Where to find successful cleaners
he most successful
drycleaners I have had the privilege of knowing were those
individuals who attend meetings. I don’t believe any of
us who are seeking improvement in ourselves, our businesses and
even in our human relationships would disagree. We could also
attribute better understanding from observation and reading, as
well, but it is meetings or seminars that can spark the
successes in life and motivate us on the road and to help guide
our paths.
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I have heard from many I have spoken to
that business is down by 15 to 20 percent. Fortunately, there
are exceptions.
The present business climate seems to be
universal and reminds me of the early ’70s where
polyester, double-knit and permanent press hit our industry and
when, because of some over saturation, many decided to closed
their doors.
The conditions today are very similar,
what with casual dress, security threats, unemployment and an
unstable national and world economy. A reflection of these
times has somehow transferred to low attendance at state and
local drycleaners’ meetings.
The effect should be the opposite.
Consider that our very small industry has not only been
attacked by a negative media, while the thirst for factual
information has never been more in demand. Furthermore,
consider the many changes in new solvent choices, high quality
production and finishing equipment, and the crying need for a
better image, all with effective marketing.
Yet we are still plagued with supposedly
miracle fibers and new cure-all laundry detergents. Also, I
hear the research chemists have discovered the answers to some
revolutionary new odor-free clothing, which is bacteria and
germ free.
What effect will this have on our industry
— the risk in handling, and the cost of reprocessing
— remains to be seen and evaluated.
Where could we learn about such
innovations? The best place would be at your local meetings.
That’s where an expert would bring the knowledge of an
invited speaker.
Attend your next local or state meeting.
That’s where listening turns to knowledge. Meetings and
membership answer the hundreds of additional questions that
have put a dark cloud over our future, and allowed
irresponsible legislation to run rampant, such as the
association of perc as equal to cigarette smoking in relation
to cancer and retroactive liability (liability from the grave!)
Isn’t it time to consider
“certification?” Can we support a united voice to
protect future attacks on our industry with the presence of a
knowledgeable membership?
Should we be made aware of the progress in
new solvents, productive and qualitative finishing methods and
equipment, protective legal means for a route contract?
How truthful is truth in labeling? Last
month I saw a label that said “Do not wash, dryclean
only.” What’s so bad about that? Nothing wrong,
except it was on a bathing suit!
Does our industry need representation and
a continual larger support of its membership? Of course it
does! And more so in these uncertain times. It certainly is
time to attend every meeting and stand up and be counted
I had the honor of being one of the select
speakers at the recent weekend seminar of the Golomb Group in
Chicago. It was attended by over 150 interested and concerned
drycleaners and I was pleased to be included among such
notables and dynamic speakers as Rex Carrigan, Jim Parham, Paul
Harootunian, Harvey Gershenson and Wayne Wudyka, to name just a
few.
The subject was “Route to
Success.” All the mysteries and methods were disclosed,
from getting started, to the expected results from computer
control, to the terms of a protected contractual agreement.
This program was conducted by the experts in marketing —
the gurus Bill Bishop and Dennis McCrory.
What can guarantee success? We can start
by supporting IFI and NCA and the sound marketing advice of the
Golomb Group and be an active participating member.
Yes we can learn by listening and applying
the formula K+A=S.
K is Knowledge. That’s where the
listening comes in.
S is for Success, which we strive to
attain.
A is for Action, and that I leave entirely
up to you.
Ray Colucci, a consultant to the fabric
care industry, has revised and made available three timely
pamphlets: “Up Front Is Where It Counts” for
counter training; “Pressed for Perfection” for
finishing techniques; the popular “Route to Success To
the Home of Office” for complete route training. The
pamphlets are $20 each or all three for $50. Immediate delivery
with all postage paid is promised. Send requests and payment to
to R. Colucci, 410 Warren Ave., Mamaroneck, NY 10543.
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