Gerry Guertin Named SpyderWash Salesperson of the Year
A record number of registered attendees – coupled with a throng of store owners and potential investors who registered at the door, as well as experts from all segments of the industry – created a highly energized Yankee Equipment St. Patrick’s Day Vended Laundry Trade Show. This event, which marked the show’s 38th consecutive year, was held the weekend of March 12-13 at the Westin Hotel in Waltham, Mass.
Laundry owners from all over New England filled the show floor to talk with Yankee staffers and manufacturer representatives about the newest products and latest industry trends.
The manufacturers in attendance included Speed Queen, Card Concepts Inc., ESD, SpyderWash, Standard Change-Makers, American Changer, Triad, NATCO, Hamilton Engineering, Milnor and Vend-Rite Manufacturing, as well as first-time vendors Springboard and Liberty Computers. AristoCraft and Package Supply participated with services and supply offerings, while Alliance Financing and Eastern Funding offered competitive finance packages.
During the show, Yankee’s Gerry Guertin received the 2015 SpyderWash Salesperson of the Year Award. This honor was presented by Setomatic President Michael Schantz and SpyderWash Representative Jeff North.
“It’s not an easy task to be named the SpyderWash Salesperson of the Year,” Schantz said. “It takes a belief in what you’re selling and an enthusiasm for the product. Year after year, Gerry has risen to the occasion and sold more SpyderWash payment systems than anyone else in the country. Gerry’s enthusiasm has earned him the title of SpyderWash Salesperson of the Year for four consecutive years.”
In addition, the show’s seminar rooms were full both days. On Saturday, Coin Laundry Association President and CEO Brian Wallace discussed how to best determine the right time to replace your laundry equipment. On Sunday morning, Yankee Equipment President Ted Ristaino conducted an investment seminar for new laundry owners and prospective investors. And Speed Queen’s John Smith held educational sessions both days of the show, covering the keys to successfully remodeling and rebranding a self-service laundry.
“In some ways the term ‘trade show’ no longer adequately describes what occurs during this weekend,” Ristaino said. “The weekend has become an incubator of ideas and dreams for store owners and managers to grow and expand their respective businesses. The focus our attendees had and the questions they asked were an indication of their insight, dedication and professionalism. Our vendor partners commented on the enthusiasm and knowledge displayed by these successful entrepreneurs.”
Yankee Chief Operating Officer Peter Limoncelli has seen the show turn into a true “event,” noting that many laundry owners who come back year after year have cemented strong friendships through their attendance at this show.
“I witnessed many greeting each other on the show floor and at the hotel lounge,” Limoncelli explained. “They are an amazing group with sharp business skills and an incredible work ethic.”
Yankee serves the New England market with Speed Queen laundry equipment, while representing the Huebsch brand in upstate New York.
