American Drycleaner - April 2017

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Clean ’17 Go Guide

Tripping off to experience the sights and activities Las Vegas has to offer while at the Clean Show? Before you go wander (and wonder) through Vegas, take a look at all the travel tips and insider things to do, from the popular places you probably already know about to the more off-the-map eateries and special stops of this action-packed city of lights! Want to drive a real race car on a real track? How about act like a mobster? Get neoned-up? Play pinball til you drop? We’ve got it all here. Let’s go trippin’ thru Vegasland!

Matt Poe, and Tim Burke, Editor

20 Sky High to Buy

Getting ready to spend money on capital improvements at your operation? Four drycleaning operators pass along their tips when planning to make that big purchase. It starts with research, but there’s a whole lot more to your buying strategy.

Tim Burke, Editor

NEED HELP FINDING THE HIDDEN HANGER?

“Business has never been better.”

“The support from CBS was great. Even before we signed up, they were responsive and flexible in their approach. They have helped our team become more efficient.”

Since 2003, CBS has given me consistent updates and easy to understand tech support, all at a price that our industry can afford. I would recommend CBS, and I have, to anyone who is still wasting their time and money on those over priced POS systems.

Born to Be Clean

Our Clean Show booth is 2591. Stop by and say hello!

Starting the countdown to Clean ’17. (It’s the Clean Show’s 40th anniversary. Did you know?) But let’s pause to remember our own start so many Aprils ago. “Born—A New Magazine.” ... With those words, The American Dry Cleaner, as it was titled, came out for the first time in April 1934. The artwork on that very first front cover depicted a stylishly dressed couple walking in the rain in the city, seemingly well-protected by an umbrella, but in that very same moment being splashed by a passing car. (Oh, the humanity! Better go get those clothes dry-cleaned!)

“The magazine,” publisher Andrew Roth wrote on the issue’s page three, “is dedicated to lend a helping hand and a cheering smile to every cleaner and dyer in the United States and Canada.”

The magazine’s first editor, Leo J. Reynolds, titled his first column using the clever, tongue-in-cheek expression, “Ve Iss Off, Sharlie!” He explained: “If you’ve ever listened to Baron Munchausen broadcasts—and who hasn’t—you remember that after a particularly hot interchange of words, the Baron shouts, ‘Ve iss off, Sharlie,’ indicating that from that time on, things are going to happen.”

“We shall endeavor to see the fun in life along with the labor, and if we can pass a chuckle along to you with a helpful hint, our birth shall not have been in vain,” Roth wrote. It seems to be going well after all these years — those chuckles and helpful hints. Certainly, it hasn’t been in vain.

In this issue on page 6, the Clean ’17 Go Guide has all the things to see and do in Las Vegas this June while you’re at the Clean Show; a second feature, Sky High to Buy, page 20, looks at reinvesting in and revitalizing your drycleaning operation.

Around the Industry, a new Off the Cuff, our columnists, and more, are joined by another new special, Yarns Spun Here, a light take on textile terminology (page 52). Clean ’17 is coming, so ... think clean, live clean, be clean! And now, Ve iss off!

ADC

American Drycleaner (ISSN 0002-8258) is published monthly except Nov/Dec combined. Subscription prices, payment in advance: U.S., 1 year $46.00; 2 years $92.00. Foreign, 1 year $109.00; 2 years $218.00. Single copies $9.00 for U.S., $18.00 for all other countries. Published by American Trade Magazines LLC, 566 West Lake Street, Suite 420, Chicago, IL 60661. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, IL and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER, Send changes of address and form 3579 to American Drycleaner, Subscription Dept., 440 Quadrangle Drive, Suite E, Bolingbrook, IL 60440. Volume 84, number 1. Editorial, executive and advertising offices are at 566 West Lake Street, Suite 420, Chicago, IL 60661. Charles Thompson, President and Publisher. American Drycleaner is distributed selectively to: qualified dry cleaning plants and distributors in the United States. The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertising for any reason.

© Copyright AMERICAN TRADE MAGAZINES LLC, 2017. Printed in U.S.A. No part of this publication may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publisher or his representative. American Drycleaner does not endorse, recommend or guarantee any article, product, service or information found within. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of American Drycleaner or its staff. While precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of the magazine’s contents at time of publication, neither the editors, publishers nor its agents can accept responsibility for damages or injury which may arise therefrom.

Publisher

Charles Thompson 312-361-1680 cthompson@ATMags.com

Editorial Director

Bruce Beggs 312-361-1683 bbeggs@ATMags.com

Editor

Tim Burke 312-361-1684 tburke@ATMags.com

National Sales Director

Donald Feinstein 312-361-1682 dfeinstein@ATMags.com

Digital Media Director

Nathan Frerichs 312-361-1681 nfrerichs@ATMags.com

Production Manager

Roger Napiwocki

Advisory Board

Mike Bleier Steven Dubinski John-Claude Hallak Mike Nesbit Herron Rowland Fred Schwarzmann Beth Shader Ellen Tuchman Rothmann Contributing Editors

Howard Scott Diana Vollmer Martin Young Office Information Main: 312-361-1700 Subscriptions 630-739-0900 x100 www.american drycleaner.com

Tim Burke

Vegasland Trippin’ Let’s Go in

The ins and outs of getting around Clean’s host city in June

By Matt Poe

It’s been six years since the World Educational Congress for Laundering and Drycleaning—the Clean Show—has taken place in Las Vegas.

Clean ’17 will take over the “City of Lights” June 5-8 (Monday-Thursday) for its 40th anniversary. Once again, the show will take place at the Las Vegas

Convention Center, but this being Vegas, attendees will want to make the most of their time off the trade show floor.

GETTING AROUND

First off, attendees need to get from McCarran International Airport to their hotels. Clean Show management company Riddle & Associates says they

American Drycleaner, April 2017

(Image licensed by Ingram Publishing)

can catch a taxi or a transportation shuttle. In addition, LASxpress is an airport shuttle ser vice that can guarantee easy and fast transfer to and from your hotel and the airport.

Once on the Strip or downtown, Clean Show attendees who have been to the show in Vegas before know that it isn’t as short and easy as it seems to walk the area. (And let’s not forget that the daytime temperature in early June could exceed 90.)

On show days, Riddle says the Clean Show will provide a compli mentary shuttle between most official

Riddle & Associates has assembled the following tips to make a Clean ’17 attendee’s Las Vegas experience positive from the trade show floor to the gaming floor:

 High temperatures and scorch ing sunshine are the Las Vegas norm in June. During the day, stay cool on the exhibit floor and enjoy the city lights after the sun goes down and the temperatures begin to drop a bit.

 Be sure to bring good-quality, comfortable walking shoes and light clothing (both busi ness and casual). Vegas is no place for high heels, especially on the trade show floor where you will do lots of walking at the

hotels and the Convention Center. The shuttle will run approximately every 15 to 20 minutes.

It will begin service at 7 a.m. opening day (7:30 a.m. on remaining show days) and runs to 11:30 a.m. In the afternoon, it will run from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday and Wednes day, to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday.

After the show closes each day, it

FOR YOUR COM F ORT

Convention Center. Walking one city block might be one-half mile.

 Bottled water is valuable dur ing the long, hot days to stay hydrated. Avoid overpaying for water at the hotel by going to a convenience store or grocery.

 If you are sensitive to cigarette smoke, be cautious about stand ing or walking through the casi nos. Although many restaurants do not allow smoking on the premises, smoking in casinos is allowed.

 Casinos can be noisy with bells and whistles on each machine and shouts from lucky winners.

If you prefer a quieter gaming experience, the card tables are a bit quieter than slot machines.

makes sense to take advantage of the city’s transportation options to save time and wear-and-tear on the feet.

According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), taxis are the main form of transportation used throughout Las Vegas. There is an abundance of them all over the city and, most likely, a few waiting within a taxi line at a hotel during (continued)

Win, but be comfortable, this June in Las Vegas. (Las Vegas News Bureau)

Taxis, the Monorail, and public transportation are ways to get around in Las Vegas. (Las Vegas News Bureau)

“ It will take more than a long weekend to appreciate all that Las Vegas has. Plan extra time.”

— Dan Del Rossi, Las Vegas resident and owner of Tiffany Couture Cleaners

all hours of the day and night.

One item of importance to note: Visitors aren’t allowed to hail a taxi from the street. There are certain areas for taxi pickups at hotels. Just look for the taxi line sign, usually near valet.

Uber and Lyft are also ways to get around the city. For those unfamiliar with these options, they’re ridingsharing services where drivers will pick up riders in their personal car and transport them to their destina tions.

The LVCVA recommends using ride sharing off the Strip, not while at a hotel property or looking to get to the Strip. Also, it recommends being aware of when “surge pricing” is in effect. A rider could end up paying $100 for a trip that could have cost $30 to $50.

Another option for getting around the Strip is the Las Vegas Monorail. It stops at seven locations along the Strip: MGM Grand, Bally’s/Paris, Flamingo/Caesars Palace, Harrah’s/ The LINQ, the Las Vegas Conven

tion Center, Westgate and SLS Las Vegas.

The LVCVA says the Monorail is a good option for attendees of Clean at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The Monorail also offers free shuttle rides at various off-the-Strip hotels. It has options for single rides, a day pass and passes ranging from two to

DAY-TRIP EXP E RI E NC ES

 Since a trip to Las Vegas may be a rare occurrence for some Clean Show attendees, maybe they’ll come early or stay a day longer. Show management Riddle & Associates has identified sev eral day-trip options that range from see ing the sights to exhilarating adventures.

Adventurous types or nature enthu siasts will find many options near Las Vegas. Mount Charleston and Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Valley of Fire State Park and the Mojave National preserve are just a few of the attractions close to the city lights of Vegas.

For a quick day trip, visit the natu ral wonders of the Grand Canyon and Death Valley.

Popular cities to visit within a few hours’ drive are Lake Tahoe, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Palm Springs.

seven days. However, the Monorail does not run all night.

The Deuce is the name of Las Vegas’ public transportation that’s operated by the Regional Transpor tation Committee, according to the LVCVA. The bus runs throughout the city, and there are two routes to take specifically for (continued)

The scenic Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. (Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority)

Sure, party on the Strip at night with friends, but don’t overlook all the other things to see and do. (Image licensed by Ingram Publishing)

the Strip and Downtown. These are Deuce on the Strip, which will stop at about every property on the Strip, and SDX Strip & Downtown Ex press, which stops at about half the stops as the other route.

FOOD

Once the day is done on the floor, Clean Show attendees will most likely want to grab a bite to eat. Of course, Vegas has something for every taste—and every budget.

The LVCVA says that new restau rants open just about every month. Eateries that have recently opened include Eggslut at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, which includes com fort food and innovative eats. These range from the Bacon, Egg & Cheese Sandwich to the Gaucho Sandwich, which includes seared Wagyu tri-tip steak, chimichurri, red onions and seasoned arugula topped with an over-medium egg in a warm brioche bun.

Another, internationally renowned Mr. Chow, is now open inside Cae sars Palace. The restaurant features signature dishes such as chicken sa tay, green prawns, handmade pulled noodles and Beijing duck.

Chef Bradley Manchester recently debuted Glutton in downtown Las Vegas. It features an eclectic menu of New American cuisine for lunch and dinner daily. Located on Car son Avenue, across 7th Street from Downtown Container Park, Glutton showcases savory meats, locally sourced produce, housemade pastas and seafood from the Pacific North west.

Of course, being Vegas, buffets are big for dining. The LVCVA says The Buffet at Wynn Las Vegas debuted a new concept, elevating the traditional buffet with additional unique dishes, a more intimate atmo sphere and state-of-the-art technol ogy in both the kitchen and dining room.

(continued)

O FF THE BEATEN PATH

Off-the-beaten-path things to see and do:

 National Atomic Testing Museum. This museum is a national sci ence, history and educational institution that tells the story of America’s nuclear weapons testing program at the Nevada Test Site. Visitors will experience a Ground Zero Theater simulation of an above-ground test, and more. Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 12 p.m.-5 p.m.

 Flamingo Wildlife Habitat. It won’t cost you anything to see live African penguins and Chilean flamingos on display in this outdoor habi tat, part of 15 acres of tropical gardens.



Neon Museum, at the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Fremont Street. Special event: June 3—Sunset Photo Tour, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., $75 ($60 for Nevada locals, seniors 65+, students, veterans or active military members with valid ID).



Pinball Hall of Fame. You can actually play your old favorites. The pinball machines are all restored to like-new playing condition. Hours: 11 a.m.- 11 p.m. daily.



Downtown Container Park, 707 Fremont St. A giant preying mantis shooting fire welcomes people to a cool, kid-friendly gem, with bars and eats. Stores are made from containers. Note: Over 21 after 9 p.m.

Site of Clean ’17, June 5-8. (Las Vegas News Bureau)

Container Park draws mechanical insects! ... And human beings, too! (Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority)

Riddle says that each Clean ’17 of ficial hotel boasts its own restaurants and food courts. Most hotels have at least one exceptional dining facility on-site.

For instance, Caesars Palace has six upscale restaurants in addition to one buffet, eight casual dining eater ies and a food court. MGM Grand features 13 elite-chef restaurants, including Emeril’s and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill.

ENTERTAINMENT

Attendees won’t be lacking for something to do once the trade show floor closes. Las Vegas is known as the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” so there are many concerts and shows to enjoy.

The LVCVA says that one of the newest shows on the Strip is BAZ – Star Crossed Love at the Palazzo Theatre. This new-generation cabaret is a high-energy movie-music mashup of the world’s most iconic love stories, as imagined by famed film visionary Baz Luhrmann.

Inspired by Luhrmann’s signature take on Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge, The Great Gatsby and Strict ly Ballroom, LVCVA says this the atrical concert features soul-stirring and stunning performances from an ensemble cast and band.

Riddle says attendees have many concerts and shows to look forward to while attending Clean.

Jennifer Lopez will be at Planet Hollywood June 7–10. David Cop perfield is at MGM June 4–10.

Terry Fator, winner of America’s Got Talent, does his celebrity sing ing impersonations and unparalleled ventriloquism at the Mirage nightly Monday–Thursday.

For spectacular productions, Cirque du Soleil offers seven shows around town, all of which are well worth seeing, according to Riddle. The Blue Man Group has one of the best-selling shows in Las Vegas run

Do you hope to find glitzy entertainment in this town? You’ll prob ably luck out. (Las Vegas News Bureau)

ning Monday–Sunday at the Luxor. Or, maybe after a day on the trade show floor, attendees will be looking for a laugh. The LVCVA says there are many comedians and venues for

chuckles and belly laughs.

Carrot Top, part prop comic with his 35 trunks chock-full of his latest ingenious inventions and part ring master of a spectacle

FOODIE S FOOD IE S FOOD IE S

 Food choices abound, says Las Vegas dry cleaner Dan Del Rossi.

After a hard day of fun in the sun, he advises, “If you’re looking for a nice steak, then I will recom mend the Golden Steer. This is an old-time, throwback steak house where many of the entertainers who ‘made’ Vegas dined and even had their own private booths.

“Maybe you’re feeling Mexican. Casa Don Juan is the place. Off the beaten path but worth it.”

Del Rossi’s personal favorite “is the Italian-American Social Club, the best Italian food around, oldschool and a high-class joint. They even have Bocce ball courts right out back.”

He also says, “Now don’t get me wrong, you can always get the finest dining anywhere along the Strip.”

Michael Leeming, national sales manager for Los Angeles’ Parker Boiler Co., says he visits Las Vegas “one to three times a year.”

As far as eateries go, he would add a few to the list: “At Mandalay Bay, there is Ri Ra Irish Pub, and the RX BoilerRoom; at MGM, there’s Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House; and at Planet Hollywood there is Sammy Hagar’s. Off-strip on Paradise, there is Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant.”

A neon cocktail is sure to find you sooner or later.

(Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority)

of lights, lasers, pyrotechnics, loud music and outstanding humor, takes audiences on a wild, 90-minute ride during his show at Luxor Hotel & Casino, according to the LVCVA.

Comedy-magician Mac King has brought The Mac King Comedy Magic Show to the Las Vegas Strip for a historic 17-year run at Harrah’s Las Vegas.

Comedy clubs include Brad Gar rett’s Comedy Club at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, the Laugh Factory at the Tropicana Las Vegas and Aces of Comedy at the Mirage Hotel & Casino.

SEE & DO

If Clean Show attendees want to be a bit more active in the evening, or if they have some free time during the day, Vegas boasts fun activities and interesting museums.

Downtown’s famous casino-lined Fremont Street has been converted into a 175,700-square-foot pedestrian area covered by the Viva Vision cano py, the world’s largest graphic display system, says the LVCVA. Called the Fremont Street Experience, this can opy showcases spectacular light and sound shows every hour on the hour during the evenings.

Clean Show attendees looking for thrills of a different nature can ride SlotZilla, the world’s most unique zip-line attraction, according to the LVCVA, featuring the 850-foot zip line and the 1,750-foot Zoomline, as people launch from a 12-story slotmachine-themed takeoff platform to fly under the Viva Vision canopy.

For more rides, the Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower has four of the world’s highest rides, located 100 stories above the ground, according to the LVCVA.

SkyJump is a “controlled free fall” in which participants plummet 855 feet at a speed of up to 40 miles per hour. X-Scream teeters riders over the edge of the tower 900 feet above the

SHOWS SHOWS SHOWS

 Showtime Vegas, guided by a local ...

Las Vegas resident Dan Del Rossi owns Tiffany Couture Cleaners, which, he notes, main tains the finest wardrobes in Las Vegas since 1970. He’s eager to share his local knowledge.

“To the surprise of many, there are normal people and families that live in Las Vegas, and they don’t all live on the Strip,” Del Rossi says.

Vegas, he points out, has won derful communities comprised of shopping malls, playgrounds, soccer fields, and hiking and bike trails. Visiting Las Vegas offers many options. “Whether you like the casinos, nightlife, swimming

ground, 30 feet over the edge of the building, at 33 miles per hour.

Big Shot is a thrill ride that shoots adrenaline seekers 160 feet into the air at 4Gs before letting them free fall back to the launching pad. Insanity is an appropriately named, dizzying, spinning ride that dangles passengers over the edge of the tower before whirling them around at speeds

pools, sightseeing or hiking, we have it all.

“If you like the Las Vegas shows, you might want to check out Cirque Du Soleil shows such as KÀ, an epic adventure of love and conflict at MGM Grand, or Zumanity, the burlesque cabaret for the sensual side of Cirque du Soleil, at New York-New York Hotel and Casino.

“Or maybe an upbeat show like Donny and Marie, in the Donny & Marie Showroom, which is locat ed at the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino.” Del Rossi adds that, “La Reve at the Wynn or Absinthe at Caesars would not let you down either.”

approaching 40 miles per hour.

For a less heart-pounding ride, the LVCVA recommends the High Roller, the tallest observation wheel in the world at an impressive 550 feet, at The LINQ Promenade. It towers above outdoor dining, entertainment and retail district by Caesars Entertainment and provides spectacu lar views of the Las

Sprays of color mesmerize. Might be just what’s needed after a full day of Clean ’17 show action. (Image licensed by Ingram Publishing)

Vegas Strip and Valley.

An alternative entertainment option to shows and concerts, rides and, of course, gaming, are the many mu seums available throughout the city, Riddle notes.

Madame Tussauds Celebrity Wax Museum is located at the Venetian, where attendees can take photos, interact with favorite celebrities and enjoy a 4D short film experience.

Other museums the LVCVA notes include the Neon Museum and The Mob Museum. The Neon Museum exhibits iconic Las Vegas signs and is available for an hour-long guided tour seven days a week.

The National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, better known as The Mob Museum, is dedi cated to telling the thrilling story of the downfall of organized crime led by law enforcement. True stories of the mob’s history are brought to life via engaging exhibits, high-tech the ater presentations and more than 600 artifacts.

For no-cost entertainment, Riddle says that Clean Show attendees only need to take a stroll down The Strip.

In addition to great people-watch ing, enjoy the volcano show at the entrance of the Mirage (7 p.m. and 8 p.m.), talking Roman statues and changing lighting at Caesars Forum, a beautiful water show at Bellagio (runs between 3 p.m. and midnight), a harbor rainstorm at the Miracle Mile Mall, and many more street concerts and performances.

SHOPPING

It seems like most trade show at tendees want to at least buy a little something when they’re in Vegas, and the city doesn’t disappoint with its shopping options.

According to the LVCVA, one of the most recent shopping options to open is the Grand Bazaar Shops out side of Bally’s Las Vegas.

Modeled after the famed Grand

Bazaar in Istanbul, this two-acre out door walking mall invites shoppers to stroll under the brightly tiled roof as they visit more than 80 boutique retail spaces, including a Swarovski store where customers can haggle over crystals, as well as experience a night ly light show featuring a 4,000-pound crystal in front of the store.

Riddle notes that Las Vegas has several shopping centers to take at tendees out of the heat. Many shop ping venues are intricately built to replicate some of the best marketplac es in the world. Browse the stores of Paris, Rome, New York, Cairo, Ven ice and South Pacific all in one trip.

The Forum Shops at Caesars has more than 100 stores and 11 restau rants with an impressive collection of premium chic designer shops. The Venetian has the Grand Canal Shops,

reminiscent of the famous Grand Canal waterway in Venice, Italy.

Browsers at the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood will find 200plus reasonably priced specialty stores and restaurants in the swanky Los Angeles-themed mall.

For just a simple mall experience, Fashion Show Mall houses 140 stores, including those usually found in a typical upscale mall.

Of course, there is much more to see and do in Las Vegas. These ideas are just the tip of the iceberg for Clean Show attendees to make the most of their time in the “City of Lights” and the “Entertainment Capital of the World.” ADC

Matt Poe is editor of American Laundry News, a sister publication to American Drycleaner.

T HINGS T HINGS T HINGS

 So many activities to do.

“If you have a little more time during the day, we have the best hiking trails at Red Rock Mountains on the west side of town,” says Las Vegas dry cleaner Dan Del Rossi. “These trails will give the most spectacular views of the city.”

How about driving some of the fastest exotic cars on the road? Then SpeedVegas is where you want to visit, about 10 minutes outside of town, he says.

“Names like Lamborghini, Ferrari, Porsche and Corvette all await you at the 1.5-mile track, where you could hit speeds up 140 mph.”

Parker Boiler’s Michael Leeming, a frequent visitor to Las Vegas, offers his tips for fun and entertainment: “It is a great view to go up 500 feet inside the Eiffel Tower and watch the water show at the Bellagio from that vantage point across the street.

“If you have kids, Circus Circus and Excalibur have rides and motion simulators. Spend an extra day and rent a boat out at Lake Mead, 30 minutes away, or tour Hoover Dam on the inside, where you see water seeping through the walls in this 80-year-old, 700-foot mega structure.

“In June, the hotel/casino pools will be in full swing, and they rent cabanas, and some resorts like Mandalay Bay have lazy rivers and wave pools,” Leeming adds.

SpeedVegas! (Image courtesy of SpeedVegas)

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to Buy Sky High

By Tim Burke, Editor

Thinking of making a sizable outlay at your drycleaning operation?

“The best advice I can give is: do your research and know what you’re buying,” says Mike Scuola, owner of family-operated Saratoga Cleaners, located in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

“Today’s markets are tough and when business is slow, it’s hard to think about taking money out of your pocket to reinvest in equipment,” he says. “There may be some good upsides.”

His business is located in a scenic resort town of 26,000 in upstate New York, known for its hot springs, just a little past the halfway point if you’re driving from New York City up to Lake Placid.

Scuola and his family opened their drycleaning operation in 2011. His family built their own store from scratch. His dad John has been in the business for almost 40 years.

American Drycleaner caught up with Scuola recently to find out what he thinks it takes to make capital improvements and upgrades today.

“In a rapidly changing environment, from fashion to fabrics, a wetcleaning machine might be a good idea for dry cleaners who have not started to utilize that part of the market yet,” he says.

It appeals to the environmentally conscious consumer and can be a better tool to get some of those tough, water-based stains out that are hard to remove on the dry side, he explains.

“I did just start chasing down some wholesale accounts and will have a large influx in linens,” Scuola says. “Now that we will be getting much more than we are used to, I will be shopping for a new, larger wetcleaning machine and other equipment.”

Timing is key, of course. So when does a dry cleaner decide to reinvest and revitalize their business?

“Everyone has their own theory of when this should be done. In my opinion, get the work first, then reinvest in equipment to support growth, rather than spending money and hoping the work follows,” Scuola suggests.

As far as revitalizing in terms of equipment, think about when it becomes too costly to keep replacing parts, or it’s consuming too much of your time working on it.

“When it comes to your call office and storefront, I believe that should be kept up on,” he notes. “When people are bringing their clothes, they want to walk into a clean, updated establishment. Make it look more like a bank rather than a cleaners.”

Many decisions come into play when a drycleaning owner/operator gets ready to plunk down

(Image licensed by Ingram Publishing)

for new stuff. Some of the factors, besides purely a need to replace, include: upgrading the look of the store; how much more efficient the store will be; keeping the cash flowing; and return on investment.

RECOUP

You say you’re gonna revitalize! You say today’s the day! You’re psyched and ready! You’re experiencing “buyer’s high!”

You’ve got one foot on the proverbial ladder and want to begin the climb. But there is work to do.

Think first of not only researching your needs and wants, but also give heed to the financial ledger and your expectations of costs you will get back.

“For us, we really look at a return on investment (ROI) of five years or less. And the capital expense has to be directly linked to reducing another expense or substantially improving quality of our client experience,” says Dave Coyle, owner of In The Bag Cleaners in Wichita, Kan.

The 43-year-old Coyle and wife Aram have three kids, soon to be four in May. They started the operation in December 2000 and currently have 16 locations, 72 team members, and over 22,000 regular clients.

“Last April, we added our largest capital expense in

a long time,” Coyle says. “We installed a Metalprogetti assembly conveyor with three load stations and seven extract arms; an integrated bagging machine; and a batching conveyor to deliver the clothing to the correct drivers’ rail.

“This cost us over $250,000 but has saved us about 300 hours of labor per week,” he says, adding, “which gives us an ROI right at four years.”

It used to be that Coyle’s business would invest in equipment only when something was broken and no longer operable, he explains. “Now we are trying to stay ahead of the curve and treat capital expenses as investments in our future.”

Tom Markuszewski, a franchise owner of CD One Price Cleaners in the Chicagoland area, seems to agree on strategizing, noting he recently made a capital improvement on an automated sorting and bagging system.

“The decision was made to improve the productivity of our production process by 25%,” says Markuszewski. “This was a significant decision that dramatically changed our production process. The investment was a success, and we achieved our objective.”

Over time, your facility ages and possibly grows, therefore the need to replace and add capital increases, he points out. “These decisions are driven (continued)

Live Clean! Buy Sharp! Mike Scuola, owner of Saratoga Cleaners in scenic Saratoga Springs, N.Y., recommends this: “Think about what your needs are. Do your research.”

(Photo: Saratoga Cleaners)

Stylish Digs! Warm, historiclooking front seating area of Vapor Sudden Service Cleaners, Monterey, Calif. (Photo: Vapor Sudden Service Cleaners)

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by the goal to improve the business, such as quality and productivity.”

He relates that a drycleaning business must have an ongoing list that prioritizes its capital needs.

Business owners should constantly be searching for ways to improve their business, he says. “Capital planning is a critical part.”

Griffin Quinones, who owns Vapor Sudden Cleaners in Monterey, Calif., says, “Capital improvements are ongoing, and we are always looking to improve production and replace existing equipment.”

The operation is in a unique situation “because we own our own building, 11,000 square feet, and are able to make any changes to the building without having to deal with a landlord.”

There is a lot of Spanish-style architecture in his area. Picture the environs near the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium and the picturesque homes and businesses fronting the ocean.

“When we purchased the building, we wanted to maintain that look and emphasize that appearance as well,” Quinones says. “We wanted the colors to be warm and friendly, maintaining the old but with a modern appearance.”

Maintaining the look of his dry cleaner and upgrading equipment are equally important, he believes.

“We have recently replaced an existing dryer with moisture control, and two laundry washers. What works best for us is to lease (the equipment) so that we can keep our working capital solvent.”

When reinvesting with new equipment, “the first thing that comes to mind is parts availability and technical support,” Quinones says.

From there, “we start comparing different equipment and the advantages they offer such as labor savings, durability, user-friendly, and the last, of course, is price.”

BUYER BE AWARE

We asked the quartet of drycleaning owners to pass along some tips for those working their way up to a big purchase.

“Most purchases are long-term investments. Make sure whatever the purchase is, it will be a viable part of the business for a long time,” Quinones says. “Technology is changing all the time. Our industry has made great strides with better equipment, specifically drycleaning, laundry and finishing equipment.”

From Markuszewski: “Research, research and research. A strategic capital investment must be thoroughly researched, and planned for in advance.

“Site visits must be made to see the equipment in an actual production facility. Take the opportunity to talk

American Drycleaner, April 2017

to other owners who have made the investment, to determine their level of satisfaction before a final decision is made.”

Scuola advises, “Before calling to order equipment, I would think about what your needs are. Figure out the features you would like, then research the machines that have what you are looking for. This way, when you call your distributor, you have an idea of what you want and knowledge to ask the right questions.”

“Cash is king,” Coyle says, “so do not assume so much debt that you are unable to service the debt. If you can make it happen, have a strict eye on how much it will save you.

“While being focused on top-line sales is important, it is more important to focus on the bottom line.

“Quality equipment, along with proper training, is a critical part of providing an excellent product to your clients. And it helps with employee morale!”

The more you prepare — don’t forget site visits and gathering peer opinions — the faster you will turn the so-called scary decision into a sound purchase.

You’ve climbed the ladder and done your research. See the blue sky? You’re ready to buy!

By-the-Buy! Expenditures on equipment call for owners to do their homework and buy what fits the wallet and follows the strategic plan. (Photo: Vapor Sudden Service Cleaners)

TO PROVIDING AN INDUSTRY SOLUTION FROM LEARNING OF A PROBLEM

BY WAY of GREENEARTH CLEANING

When learning of the problems created by the use of perc in dry cleaning, Bill McCann and his son Shawn of Best Cleaners, Hartford, CT helped create state legislation

to clean up the industry’s environmental damages. And in 2001, they provided another solution by adding a new technology to their long list of best practices. After full testing, all 12 machines in their 11 locations were converted to 100% pure GreenEarth. As President and Owner, Shawn sees this 16 year tradition as providing his customers with the highest quality cleaning while at the same time making Best Cleaners the best for his family, his employees, and his community now and in the years to come. His son Finn will have his father and grandfather to thank!

GOLD in This Here Desert

Clean ’17 is more than worth the time, it’s worth staying top-of-mind

Have you planned your trip to the 2017 Clean Show this June in Las Vegas yet?

Clean ’17 represents a gold mine in many ways, in addition to exposure to the latest machines being offered in the industry.

Right now, you may be thinking that the national trade show is a couple months off so there is no need to consider attending yet. Possibly you even believe that it’s a decision that can be put off until the last minute when you know if you have time, money, equipment needs, energy, and inclination.

Of course, you can delay, but every two years, you

have an exceptional opportunity to attend the industry trade show that possibly should be renamed to something like “Fabricare Wheel of Fortune” because of the contribution it can make to your business and profitability.

It might be possible that your drycleaning operation doesn’t need any bright, shiny, new equipment, no matter how appealing. Many operations are in the situation where the current equipment is a good match for the foreseeable production demand.

However, determining that you don’t need new equipment is no reason to avoid Clean ’17.

The most obvious benefit possibility is to see trends and improvements in all the ancillary products and services such as chemicals, packaging, software, marketing, safety gear, human resources,

Diana Vollmer

Clean ’17 in the “bright lights city” of Las Vegas offers many opportunities to “see and be seen” — both at the show and out having fun at night at places like the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino!

(Photo: ©iStockphoto/littleny)

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and productivity.

Beyond the products and services on offer at the show, there are important and beneficial reasons for you and your key associates to participate in this event. Some of those reasons are as follows:

Stay Top-Of-Mind

With constant turnover in our business, it is easy to be “out-of-sight, out-of-mind” due to the attention demanded by the new entrants. Industry influencers and experienced operators who are visible and accessible stay in the forefront of awareness and first in line for attention.

Build New Relationships

People prefer to do business with people they know and trust. Shows are a great place to introduce yourself and personally get to know your providers and industry experts so you can freely network and acquire valuable information. This opens the way for preferential access in the future when you do want to make a capital investment or need expert advice.

Ongoing Relationships

If you already “know” everyone from many years in the industry, updating and maintaining those relationships is easy to do in the open environment of the show with the instant access to all the key fabricare players. Each participant makes a significant investment of time, energy, personnel and money to be represented, and showing your appreciation for their efforts by participating is valuable for your continuing education and service relationship.

Industry Knowledge and Trends

To stay informed and current on best practices, seeing is believing. Clean ’17 is the most efficient and concen-

trated presentation of where the industry is going and how best to get there.

Efficiency – Better, Cheaper, Faster

There is usually a better, faster and/or cheaper way to do most things. Shows provide demonstrations of the alternatives so that when the time comes to make a change, you will be aware of the choices and in the position to choose wisely with confidence that you are making the best decision for your operation.

Meet and Greet Your Peers

It can be lonely at the top. Having a dynamic, involved, informed group of peers to call on for advice, best ideas, best practices, what didn’t work and why, and information of all kinds is a tremendously valuable resource that is not related to the latest exhibitor offerings for your operations.

Likewise, it can be lonely in the middle management level. There are boss, peer and subordinate relationships to consider. Showing weakness or lack of knowledge to the boss involves some risk of losing their confidence in management abilities. Doing the same with subordinates is even more fraught with the threat of not being taken seriously. Trade shows and industry interaction helps overcome the potential lack of knowledge and management challenges that are often inherent in the isolated management role.

Use the trip as a bonus for managers who have done a good job. Show that you appreciate them and that you are willing to invest in their education and leadership development as well as listen to their preferences about products.

As an owner, you will also benefit greatly from having a more educated and knowledgeable group (continued)

(Image licensed by Ingram Publishing)

Clean ’17 is the most efficient and concentrated presentation of where the industry is going and how best to get there.

MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

of people around you. Their increased expertise will free more of your time to work at a higher level on moving the company forward rather than getting bogged down in the day-to-day operational management of the business. Exposing your team to the sources of your inspiration will also bring them onboard when you want to make changes to the operation because then they will have seen the benefits firsthand.

Give Help, Get Help Sharing information and goodwill is, of course, not a one-directional transaction. However, it has been my experience that the more one is willing to share expertise, the more one receives in return for their efforts at networking.

Formal Educational Sessions

The organizers and individual exhibitors have designed educational sessions that address the many challenges you face daily in your company. Allocate sufficient time to attend all the relevant educational sessions for yourself and for your team members that accompany you on the trip.

Informal Educational Sessions

As professionals, you are aware of operators who are known for being industry leaders and/or for doing certain things exceptionally well. Trade shows are a good opportunity to schedule a time to meet these operators and discuss details of how they implemented their current systems. Asking what changes they would make and what recommendations they have will save you a tremendous amount of time, effort and money in your decision-making and implementation process.

Suppliers are also known for their areas of expertise and proficiency emphasis. Pick their brains on the details

that they know and understand intricately as a result of their particular prominence in a given area of capability. They are extremely busy during this show, so arrange a specific date and time to meet.

Consultants of all varieties attend the shows to keep current and to meet suppliers, clients and prospects. Most are happy to share some of their knowledge with you in hope of the possibility that you will want to become a client.

List Your Show Goals

The visit will be most effective if each attendee lists their primary and secondary goals for the trip. Goalsetting will focus the scheduling and help prioritize the appointments to be efficient and on topic.

Go With A Plan

Everyone can maximize the benefits of visiting Clean ’17.

With prioritized goals in mind, a map of the exhibits, a schedule of the educational sessions and a list of industry leaders to meet, your itinerary can be designed well in advance to accommodate all of the exhibits, events, meetings, educational sessions, appointments and socializing that make this trade show so important.

Contacting your desired appointments early ensures that you and they set aside sufficient time in busy schedules to address the items of interest.

Let’s plan to meet at the show. ADC

Diana Vollmer is a managing director for Methods for Manage ment, which has served dry cleaners and launderers with af fordable management expertise and improved profitability since 1953. For assistance brainstorming how to plan and leverage your Clean ’17 experience, e-mail dvollmer@mfmi.com or call 415-577-6544.

(Image licensed by Ingram Publishing)

S hows are a great place to introduce yourself and personally get to know your providers and industry experts so you can freely network and acquire valuable information.

Ingenuity, community involvement, and making ’em laugh

Companies hire public relations (PR) companies to obtain publicity, and to build community goodwill.

Fees can easily run in the thousands of dollars, even for solo-employee firms. That is more than you want to spend.

But, with a little ingenuity, you could be your own PR agency. And nary would money flow out of your coffers.

Yes, it is another hat to wear, but the derived benefits in terms of greater recognition could be well worth the effort.

PR POWER

It is information offered to the public that gets your name out there. Done repeatedly, your company identity becomes well-known. Done really effectively, you’ll become the brand, as Kleenex® is the name used for tissue.

When someone moves into town and asks about good dry cleaners, your name will pop up first.

When an occasional user needs a dry cleaner, he/she will think of you.

When a disgruntled customer of another dry cleaner becomes fed up and decides to try someone else, they will select you as their cleaner.

When someone decides to go to work for a dry cleaner, they will approach you first.

When a supplier wants to offer a deal to the leading dry cleaner in a market, they will come to you.

Name recognition counts.

PR TOOLS

The first tool is local newspapers.

Although newspaper subscriptions are down, it is still one of the best ways to connect with the consumer.

Newspapers have to fill pages—five or 50, day after day. It is always a challenge to fill the newspaper with news that balances roughly 50/50 with ads. When a newspaper has excess ads, they will expand the number of pages.

With this expansion, the newspaper needs more new sto ries. The kingpin of this nexus is the reporter(s). Reporters fill the pages with news. And at many papers, the reporter is also the photographer.

The key for you is to befriend a reporter. Get to know her or his needs. Offer to meet a reporter for coffee. Read up and become familiar with their newspaper. Note the types of articles that get published.

One good way to establish a personal relationship with a reporter is to provide a finished story about your dry cleaner along with a photograph. Perhaps you are celebrat ing your fifth anniversary. Write up a piece describing your first five years. Be positive. Have some human interest.

For example, you opened the business the day your wife gave birth to your first child. So whenever you celebrate your son’s birthday, you know it’s the business’ birthday.

Or you were always called a fussy perfectionist, even as a kid, and that’s exactly why your business has grown 35% a year—because you are so focused on getting clothes cleaned and making your operation the best it can be.

Or you’ve worked closely with your staffers, and you’ve made them into excellent employees by constantly preach ing the gospel of work. All these scenarios are hooks, which give the stories vital human interest.

For the photograph, have your staff stand in front of the store, centered around the company truck.

Howard Scott

(Image licensed by Ingram Publishing)

INDUSTRY OBSERVATI O NS

If you use the birth of your child as part of the story, have a baby picture in hand, or your son or daughter on your shoulders.

If you use the story about great staffers, have these staffers wear crowns. This connects photo to story. Send this story and photo to the reporter over the Inter net. Grant the reporter permission to change the wording any way he/she wants, or to make any changes that will improve the story. Also, grant the flexibility of publishing.

This makes the reporter’s life easy. There is an edited story available to pop in whenever there is space to fill.

When the story comes through, send a note of thanks. From now on, you can send stories or ideas, not too often, but maybe a small story three times a year.

Subjects might include:

• That you purchased an environmentally friendly cleaning machine that uses an alternative to perc.

• How your route man arrived just in time to take a customer to the hospital to have her baby.

• Why your customer, a mother of 10 and grandmother of 28, has been named your “Unsung Hero,” with her picture hanging on your wall.

• That three staffers went to New York to take a course on environmental dry cleaning.

• Why you ran a silly-job-title contest for all the dry cleaning staffers.

This steady stream of human-interest material will be excellent PR.

Readers will come to expect your cleaner’s name related to something a little out of the ordinary, something that cel ebrates humanity, hopefully with grace and humor.

The second tool of PR is the Internet.

You can probably get the e-mail addresses of your cus tomers (simply by asking them), but you also want pros pect e-mails. So actively seek out this information.

If your route people solicit business, they should try to obtain e-mails. Your “lost customer” list will provide ad ditional e-mails. Possibly friends in business have their customers’ e-mails and would let you use their list.

Although it is true that many e-mails are deleted upon re ceipt, there still is a way to get to prospects: through humor.

Make them laugh and they’ll listen to you. Start with a headline, like, “Deleting this is bad for your clothes.”

Or start with a funny cartoon involving a dry cleaner, like a cleaner opening up in a nudist colony.

Then deliver your message in two or three sentences, like these examples:

“Do you know that we are the only dry cleaner in town that delivers five days a week?”

“If we can’t remove the stain, we won’t charge you.”

“Engle’s Cleaners has a four-part checklist to make sure that we never make mistakes.”

Of course, the message is replaced from time to time. Getting prospects to look at your messages is excellent PR, and can’t help but bring you more accounts.

The third tool of PR is becoming a public figure.

Get involved in the community. Be on the town finance committee. Join a club. Volunteer to help out at church fairs. Play Santa, or be the dunking target at the spring fair.

Mention your drycleaning business whenever the oppor tunity arises.

When interviewed, come back to dry cleaning by saying something like this: “You know, I built my drycleaning business by doing the little extras, by going the extra mile, by working with the customer, and that’s been the golden rule by which I live today.”

A little hokey, but it is effective because it gets you known as a good guy in the community.

Never miss a local event. Enter a float in a local parade. Be a volunteer whenever you can.

Do all this, and you’ve accomplished what a PR person could do for you — and you get this goodwill free. ADC

Howard Scott is a longtime industry writer and dry cleaning consultant. He welcomes questions and com ments, and can be reached by writing him at Dancing Hill, Pembroke, MA 02359, by calling 781-293-9027, or via e-mail at dancinghill@gmail.com.

(Image licensed by Ingram Publishing)

Denim Is In

Now is a good time to gaze into the crystal ball of fashion and try to predict the trends the designers and manufacturers will be offering the consumer for the late spring and summer.

Those fashions will eventually find their way to your counter. You will need to have a plan in place to deal with any delicate construction and trim.

When you are prepared with knowledge and a plan, you are well on your way to successful and profitable care of the customer’s garment.

While khakis and fatigues remain in vogue, the trend is to make these items dressier by using sheer fabric and gathers in the construction.

This is good news for the professional cleaner, since the garments are more labor-intensive, thus less likely to be done at home.

The more fragile construction requires attention to “first, do no harm.” In many cases, this is achieved by turning the garment inside-out and running it in a mesh bag.

Denim continues to be a fabric of choice for designers. It is being accented by oversized ornamental trim, especially in the form of exposed, oversized zippers.

Denim is often top-dyed, which makes it prone to bleed and crock (color rubbed-off) when supplemental spotting is required. Even the smallest light area, that results from aggressive spotting, will ruin the visual impact of the entire garment.

New denim should be spotted using cold water from a spare spotting bottle, instead of steam. It should be dried using extra distance to reduce the effects of the air’s friction on the fragile dye.

Most denim is woven in a twill pattern, which makes it very durable. Just remember that the dye should be treated as fragile. Ornamental trim can be protected by turning the garment inside-out and running it in a mesh bag.

FLORALS, VIVIDS

This spring, we’re seeing the return of a staple of women’s wardrobes: the shirt-themed dress.

It will come in virtually every fabric, but most will be accented by contrasting trim. This trim must be protected at the cost of a few extra seconds of preparation and effort.

Something as simple as pinning the flap holding the buttons over, to make a “button sandwich,” can protect even delicate ceramic buttons from chipping.

Unfortunately, the mixing of high-contrast colors will continue this spring.

The color scheme has now expanded to a wider pallet of hues, including vivid reds, oranges and blues.

While it is not the only potential solution to the problem, many cleaners are having success with an extended clear rinse. This allows the fugitive dyes to be flushed away before the heat of drying has a chance to set the dye that has wicked from the dark area into the light area.

Another fashion trend that is holding its own is the use of stamp prints. These are quite obvious when you look at the backside of the fabric and see the difference in the intensity of the design. A stamp print is painted on one fabric side.

This method allows for bold patterns of bright colors. This pattern is easily disturbed by careless spotting or the sloppy use of a paint, oil and grease (POG) remover.

This spring, the patterns are larger, many in a floral or stripe design.

If the backside of the design is less obvious than the design on the front, be cautious when spotting the stain. Do

Martin Young

(Image licensed by Ingram Publishing)

not use a paint remover on a stamp print, but use repeated applications of a mild general pre-spotter.

METAL, SEQUINS, GLITTER

The return of metallic fabric as a staple rather than trim is a reason for concern for the cleaning industry.

Metallic threads are usually made in one of two distinct ways. One is to glue the metallic foil to an existing thread to achieve the metallic appearance. The second, and more fragile, way is to fold and glue the metallic foil to form the appearance of a yarn and then weave that yarn into a fabric.

Never use rust remover on metallic thread. Always flush tannin formula (an acid) as quickly as possible when work ing around or on metallic thread.

Instruct your customer service representatives (CSR) to advise customers with vomit residue on a metallic that there is a strong possibility that the stomach acid may alter the appearance of the fabric, in the stained area, for which you cannot be held responsible.

Sequins are being used more frequently this spring. Me chanical action is the enemy of every form of sequin trim. Any garment with sequin trim must be handled with the first priority being reduced mechanical action.

The most fragile application is the simple gluing of glit ter to the surface of the fabric, commonly referred to as “crushed ice.” Garments constructed with crushed ice are the one time that taking the risk of wet cleaning may be a better choice than other forms of cleaning, if extreme mea sures are taken to reduce mechanical action.

There is profit in high-fashion, high-end garments. Knowledge and effort will allow you to harvest this oftenoverlooked portion of the garment care market. ADC

Martin L. Young Jr. has been an industry consultant and trainer for 20 years, and a member of various stakeholder groups on environmental issues. He grew up in his parents’ plant in Concord, N.C., Young Cleaners, which he operates today. Phone: 704-786-3011, e-mail: mayoung@vnet.net.

Drycleaner,

When You Be Fully Prepared IVE N D I

Why you may want to consider employment practices liability insurance to help protect your drycleaning operation from the intangibles of employee discrimination claims. What if you became tied up in the courts? Are you fully ready for that sort of plunge?

By Kelley Carter

We live in a litigious society. As business owners and business managers of drycleaning operations, you are now, more than ever, at risk for legal action.

Employee lawsuits can be so much more than just an annoyance. They can take away from productivity, team morale, and can distract your management team from functioning optimally — and can cost you a lot of money.

Did you know that in the last 20 years, employee discrimination lawsuits have risen by approximately 400%?

Moreover, close to 50% of these lawsuits are not against large businesses, but are rather targeted at small businesses with 100 or fewer employees.

Did you know that the average timeline to resolve an employee discrimination claim is a year and a half to two years?

Overall, the average cost of one employment liability claim to your business for court and legal fees at trial ranges from $150,000 to $200,000.

Employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) protects businesses and owners/managers from this intangible threat. EPLI claims can stem from claims of emotional distress from your employees to a wrongful failure to employ/promote, to assault and battery at the workplace.

EPLI coverage helps protect drycleaning operations from claims of discrimination based on wage and hour claims, gender pay differences, and discrimination due to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, disability or age. From perceived discrimination to legitimate concerns, the risk of your drycleaning store facing a lawsuit is an ever-growing threat.

Most business owners would admit that carrying insurance on their business is a necessity. However, only a small percentage of business owners take the necessary steps to actually protect their business from this risk.

A client recently faced this exact situation. As the owner of a large drycleaning chain, the client had an employee bring a lawsuit that accused the company of discrimination. The client had to go through the courthearing-process, retain an attorney and file copious amounts of paperwork.

Luckily for that company, the claim was not awarded to the employee due to a record of similar lawsuits being filed at previous places of employment. However, this experience served as a wake-up call and the client decided to get an EPLI policy to protect it from future instances of this exposure.

There are some recurring trends among business owners when it comes to EPLI coverage. These are the top two excuses that we hear from clients regarding this

(Image licensed by Ingram Publishing)

exposure in their business:

Excuse #1: My Employees Would Never Sue Me — Most small-business owners mistakenly think that, with a small staff, they will have little to no exposure. I can’t tell you how many business owners have told me, “My employees are like family. They would never sue me.” Unfortunately, several of these business owners have since faced lawsuits from their employees that cost them a lot of money.

Excuse #2: This is Covered on my General Liability Policy — Sorry, it’s not. Employment practices liability insurance is not covered by any other policy. Unless you have an EPLI policy in place, you and your business are at risk for this exposure.

So what are some of the most common claims and how might these play a role in your drycleaning business? These are the top three employment claims that are filed against business owners:

Claim #1: Wrongful Termination — Yet another reason that your business needs to have an employee handbook that is signed by the employee and outlines documented, progressive discipline. If there is no structure to your employee practices that are standardized across the board, it becomes your word against the employee’s.

Claim #2: Discrimination — Here is why all prac-

tices should be outlined in your employee manual and standardized for all employees. Discrimination can be associated with age, religion, sex, disability or any other number of things.

While discrimination is often perceived relative to the individual, one way that business owners can protect themselves from this accusation is to have established standards and practices and maintain them equally for all.

Claim #3: Harassment — Whether this takes the form of sexual harassment, verbal harassment or physical harassment, again, having established guidelines that are standardized across all employees helps mitigate the exposure for business owners.

So how can you protect yourself and your drycleaning business?

My best advice is to ask your insurance professional about EPLI coverage and get a full business review every year to ensure you are not paying for overlapping coverages with multiple companies or missing out on an important coverage that leaves you exposed to a lawsuit or loss.

You work too hard to grow your business to not protect it properly. ADC

Kelley Carter, CPIA, is the marketing director and a licensed agent with the Braun Agency, Nationwide.

Ironing system debuts in U.S. market

Miele, a family-owned luxury appliance manufacturer, debuts its FashionMaster Premium Ironing System to the U.S. market, reports the company.

The new FashionMaster has speed, ease-of-use and versatility, Miele notes, adding that it combines a lightweight iron featuring a patented honeycomb soleplate, ironing board with integrated fans, and powerful steam, and intuitive controls provide the care for every fabric type.

“With a rich history in laundry care and ironing, Miele believes the FashionMaster, with its ongoing list of exquisite features, will delight customers all over the country seeking the best care for their fabrics,” says Jan Heck, president of Miele USA.

The FashionMaster B3312 works on a 120-volt, 15-amp standard household outlet and a single row clear-text digital display, Miele says. The FashionMaster B3847 Ironing System includes all B3312 components plus 4-bar steam pressure, a fan with two levels, a premium ironing-table cover, and a separate handheld steamer.

www.mieleusa.com | 800-843-7231

33-pound washer added to line

Poseidon Textile Care Systems recently added a 33-pound-capacity washer to its Shirt Laundry Plus System line, the company reports.

The hard-mount, flexible-speed washer line now includes 33-, 40-, 55- and 70-pound models, Poseidon notes. Superior programmability, including G-force, brings premium program and process flexibility to tex tile care facilities at an affordable price point, says Jeff Quail, Poseidon co-owner.

Once programmed, operators simply select a program number, load the machine and press start. The washer is backed by a 5/3-year warranty, he adds. “Shirt Laundry Plus System hard-mount washers offer six programmable extract speeds, including 100, 140 and 200 G-force, at an affordable value,” says Quail.

All these system washers feature a highly flexible Logi Pro Control with 25 individually modifiable programs, the company says, and the new 33-pound-capacity washer works seamlessly with complementary Poseidon dryers and ironers.

www.poseidonwetcleaning.com

Neutral spotter works gently

Albatross USA’s Alba-Neutral is a gentle neutral lubricant-penetrant for removal of general water-soluble soil that is extremely safe for most fabrics and dyes and will not set stains, reports the company.

“This detergent spotting fluid is a great cleaning agent for collars, cuffs and pocket soil,” says Richard Stern, drycleaning specialist for the company. “The spotter is colorless, odorless and completely water-soluble. It comes in pints and gallons.”

Albatross USA recommends that a cleaner apply the spotter in drops with a Yorker spout bottle (pointed bottle) or spray it on with a pump sprayer. www.albatross-usa.com | 561-953-4984

New product catalog released

Cleaner’s Supply® Inc., a distributor of products for the drycleaning in dustry, has launched its 2017 cata log with 200-plus new products.

One example is Get-A-Grip™, developed to relieve a presser’s hand fatigue, the company says. The iron handle cover fits on most all-steam and steam-electric irons, and is one of the many new prod ucts being offered.

Prices have been lowered on many items, Cleaner’s Supply says. www.cleanersupply.com | 800-568-7768

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Visit us at Booth 3717 at the Clean Show 2017

White Conveyors restructures mgmt. team

White Conveyors Inc., which provides automated gar ment sorting, storage and retrieval systems, has made recent changes and additions to its management team, White reports.

John Moore and Nick Brindley join upper manage ment with veteran administrators John Speckhart, Stephen Speckhart and Steve Wilpiszeski.

strategies for both companies.”

The company continues to strive toward excellence with this talented management team leading the way, she notes.

White Conveyors offers a full line of drycleaning, in dustrial laundry, hotel/casino, correctional, retail, and resi dential garment-handling solutions, the company says. For over 70 years, its custom solutions have been designed to improve productivity and ensure profitability, it adds.

Since 1948, Speed Check Conveyor has offered a full line of innovative solutions for the specific needs of the commercial laundry industry.

I n memoriam: Patrice Moore, Moore S ervices

Patrice “Pat” Moore, a woman known throughout the drycleaning industry as the energetic and outgoing coowner of Ohio-based equipment distributor Moore Ser vices, died March 2 due to complications related to kidney disease, the company reports. She was 57.

For three decades, she worked with husband Jerry Moore to build a company that evolved from “a guy in a van who could fix things” into a national service pro vider.

“We started at the kitchen table, at a time when that was unusual,” he says. “We simply thought we could do better than the competition at providing services.”

Also, Vice President John Speckhart has now taken the helm at White’s subsidiary company, Speed Check Con veyor, to ensure an even greater level of synergy and col laboration.

White Conveyors also welcomes its newest member of the management team, John Baliotti, who is serving as vice president of marketing. His responsibilities include guiding the communications strategy for the business and shaping its image in the industry, the firm reports.

Mary Speckhart, White’s president, says, “John’s exten sive background in sales, marketing, and business devel opment makes him a perfect fit to oversee the marketing

At one point, the Moores had four phone lines in their house: “We would answer the home phone ‘Moore Services’ so often that when (youngest daughter) Hannah was a little girl, she told people her full name was ‘Hannah Moore Services,’” he recalls.

Pat’s title at Moore Services varied, sometimes on a weekly basis, says Alan Lawrence, the company’s gener al manager. “She was the vice-president, but sometimes she was the secretary. She kept the books, she answered phones.”

She enjoyed helping other people succeed, and took particular satisfaction in seeing that kitchen-table opera tion expand to become a job provider with projects from

White Conveyors’ management team: (from left) Nick Brindley, controls engineering manager; Steve Wilpiszeski, vice president-international; Stephen Speckhart, vice president; Mary Speckhart (seated), president; John Speckhart, vice president, White Conveyors and Speed Check Conveyors; John Moore, director of operations; and John Baliotti, vice president-marketing. (Photo: White Conveyors Inc.)

Patrice Moore

coast to coast, the company says. In recent years, their business helped develop new stores for clients in several states.

Industry response to her unexpected death was im mediate.

“Pat Moore was a friend and colleague,” says the Na tional Cleaners Association’s Ann Hargrove. “She was a pioneer. When she started out in the drycleaning in dustry, there were very few women in equipment sales. She was knowledgeable and well-respected by all she touched.

“Helen Keller said: ‘What was once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose; for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.’ Pat will be remembered for her energy, kindness, and love of her family, friends and our industry.”

“The outpouring of goodwill and the gestures of kind ness from across the spectrum of the industry has been absolutely overwhelming,” Jerry Moore says.

“From dry cleaners to suppliers. A small tailor shop. The largest equipment manufacturers. And our competi tors, as well,” Lawrence adds.

Outside the workplace, Pat Moore pursued many pas sions, including food, travel, books and movies, and always enjoyed a lively political debate.

Surviving are her husband, Jerry, and two daughters, Alea, 30, and Hannah, 25.

Funeral services were March 6 at Cleveland’s historic Lake View Cemetery.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, Pat’s friends and colleagues consider becoming organ donors. “It’s a request meant as a tribute to a woman who gave so much of herself to others through her work, her indus try knowledge and her many warm, personal relation ships,” the family adds.

In memoriam: Robbie L.

Freeman, Phenix Supply

Robbie L. Freeman, longtime pres ident of drycleaning and laundry supplier Phenix Supply Co., died March 5 after a brief illness. He was 69.

Freeman was born Nov. 24, 1947, in Sandersville, Ga. The son of a Methodist minister, he lived in vari ous towns throughout South Geor gia. After graduating from Georgia Southern College, he served in the U.S. Army before moving to Atlanta. (continued)

Robbie L. Freeman

He began working for Phenix Supply Co. in 1972, and served as the company’s president until 2013. During his 45 years in the drycleaning industry, Freeman served on the Textile Care Allied Trades Association (TCATA) Board of Directors for 12 years and as TCATA president in 1996-98. In 2005, he was honored with the associa tion’s J. Morry Friedlander Award for Outstanding Dedi cation and Service.

Freeman is survived by his parents, Ramus and Betty Freeman; his wife of 46 years, Pennie; siblings Karen Watson, Steve Freeman and Kristi Fuss; children Brandon Freeman, Jimmy Freeman and Alyson Freeman; a grand daughter, Evelyn Freeman; and many other relatives.

A service was held for him on March 13 at Lake Mag dalene United Methodist Church in Tampa, Fla.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 21475, St. Petersburg, FL 33742.

U ltra Chic Boutique dress sale raises funds to help families

Max I. Walker Cleaners’ 10th Annual Ultra Chic Bou tique dress sale, to raise funds for local families in need, took place at the end of January here at the Omaha (Neb.) Design Center, the company notes.

The event took in over $17,000 in just six hours for the Open Door Mission’s Lydia House, the company reports.

Lisa Walker Sekundiak, vice president of Max I. Walker and founder of the Ultra Chic Boutique, says, “We as a company are proud of our community and their efforts to support the Ultra Chic Boutique year after year. Being a 100-year-old company, it’s been in our blood to want to give back and we’re so happy to have found something

that speaks not only to us but to our community.”

Proceeds go directly for food and care for women and children in the Lydia House emergency service program, Max I. Walker Cleaners says.

Over 3,000 dresses were generously donated and

cleaned for free by Max I. Walk er. Hundreds of women shopped, and volunteers donated their time, the firm notes.

The Open Door Mission pro vides a safe community for indi viduals and families that inspires hope for lasting change, the cleaners writes.

Lydia House meets the basic needs of the homeless and in spires hope for lasting change –all thanks to the commitment of loyal customers and community members.

Max I. Walker Cleaners says the Open Door Mission provides 816 safe shelter beds for home less men, women and children; serves more than 2,100 hot, nu tritious meals to the hungry; and empowers more than 275 needy families through prevention programs.

“The Ultra Chic Boutique has experienced 10 years of success,” says Sekundiak, “and we’re humbled by the im pact of our philanthropic efforts.”

Women throughout the Omaha, Neb., community volunteer to model dresses at the Ultra Chic Boutique. Attendees can then enter a raffle to purchase the garments. (Photo: Max I. Walker Cleaners)

AROUND THE INDUSTRY

Spradley gets key technical support role

Leonard Automatics, maker of pressing equipment, recently named Lee Spradley into a key technical support role, the company reports.

In his new role, the company says, “Lee is responsible for new machine installations, repairs, rebuilds, and training.”

“My goal at Leonard Automatics has always been to learn and excel through the great knowledge and visions of those that created the company,” says Spradley.

During his five years with Leonard, Spradley has built and customized a wide array of equipment, the firm notes. Most recently he customized, and provided support for, Leonard’s multi-lane, small-piece, draping stacker, the Stack-N-Store.

Bruce Hutcheson, Leonard Automatics’ customer service manager, says, “Lee brings years of production and troubleshooting experience to his new position as field service technician.

“From the original Challenge design and its evolution, including Leonard Automatics’ own Siemens controls, to assembly and testing, Lee’s intimate knowledge of the Stack-N-Store line will be a benefit to the customer and Leonard Automatics as well,” Hutcheson adds.

Odorizzi

We’ll be talking to a different person from the fabricare industry each time, so you can meet someone new and connect with a new friend.

Get to know ... Bill Odorizzi, VP marketing, Sankosha USA.

Tell us where you were born, grew up, and reside today?

“I was born in Salem, a small town in northeast Ohio. My wife Mary Beth and I (along with our dog Skylar) now reside in Springboro, located in southwest Ohio.”

Hobbies (that you’ll admit to)?

“Besides my family and work,

Lee Spradley

For 29 years, Spradley has been honing his array of skills in the fields of electrical, electronic, welding, mechanical, hydraulics, and pneumatics, the company writes.

Spradley started his career as an apprentice at the age of 18. ADC

my passion has always been playing golf. Wanted to be a tour professional but just wasn’t good enough to do so. Still really enjoy the game!”

What gets you excited at work?

“It always has and always will be the people. At Sankosha, we have a ‘Customer First’ motto. By working for a great company along with the best group of teammates, our customers become like family. How could you not get excited?”

Lastly, tell us a secret (keep it clean) nobody knows about you.

“I really enjoy cooking and mak-

ing a meal that my family and our friends enjoy. Most times, it takes lots of good beer and wine for them to do so! Always looking for some great new recipes to try.” ADC (Readers: Do you want to take part, or know someone who does? E-mail tburke@atmags.com.)

Bill Odorizzi. (Photo: Tim Burke)

VP marketing, Sankosha USA

YARNS SPUN HERE

‘Carded’ Been

Lately?

By Tim Burke, Editor

How well do you know your textile terminology? (There’s a conversation starter next time you are waiting on the first tee with your pals!)

Just ask this while waiting to tee off: “When’s the last time you were carded?”

Laughs will greet you, but wait!

“Carding,” in this case, isn’t something a grocery store checkout clerk once asked you long ago. No.

We’re talking about carding in textiles, and, according to author Norman Oehlke in the Complete Spotting Guide & More (published by American Drycleaner), carding is the first mechanical process used on fibers such as wool.

“The woolen yarns,” Oehlke writes, “are put over a series of roll-

A.L. Wilson Chemical Co. . . . . . . . . . .1

Ally Equipment Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Cleaner Business Systems. . . . . . . . . . .3

Cleaner’s Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Clean Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Columbia/ILSA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BC

Commercial Coils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Dajisoft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

DLT Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

EzProducts International . . . . . . . . . . .54

Fabricare Management Systems . . . . . .9

Firbimatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Garment Management Systems . . . . .37

ers of various sizes, turning at different speeds. The machine opens and mixes the wool.”

Merriam-Webster defines carding in this way: “To cleanse, disentangle, and collect together (as fibers) by the use of cards preparatory to spinning.”

The word carding is derived from the Latin carduus, meaning thistle. Still not ready to hit? The group in front of you is looking for a lost ball up a tree? OK, let’s continue to entertain your foursome. (After all, they have nowhere else to go, and we love a captive audience!)

According to Wikipedia, carding: “Breaks up locks and unorganized clumps of fiber and then aligns the individual fibers to be parallel with each other. Carding is the step that comes after teasing.”

Carding, Oehlke writes, removes impurities from the raw wool, such as burrs, twigs and dirt.

ADVERTISER INDEX

Global Business Systems . . . . . . . . . .49

GreenEarth Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Iowa Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Indy Hanger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Irving Weber Associates . . . . . . . . . . .33

ITSUMI USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Lattner Boiler Mfg.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Leonard Automatics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Luetzow Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

M&B Hanger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Magicool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Maineline Computer Systems . . . . . .IFC

Mustang Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

“The fibers are straightened out,” Oehlke writes, “but the resulting yarns are fuzzy and uneven in length.”

Does sound, once again, like we’re also describing our group’s golf game. And the fairway is finally clear so we can hit. (Too bad.)

These yarns, Oehlke concludes, are referred to as “woolens” and don’t hold their shape ...

(Neither do our foursome’s drives.) ... or keep sharp creases. Were you aware of carding? Now you are. You have officially been, in textile terms, carded!

Next time, we’ll learn about combing. Don’t brush this topic off!

Fore! ADC

Newhouse Specialty Co. . . . . . . . . . . .55

Northern Hanger Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Parker Boiler Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC

Poseidon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

PROS Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Realstar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Royal Basket Trucks . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

ScanQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

SMRT Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27-30

SPOT Business Systems . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Trevil America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Union Drycleaning Products . . . . . . . .17

(Image licensed by Ingram Publishing)

Conveyor Corp

Since 1954 Railex has been designing and manufacturing garment handling conveyors, slick-rail, trolleys, and equipment for use in storage, retrieval and sorting of GOH, for use in commercial laundries, dry cleaners, distribution centers, department stores, and coat checks. Complete systems or replacement parts are available.

$25 off your next order and a free T-shirt if

mention this ad when

‘Mad Thad’ and ‘Demon Rum’

10 YEARS AGO. More than 1,000 people auditioned across the country in February hoping to take on the role of “Ol’ Lonely,” the Maytag Repairman. New parent company Whirlpool Corp. launched the talent search as part of a push to revitalize the 100-year-old-brand. “The response to the ‘Next Maytag Repairman’ search has been fantastic,” says a VP for brand marketing and communications for Maytag. “More than 500 in-person auditions were conducted.” … The coldest February in more than a decade discouraged consumer spending, the Commerce Department says, with a scant 0.1% gain in retail purchases. Economists forecast retail sales to grow 0.3%, but gas and auto purchases slipped unexpectedly; clothing sales shrank, too.

25 YEARS AGO. Both IFI and NCA have tested the latest version of “the washable suit.” IFI’s findings, after 15 launderings and 15 dry-cleanings of identical suit jackets being marketed as washable in a home washer, are as follows: The laundered jacket’s appearance gradually deteriorated “to the point where a good dresser would find the suit jacket very objectionable to wear.” The dry-cleaned jacket held up well. … Enter: Drycleaning boutiques. Sacre bleu! Now there’s a cleaning store franchise starting in this country based on an established European marketing concept along with new French and Italian technology. A former co-founder of a drycleaning company and a former real estate executive picked up the idea from a company in France. The drycleaning company founder has since left the venture, but the real estate exec and two other partners are proceeding with plans to franchise the concept throughout the United States.

50 YEARS AGO. Giving customers an inducement they can see, hold in their hands, and spend, is the idea recently used by a drycleaning firm in Indianapolis. Their “Greenback Drycleaning Sale” offered a $1 bill free with every order of $5 or more. This has more appeal than a price reduction, which provides nothing tangible. Part of the offer was printed in green. …

“Mad Thad” of Amarillo, Texas, once had a “bucking bronco” in the form of a horizontal tank with a kind of head and tail attached. It was outside his plant— connected with exhaust steam from presses inside, so it seemed to be snorting steam. “Mad Thad” was shown in photos riding the beast and waving a cowboy hat. A similar idea is being used by a cleaner in Scranton, Pa. On an outside wall of his drive-in, there’s a cartoon “car” with its exhaust steam really coming from a press inside the plant.

75 YEARS AGO. Individual cleaners have had a good chance to do some public relations work of their own, in addition to a program sponsored by the NADC. They can do it by offering tips to the public on making clothes last longer, now that wool is needed for the Army. Some cleaner-furriers have for some time provided pointers on the care of furs, and one cleaner in New York found it a good policy to offer tips on spotting at home. … Now that the trouser cuff is due to depart, here are two interesting items about it. One is that during the 30-odd years that cuffs were fashionable, they accounted for 93% of all male falls down stairs, including 52% for which “Demon Rum” got the blame. (Source: New York Times.) The other is that a company is introducing a patented finishing process for the bottoms of cuffless trousers which gives a necessary weight and body to them. The process is being made available to retailers of men’s clothing throughout the country. Cleaners will be glad to learn that Lamicel fabric used in the process “will not lose its adhesive qualities through countless drycleaning operations.”

— Compiled by Tim Burke, Editor

To read more of American Drycleaner’s chronicling of the industry over the years, visit www. americandrycleaner.com.

April 1967

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