lucrative routes in a Philadelphia suburb.

Attendees will also hear presentations on the most up-to-date computer software and learn which point-of-sale systems are the most effective for managing routes.

The conference will kick off with a cocktail party on the evening of Friday, March 28 and will feature a comprehensive series of presentations Saturday, March 29, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 30, 8 to 11:30 a.m.

The second “Your Route to Success” conference will be held at the Hilton Oakbrook Terrace, 10 Drury Lane, Oak Brook Terrace, IL. A guaranteed rate of $99 per night includes a made-to-order breakfast and cocktails. That rate will only be guaranteed through February 28.

Registration is $495 for the first person from a company, and $350 for each additional person registered from the same company.

The Golomb Group is offering an early bird incentive. Register by Valentine’s Day, February 14, and receive a $50 discount. Registration will be limited. Call (800) 679-5856 to register.