Toughen Up!

Originally posted – Jun 27, 2014 I once read that “the ability to find energy and power from what we can’t know or control provides an immense competitive advantage.” Of course, as self-service laundry owners, we can only know so much about our...

10 Years….10 Lessons

Originally posted – May 06, 2013 I’ve been in the laundry business for the last 28 years, both as a distributor and a coin laundry owner. And, along the way, I’ve kept lists of the things I’ve learned. Some people collect stamps or coins or...

Take a Chance

Originally posted – Apr 12, 2013 “If we listened to our intellect, we’d never go into business because we’d be too cynical. Well, that’s nonsense. You’ve got to jump off cliffs all the time and build your wings on the way...

It’s the Law!

Originally posted – Nov 26, 2012 The paramount universal truism of business is that all customers are people. Therefore, it’s logical to assume that, if we become proficient at understanding the psychology of the human organism, we should end up as...

Shaping Perceptions

Orignally posted – Sep 28, 2012 Every small business – including your self-service laundry – reflects the personal ethics, values and specific work habits of its owner. Your “business aura” is an exact mirror image of you, the owner. And the people...

Create Something!

Originally posted – Jul 09, 2013 Think left and think right, And think low and think high, Oh, the thinks you can think up, If only you try.” – Dr. Seuss   Creativity has got to be the coolest of all the mental skills. After all, it’s...

Habit Forming

Originally posted – Jun 05, 2013 The absolute best time to improve yourself – and your habits – is the present. Why wait? Here’s a sobering thought: at this very moment, you’re the youngest you’ll ever be and the oldest you’ve ever been....

Mind Your Business

Originally posted – Sep 09, 2014 The late Hall of Fame baseball manager George “Sparky” Anderson was a down-home, good-hearted, likable and highly intelligent guy. And, during his years managing the Cincinnati Reds and Detroit Tigers, he also was a...

Philosophers in the Gift Shop

Originally posted – Feb 13, 2012 Every Sunday, I work as a volunteer in the emergency department of a major hospital in the Detroit area. This particular hospital happens to have an extraordinary gift shop. One of the best features of this shop is its amazing...

The Perfect Blend

Originally posted – Jul 16, 2014 I have often thought that, to gain market share, effective advertising is the name but cleverly pairing features and benefits is the game. Not only is this true, but I guess it’s poetic justice as well. There’s old...