If you are serious about being a dry cleaner, you need to be at The Clean Show in Orlando, August 23–26. No exceptions. Let me tell you why.

Educational Seminars

What does it take to become a dry cleaner?

Write out a big cheque, hang a sign on the wall and you are a dry cleaner. Most trades require an apprenticeship or technical training. Not our industry. The majority of our operators have not had any formal training.

Yes, I know you can learn a lot on the job. But you can also make mistakes and pay for a lot of damaged garments. It’s a good thing brain surgeons don’t train the way we do.

My point is that The Clean Show has many educational seminars covering every aspect of our industry. You could pay hundreds of dollars to attend seminars like these. Some of the past seminars had 400–500 people there. Many of those folks were taking detailed notes. The educational training is worth the trip even if there wasn’t an equipment show. Don’t miss this opportunity.

Make Connections

Most dry cleaners are loners. When they have problems, they can’t talk to their staff. They can’t talk to their competition. They think they are the only person in the world who has to deal with these difficult situations. Problem staff, problem customers, problem garments, equipment breakdowns – it never ends.

The Clean Show is the perfect opportunity to meet someone from across the country who is not a competitor and who is in the exact same situation that you are. A friend that you can chat with when things are not good. Someone to compare notes – how do you handle this garment? How do you motivate your staff? What is the best machine to do this kind of work? You are not competitors, so you can tell them exactly how bad things are. We all need friends and The Clean Show is a great place to meet people.

Suppliers

There are people who want to meet you at the Clean Show – equipment manufacturers. They want feedback on how your machines are working. Are there any problems or things they need to change? There will be technical support people there to answer your questions. Even if you aren’t having problems, The Clean Show is a great opportunity to connect with someone who might be able to help you in the future.

The manufacturers are serious about you being satisfied using their machine. So talk to them about any issues you are having.

The Show is also a good opportunity to see the latest models of different machines. You should be planning now for the equipment purchases that you will make in a few years. This is your chance to do some research. What options are there? Which model will solve your problem the best? You can also meet someone who has the exact machine you are thinking about buying. Their experience and opinion might be worth more than the cost of the trip.

Investment

I know it is costly to travel to a Show and spend several days away from your plant. You have to view it as an investment in your business. The cleaners who are successful are the ones who go to the conventions and training sessions. The businesses that are failing and closing are the ones who never go to the Shows. You may say that you can’t afford to go to the Show. I say you can’t afford not to go to the Show! I will be there.

Enthusiasm

Are you tired of working? Same thing day after day. Too much work. No spare time. You have lost your passion. Talking with other successful people will help. There are many complaints in this business and very few bouquets. It is good to be around people who are working hard to improve their business. People with a plan and the energy to succeed. As you talk with them, you will remember that you felt that way at one time. Go to the Show – it will put some gas in your tank and a smile on your face. You can do this!

We will be at the Show all four days – I hope to see you there.

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