Blogs from the floor
A great day of action for Clean '11 on day 3. Our team was busy from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. When we picked our heads up to look around, most of the surrounding booths were packed as well. Our overall impression has been that the show has been a great success. Customers seem optimistic and interested in buying products.
Who won our R&B Wire Products oldest cart contest? First place went to Highlander Center Laundry, Jacksonville, Ill. The Coeur d'Alene (Idaho) Golf & Spa Resort was second, and Rockford (Ill.) Washer was third. Congratulations to all the winners!
Frank Rowe is vice president of sales and marketing for R&B Wire Co., a manufacturer of laundry carts, hampers, equipment and accessories.
I attended the CLA dinner last night, and the function was well attended. Lamar Thomas was awarded the Founders Award for his long-term contributions and service to the industry. He received wonderful recognition from everyone. He also participated in a song with "Marilyn Monroe" on stage and was a good sport. Dean Martin and Marilyn entertained the large group. No one got hurt! At least that we know about.
Frank Rowe is vice president of sales and marketing for R&B Wire Co., a manufacturer of laundry carts, hampers, equipment and accessories.
Sometimes you just have to address the “elephant in the room.” I suspect everyone who is staying at Bally’s has noticed the unique and sometimes scary-looking young men and women in the hotel with the Association of Piercing Professionals. With their asymmetrical hairdos, interesting attire and multiple piercings, they are actually a little reminiscent of my college years, studying art in Boston during the punk rock era.
I have chatted with a few pierced and tattooed people in the elevators, and the artist in me can appreciate some of the fine skin art – but I honestly can’t get over the piercings and have asked on a number of occasions, “Did that hurt?"
I’m sure they look at me as some sort of Mom or even Grandma, but I just smile and remember when my hair was magenta and my ears were pierced all the way around. I got some strange looks and believe that on one or two occasions, someone must have asked me, “Did that hurt?” I honestly don’t remember it hurting, but a very polite young man with half a hairdo and wearing a skirt responded with a shrug and a smile, “I guess just a little.”
It reminded me that you simply can’t judge a book by its cover.
Martha Paradis is the marketing manager for American Dryer Corp., a manufacturer of innovative and energy-efficient drying solutions for coin, on-premise and commercial laundry customers.
I have always worked in marketing and always worked closely with sales – but the trade show is an event that gives me a newfound respect for the day-to-day challenges of sales people. I think every marketing and customer service person should go on the road or to a trade show with a salesperson – so the next time you get e-mails, and phone calls in triplicate demanding an answer now – you can take a deep breath and remind yourself that these guys and gals do this every day with the same level of enthusiasm and commitment – and it’s not always easy.
Martha Paradis is the marketing manager for American Dryer Corp., a manufacturer of innovative and energy-efficient drying solutions for coin, on-premise and commercial laundry customers.
My feet hurt, but I can’t say I wasn’t warned. I am a “newbie”—new to the industry and a first-timer at Clean Show. I am fortunate to be armed with the help of some of American Dryer Corporation’s most-seasoned veterans and continue to learn lots by just watching them in action. I was also pleased to have the opportunity to talk to a variety of business owners and operators who came to not only see what’s new, but also to share some of their business challenges and plans. I got the impression that everyone is ready to put the challenges of the past few years behind them and move forward and grow. It’s a good sign on the first day of a show.
Martha Paradis is the marketing manager for American Dryer Corp., a manufacturer of innovative and energy-efficient drying solutions for coin, on-premise and commercial laundry customers.
Another busy day at the Clean Show.
With the economy still hurting, manufacturers are offering some unique specials to help move equipment. For those store owners looking to replace equipment, there are a lot of added goodies being offered from the manufacturers. Longer warranty periods and aggressive financing are two programs being offered by many distributors.
If you are in the market for new equipment and could not make it to the Show, make sure to contact your local distributors about these specials.
Brad Steinberg is co-owner of PWS Inc., the largest distributor of laundry equipment and laundry parts, as well as the largest broker of existing and new Laundromats in the United States. Before joining PWS, he spent time as an investment banker with Credit Suisse in Los Angeles.
The CLA dinner was a very nice time. Good food, good company and good entertainment. Congratulations to the CLA organization for a successful evening and a well planned, well organized show.
Martha Paradis is the marketing manager for American Dryer Corp., a manufacturer of innovative and energy-efficient drying solutions for coin, on-premise and commercial laundry customers.
The show for the second day in a row was packed. Despite the current struggles in the economy, this year’s show doesn’t seem to be effected. Moods are upbeat among laundry owners, distributors and manufacturers. All the exhibitors I spoke with were very pleased with the turnout at their booths.
Michael Schantz is the president of Setomatic Systems, a provider of cashless payment systems, electronic coin meters and other products for the laundry industry.
For those of you unable to attend the Clean Show, start doing some research on wireless credit card payment systems. Most of the major payment transaction companies have rolled out a wireless credit card acceptance system. Both hardware and transaction costs have come down recently, and credit card payment systems could be a nice way to differentiate your store. There was a steady flow of people coming in today and hopefully the crowds will continue tomorrow.
Brad Steinberg is co-owner of PWS Inc., the largest distributor of laundry equipment and laundry parts, as well as the largest broker of existing and new Laundromats in the United States. Before joining PWS, he spent time as an investment banker with Credit Suisse in Los Angeles.
After walking through the hall the day before opening, it looks like exhibitors for Clean 2011 are making the most of their booth spaces. Like any good vended laundry, Clean exhibitors are trying to get the best bang for each square foot of space they have. It should be a good show!
Gary Gauthier is national sales manager — Vended Laundries for Milnor Laundry Systems. He is a 15-year industry veteran and has been directing Milnor's vended laundry program for the last four years.
Clean ’11 kicked off smoothly albeit a bit slowly during the first hour of the distributor session. The latter portion of the session brought more traffic to the show. From there it was non-stop traffic and all booths seemed to have plenty of customers.
Most booth staff took a breath at 3:30, not realizing how much time had passed. A good day was capped by the CLA [Coin Laundry Association] cocktail hour where good conversation continued.
Day one was a fruitful day, and we look forward to day 2.
P.S.: After the show, the Boston Bruins welcomed Vancouver to Boston with an 8-1 trouncing in the Stanley Cup Finals Game 3. Hold on for Game 4 Wednesday!
Frank Rowe is vice president of sales and marketing for R&B Wire Co., a manufacturer of laundry carts, hampers, equipment and accessories.
