Miss a story in this month’s or last month’s Series?
They’re still available at the bottom of this page.
Throughout the month of March we will be featuring articles to get you thinking about all the ways your business can go sideways in a heartbeat.
Environmental Disaster Strikes — Now What?
Environmental attorney Jacquelyn Stevens walks you through the steps and considerations involved when an environmental incident occurs. What do you have to do now to be ready? What do you need to do after the fact? If you don’t have the answers on the tip of your tongue, READ IT HERE.
Before Disaster Strikes
Kevin Marois has seen and cleaned up more than his share of disasters in his decades in the industry. And yes, he’s got the gruesome photos to prove it. This month, he shares the lessons he’s learned, to save you having to learn them through your own disaster.
When Trouble Comes: Crisis Planning for Your Business
Unfortunately, trouble can show up when you least expect it. A break-in, an employee accident, a data breach or (heaven forbid) a fire can bring your business to a screeching halt. But here’s the good news: with a solid crisis plan, you or your team won’t be scrambling in the heat of the moment. Instead, you’ll have a clear roadmap for how to handle the unexpected. Linley tells you how to get there.
The Hospitality Economy
Why Dry Cleaners & Laundromats Must Go Beyond Service
Francis Flair says, “We have moved from a manufacturing economy to a service economy – and now, we’re on the verge of something bigger: a hospitality economy. And here’s the reality: every business is in the hospitality business now. If you own a dry cleaning shop or laundromat, you’re no longer just providing a service. You’re providing an experience – customers will spend their money where they feel most appreciated.” How do you do that?
TRSA announces two major awards
TRSA announced the winners of the Maglin-Biggie Supplier Partner Lifetime Achievement Award and the Operator of the Year Award. Get to know the winners and find out what made them so special — and such obvious recipients of the 2025 awards.
GreenEarth promotes two into key marketing positions
GreenEarth Cleaning is pleased to announce the promotion of two key members of the GreenEarth Marketing team, a reflection of the company’s ongoing growth and commitment to providing businesses with industry-leading marketing strategies and support. August Garcia and Erin Horne are both featured in our PEOPLE section.
Keeping it Local
For Canadian companies desiring to shop in-country, use our new list to find the goods and services you need. The list is broken into categories, with entries in alphabetical order.
These listings are provided free of charge to companies the fit the criteria, and as a service to Canadian companies that are looking for other Canadian companies.
Housing AND Registration are now open for the Clean Show — so jump on your reservations ASAP to ensure you get the hotel you want. The closer hotels fill up fast! For information, go to the Clean Show website.
Update your Calendar
APRIL 5 & 6
Extox Open House
May 13-15, 2025
More information in CONFERENCES & EVENTS…
June 3
Plans are well under way for the 2025 McConnell Classic! The 30th Annual Classic will be held at Royal Ontario Golf Club on Tuesday June 3rd.
Registration and Sponsorship Opportunities will be emailed out early April.
“We’re looking forward to another memorable day on the course in support of Campfire Circle.”
— Rob McConnell
For questions or additional information contact golf@gibsonscleaners.com
AUGUST 23
CLATA Canadian Reception at Clean Show
Hands-down the best party of the Show! Find out the details and mark it on your Clean Show dance card before you write down anything else!
ALL ON CONFERENCES & EVENTS PAGE…
MARCH SERIES — When Trouble Comes
Throughout the month of March we will be featuring articles to get you thinking about all the ways your business can go sideways in a heartbeat.
- Natural disaster (fire, flood, storm damage)
- Equipment breakdown that stops production
- Violence in the workplace
- Cyber intrusion
- Customer injury or employee accident
- Theft or vandalism
- Environmental spill or discovery
- Route driver accident
- Business interruption
There’s a lot to think about to be sure you can sleep at night. We’ll address it from several different angles.
Do you have a story? We’d love to hear it! Send details to becca@fabricarecanada.com and let others learn from your experience.
FEBRUARY SERIES — Let’s Get Social!
Like it or loathe it, Social Media is here to stay. Successful companies have found ways to utilize the technology to convey their messages to customers and potential customers. The really good ones have some fun with it, as well.
Which camp do you fall into — the ones who shrug it off and try to avoid Social Media, or the ones who recognize a valuable avenue to reach your audience? How can you move from Group 1 to Group 2? What tools might you already have at your fingertips that you are overlooking?
This month we’ll examine the issues and opportunities surrounding Social Media. To kick it off, we have a thorough description of Computer Systems International’s “CleanTie” POS system and the tools that can help you. Let’s get Social!
POS System Review: CLEANTIE
SERIES: Let’s Get Social!
You have a POS system, but have you explored it completely?
Cleantie cloud-based POS is the latest product from Computer Systems Int’l (CSI). Cleantie is a powerful, all-in-one platform designed to streamline pickup and delivery services, enhance customer experience, and boost operational efficiency.
POS System Review: XPLOR SPOT
SERIES: Let’s Get Social!
Continuing our exploration of POS systems available to dry cleaners and launderers that include a Social Media component, this week we look at Xplor Spot. The company describes itself this way:
“Xplor Spot is the pinnacle of dry cleaning and laundry software. Created by dry cleaners for dry cleaners. Our robust, reliable and comprehensive solution is designed to empower businesses, driving efficiency and facilitating superior customer experiences.”
Social Media: It’s NOT Advertising!
SERIES: Let’s Get Social!
As we move through this month and focus on Social Media, I’ve become aware that many people don’t understand something I thought was obvious to everyone: Social Media IS NOT ADVERTISING. So I thought I’d chime in along with our columnists this week and show you what I mean.
Creating Video for Social Media
SERIES: Let’s Get Social!
This month, we’re focused on social media, so I want to tap into the power of video. I’m sharing how to create three easy-to-make videos that will elevate your brand. Video is an interactive way to get your message across in a fun and entertaining way, and viewers love them!
Social Media is the New Front Counter
SERIES: Let’s Get Social
Dry cleaner Lisa Loscerbo of Best Care Dry Cleaning in Winnipeg is a Social Media Superstar! She justifies it this way:
“Unlike the filter on your dry cleaning machine, social media is one thing you can’t afford to ignore. Especially now—let’s be honest—it’s practically the only way to connect with younger generations. And we need to! After all, these scrolling, swiping, always-online people are our future customers.”
Learn what she’s done, why she’s embraced it, and how successful she’s been.
Software Review: SMRT
SERIES: Let’s Get Social
SMRT (stands for Systems Management in Real Time) was developed by a San Francisco-based dry cleaner who tried and failed to find modern software for his operations, so he built his own. He envisioned software that would elevate the customer experience, make inventory management a breeze, drive business success through data, and be easy for employees to learn and use.
Take a tour of SMRT and find out why your competitor may have adopted it.
A Social Media Superstar is Born
SERIES: Let’s Get Social
Finishing up our Series on Social Media, we sat down with another Social Media Star — our own Linley McConnell of Gibson’s Cleaners in Toronto. Linley takes a very personal approach to Social Media, and has great tips to help you increase your engagement. Through her efforts, Gibson’s has over 1,000 followers who check in on Linley’s greatest adventures on a regular basis.
FEBRUARY COLUMNS
Bridging the Customer Experience Gap
Small moments turn a transaction into a great experience for your customers. Outstanding dry cleaning and laundry businesses recognize this and invest in training to equip their teams with the right skills. But if we all know that great customer service leads to business success, why do so many dry cleaners still struggle with it?
Danger, Danger!
This isn’t exactly related to maintenance, but it is a serious concern. My guys are exposed to your poor housekeeping habits and poorly labelled containers. Your staff is at risk, and your customers’ garments are at risk of being damaged. You have chemicals and other controlled substances in your plant. Are you taking proper care with the labelling and storage of those things?
