chez6996

Hi Dave,

Thanks a “bunch” for that link on cleaning supplies. The best part of that link for me is relating to the mildew and mold section. I went on a job years ago where the women had Stanley Steamer clean her carpets. She was not happy and called Heaven’s Best 3 months later, we went in and as we started vacuuming, the beater bar was pulling the fibers right out of the berber backing, We lifted carpet with owners permission and found black mold and rotten jute on the soaken wet padding!!!!!! We need to have all of our people educated on this subject and maybe use it in some form of advertising.
Thanks Again,
Ron

Thank You for that response Ron!!! That was what I was trying to get across in my article in the newsletter a couple of months ago. We found (in Florida) you can control your advertising dollars much better without yellow pages. More advertising dollars when in the busy season and lighten up in the slow season. I really like the looks of franchise express, could you inform us what your success is with them?
Ron

I agree with newspaper ads, We ran ad on Sunday in lifestyle section and it made phone ring on Monday Tuesday, Started running same ad on Wed. and it made phone ring on Thursday, Friday. Also there was discount for running ad twice a week. Most of my people have tried coupon mailers with little success. Chamber, newspaper, yellow page and networking are the best advertising for their dollars.
Ron

Hi Greg,
I’m probably on board to much, but to answer your question here I am. It’s funny you should post about packing suit cases at this time, I just finished a long discussion with Corporate on that very issue. I have asked for them to take in consideration after next years two meetings that we go to one meeting a year and video conferencing every other month, or some schedule that we do not have to “cram” everything in two days.It cost me over $1,000. for 3-day trip so I offered to double that for a start on purchasing the proper equipment.Also another reason for this proposal is that I heard a rumor that more eastern states are going to be sold. This might make it a little eaiser on new owners plus myself.
Ron

Without boring everyone, I would like to share a couple of comments from a newspaper article I read (and cut out) several years ago. The tittle of article: “Getting Franchisees Involved Is Guiding Principle, Says Restaurant Entrepreneur”.I will give a few lines from rather long story. The president of Yorkshire Gobal Restaurants said “I began my career in franchising at Dunkin Dounts and at the time I did not fully understand the franchise model, So I fell into franchising and than realized it was a big added plus! He goes on to say: I have learned over the years that great ideas not supported by franchisees will not work, while an average idea brilliantly executed by franchisees will be very successful!!! Under his leadership they have revised all of it’s franchise agreements so that the company cannot implement an advertising or promotion activity without complete agreement by it’s franchise advisory board. Also the company cannot change any operating standard or introduce any new product without the agreement of the board. The bottom line is his belief, that franchise inclusion is highly necessary for a company to enjoy long term success. Anyone interested in the full article, call or e-mail and I will be glad to send it.
Ron

Greg,
You might want to talk with Corporate on your site, I know they helped me (justin). Barry and Jim in DC have a good one but I can not remember the site address. I enjoyed talking with you at SO meeting and sharing ideas, getting ready to put 4-6 free items on our web site, need to talk to all my operators first. Thanks again and good luck!
Ron