American Drycleaner - March 2019

© Copyright 2019 American Trade Magazines All rights reserved.

® March 2019

■ POSITIVELY TICKS ■ SMOOTH AS SILK

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drycleaner drycleaner A M E R I C A N

March 2019

Vol. 85, No. 11

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS Pre-Inspection Thrive, Survive

(Photo: Martinizing Metro Milwaukee)

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Guardians Of Their Galaxy The two owners, the production manager, and the lead maintenance engineer at Martinizing Metro Milwaukee show off some of their dust and lint control equipment.

They, and other cleaners from around the U.S., discuss methods to clean their machines and plants with regularly-planned maintenance — because fire is that deadly and safety is that important. Read about their actions to guard against lint buildup to keep their own “galaxy” efficient and clean.

Tim Burke, Editor

14 POSitively Ticks

Ian Noble, owner of Rick’s Cleaners in Austin, Texas, along with other cleaners and manufacturers, talks about all the uses for a Point-Of-Sale, or POS, system at a drycleaning operation. Helpful features, Noble points out, include tracking how much a customer has spent with you and if they are still in your “Top 50.” He also notes that the single most important thing about picking a POS provider is their support system.

Tim Burke, Editor

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American Drycleaner, March 2019

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Management Strategies Reaching Out (Further): Logistics Diana Vollmer

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Owner’s Office Next Level Stuff Dan Miller

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Off the Cuff Get to Know ... John Riddle

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Spotting Tips Comforters Martin Young

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Special Feature Smooth As Silk Jeff Quail

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Product Showcase Drycleaning Machinery: Perc

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Around the Industry

44

Classified Advertising

46

Advertiser Index

47

Wrinkle in Time Now A Major

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NEED HELP FINDING THE HIDDEN HANGER? Scan this QR Code for help in finding the hidden hanger on this month’s cover.

Good luck!

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P RE - I N SP E CT I O N

Thrive, Survive Loop! <stomach jumps> Sharp turn! <neck strains> Drop! <gut check> Our sometimes dizzying roller-coaster business environment today might have you a little restless at night, trying to calm down with, perhaps, a glass of warm milk, or a shot of booze. Both good! Hey, it’s understandable. You have a lot on your mind.

I asked a few of you to describe dry cleaning right now. Your answers: “Thriving,” “client-centric,” “business is up,” “could be worse,” “exciting and innovative,” “watch expenses,” “the fittest survive!”

This March issue hears you loud and clear, and will provide you with topics to keep you in the “fit survive” mode, so to speak.

First, do not overlook the importance of dust control in your plant.

The feature Guardians Of ‘Their’ Galaxy is about reminding you to always keep lint and dust in check.

In the next feature, POSitively Ticks, several drycleaning owners, and others from industry, tell why Point Of Sale can be a real Tim Burke game-changer.

There is a special feature called Smooth As Silk on programmable dryers to accompany wetcleaning washers. Also, we brought back the Product Showcase: Drycleaning Machinery: Perc from years past.

Your favorite writers are here: Diana Vollmer’s Reaching Out (Further) column concludes with hot trends in logistics. Dan Miller tells you, in this Clean Show year, about some Next Level Stuff to help you get the most out of conventions you attend. And Martin Young looks at caring for bedspreads in Comforters.

All that and more await the turn of the page. Also, here’s a heads-up for next issue: April is our Clean Show Go Guide where locals will tell us some of their favorite cool places to scope out while in hot, jazzy New Orleans, June 20-23, during Clean ’19.

You may feel a little economic “gut check” this year, or not, but fabricare will thrive and survive — and boldly march forward like it always does! Happy St. Pats!

ADC American Drycleaner (ISSN 0002-8258) is published monthly except Nov/Dec combined. Subscription prices, payment in advance: U.S., 1 year $46.00; 2 years $92.00. Foreign, 1 year $109.00; 2 years $218.00. Single copies $9.00 for U.S., $18.00 for all other countries. Published

by American Trade Magazines LLC, 650 West Lake Street, Suite 320, Chicago, IL 60661. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, IL and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER, Send changes of address and form 3579 to American Drycleaner, Subscription Dept., 440 Quadrangle Drive, Suite E, Bolingbrook, IL 60440. Volume 85, number 11. Editorial, executive and advertising offices are at 650 West Lake Street, Suite 320, Chicago, IL 60661.

Charles Thompson, President and Publisher. American Drycleaner is distributed selectively to: qualified dry cleaning plants and distributors in the United States. The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertising for any reason. © Copyright AMERICAN TRADE MAGAZINES LLC, 2019. Printed in U.S.A. No part of this publication may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publisher or his representative. American Drycleaner does not endorse, recommend or guarantee any article, product, service or information found within. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of American Drycleaner or its staff. While precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of the magazine’s contents at time of publication, neither the editors, publishers nor its agents can accept responsibility for damages or injury which may arise therefrom.

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American Drycleaner, March 2019

Publisher Charles Thompson 312-361-1680 cthompson@ATMags.com

Associate Publisher/ National Sales Director Donald Feinstein 312-361-1682 dfeinstein@ATMags.com

Editorial Director Bruce Beggs 312-361-1683 bbeggs@ATMags.com

Editor Tim Burke 312-361-1684 tburke@ATMags.com

Digital Media Director Nathan Frerichs 312-361-1681 nfrerichs@ATMags.com

Production Manager Roger Napiwocki Advisory Board Mike Bleier Steven Dubinski John-Claude Hallak Mike Nesbit Herron Rowland Fred Schwarzmann Beth Shader Ellen Tuchman Rothmann Contributing Editors Dan Miller Diana Vollmer Martin Young Office Information Main: 312-361-1700 Subscriptions 630-739-0900 x100 www.american drycleaner.com

www.americandrycleaner.com

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Keep lint and dust in check; because fire is that deadly, safety is that important

By Tim Burke, Editor

Guardians! Holding their dust control equipment (from left): Brian Cass (co-owner with his brother Dave of Martinizing Metro Milwaukee); Jose Cisneros, production manager; Josh Moore, lead maintenance engineer; and co-owner Dave Cass. About dust control maintenance, Dave Cass says: “We thoroughly clean a row of equipment every week.” (Photo: Martinizing Metro Milwaukee)

W

e work in a pretty dirt-filled environment.

We are constantly bringing in dust and dirt with the exterior doors being open most of the day and by creating buckets full of lint from all of the depilling we do on coats and sweaters,” says Dave Cass, co-owner, along with his brother Brian, of Martinizing Metro Milwaukee, which specializes in convenience by offering same-day cleaning or free pickup and delivery route service.

“With that said,” Cass explains, “every day we need to clean-off our intake screens on all of our equipment.

The best way is to use a vacuum and brush both. If a brush alone is used, then typically the employee cleans

the screen off and leaves the lint right there on the floor where it’s going to end up back on the screen the next morning when the machine gets turned on.”

Dust and lint, if left to build up, can cause serious safety problems and even lead to a fire in the plant. Drycleaning owners need to be vigilant in their dust control procedures. Cleaning isn’t just the name of your industry, it should be a way of life — for everyone’s safety.

But unexpected things can happen.

Cass relates a lesson for all drycleaning operators: “My biggest surprise to date came recently after a motor burned up on one of our shirt units. I literally had just inspected the work done in this area about a (continued on page 10)

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Dust Never Sleeps! Raleigh, N.C.-based Brothers Cleaners was rebuilt in 2017 after a devastating fire burned down the entire building two years earlier. Co-owner Bob Hilker says his entire team comes in on a weekend each quarter to, “blow down the entire plant,” of dust and lint.

(Photo: Brothers Cleaners)

week earlier and the cleaner had done what I thought was a great job. The cleaner removed a ton of lint and used a vacuum on all of the motors to get out what we thought was most of the lint.”

“What I thought,” is the key phrase here, drycleaning owners.

Cass continues: “What I didn’t realize was how much was still packed in that motor, causing it to overheat and catch fire. The electrician showed me afterwards how much lint was still left in there.”

Cass notes that: “We now use an air gun to try and blow out even more lint. Had we kept up with the lint early on it would not have been the problem that it became.”

Another key phrase to dwell on: “Kept up.”

If you don’t already have a dust control maintenance plan at your cleaning operation, start one now. And don’t assume what you think is being done. (See Cass’ lesson above.) Look over all your machines and motors inside and out to assess if they are being cleaned properly.

Even if you have a plan in place, ask yourself: Is it being followed properly and is it comprehensive? It’s never too late to update an existing plan, or create a new one.

Speaking of dust control maintenance, Cass points out that: “We have a plan in place to keep the lint in check.

We thoroughly clean a row of equipment every week, cycling back through in about five weeks.

“I say ‘plan’ because we have struggled with filling this position at times, so it does not get done as often as I would like. This is a position I offer more money for than just about anything in our building, but it’s still been difficult to keep filled. It’s part of a 10-15 hour job per week 10

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cleaning our plant that can’t be done during the weekday.

It has to be done after hours to do it right,” Cass says.

“We also try and clean all of the dryer duct-work twice a year, although I would have to admit it’s probably more like ‘annual’ the past few years, because of the struggle with keeping the cleaning position filled. We now have openings in all of our ductwork for easier access to clean the dryer vents. We need to retape these closed after we are done,” Cass says.

Critical to stopping lint and dust buildup at your operation is how well you stick to your cleaning routine.

Enter Bob Hilker, one of two co-owners, with twin brother Tom, of Raleigh, N.C.-based Brothers Cleaners.

“For dust control maintenance, we, on a quarterly basis, come in on a weekend and blow down the entire plant,” he relates.

His drycleaning operation was devastated by a catastrophic fire in 2015 but it was completely rebuilt and reopened two years later, and then was named 2018’s Grand Prize winner of the American Drycleaner Plant Design Award.

Hilker notes that to be ‘preventative,’ you must, simply put, keep your plant clean. Period. His straight-to-thepoint message, learned from experience, is a reminder to all drycleaning operators.

The turn of a phrase might go: In this business of clean, keep your business clean. And that means relying on your team members; consultants and partner companies; and following a plan.

HOUSEKEEPING Annually you need to clean inside your vent pipes for the dryers and knock all the dust down from the rafters and walls using a duct cleaning company, points out Jan Barlow, owner of Jan’s Professional Dry Cleaners, Clio, Mich.

“It’s a little bit of work to move all the stuff out of their way to clean the ceiling and the walls but everything is brighter after the job is done,” she says.

Barlow’s business has one location, with five routes in the surrounding counties, and as she notes, cleans all garments and household goods; fire and water restoration; wedding and formal wear, alterations and repairs, vintage garment restoration, and more.

She says: “There are a machines that can be hung from the ceiling that you can run at night that will keep the dust from settling on all your equipment. I haven’t invested in one yet; for my operation it is more cost-effective to bring in the duct cleaner annually.”

According to Barlow, who is also chair of the National Fire Protection Association’s NFPA 32 Standard for Drycleaning Facilities committee, housekeeping (continued) www.americandrycleaner.com

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is the number one way to stay on top of dust control: “Daily the lint screens need to be cleaned on all equipment, either brushed with a broom or vacuumed.

“It’s hard to get your staff to clean their work area at the end of every day but if each person takes care of their work space you never get into a really dirty state. It take discipline and teamwork,” she adds.

Barlow has some tips for drycleaning operators regarding dust control in the plant: “Since we are in the garment business, an obvious byproduct of handing garments is lint which is dust and it goes everywhere! Daily maintenance with a vacuum, a cloth, and a broom with a dustpan are your best measures to stay ahead of the mess,” she says.

“Not only does the lint and dust lay on items it also becomes sticky from the moisture of the steam we produce,” Barlow points out.

“What are the obvious places to clean? Start with the drycleaning machine,” she reminds, “you need to clean the lint and button trap. I believe that this should be done after every load. It helps maintain quality and keep your machine clean.”

The presses should be covered at night so the dust that is floating in the air doesn’t settle on all the presses, Barlow mentions, adding that there are so many places that can get dirty, “We use regular full size sheets to cover all our presses every day at the end of the shift.”

In a worst-case, where dust and lint can lead to a fire, drycleaning owners need to have a fire drill and emergency escape plan in place. Both Martinizing Metro Milwaukee and Jan’s Dry Professional Dry Cleaners note they work regularly with on-site compliance firms such as Safety & Environmental Compliance Consultants, Inc. (S&ECC) who come in yearly and conduct a safety meeting.

“We have worked with S&ECC, Henry and Jan Parker since 1998,” relates Barlow. “They make sure we have a fire escape plan and document that all employees have signed-in on the safety training.”

She says that: “We also have several maps posted throughout the entire plant to list where all the fire extinguishers and exits are. Annually, we also have a company that checks all our extinguishers to make sure they are charged.”

Back to Cass on what tips he would give for dust control: “Two things I would recommend,” Cass relates, “The first is to use a rotating ceiling fans for an hour or so every night especially over your shirt department. If you ever wonder if they work, just ask anyone who has one what happens when they don’t run it for a week or two. You’ll see all of the dust flying around like snow that you normally wouldn’t see if used daily.”

The second thing Cass recommends: “Is to use filters or filter screens whenever possible. You don’t want to re12

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Clean Team! Owner Jan Barlow (front row in pink shirt) and her cleaning team at Jan’s Professional Dry Cleaners take daily dust and lint cleaning seriously at her plant. “It takes discipline and teamwork,” Barlow says. She is also chair of the National Fire Protection Association’s NFPA 32 Standard for Drycleaning Facilities committee.

(Photo: Jan’s Professional Dry Cleaners)

strict the airflow, but if you can stop the lint before it gets into the equipment that’s what you want to do; and make sure to clean them out on a regular basis.”

Remember the lesson from Cass about thinking all was great — it wasn’t. Check everything, inside and out, and make certain; because your lives and your business will depend on it.

Another tip from Hilker: “Insurance is Number One. Make sure your insurance adjuster has looked over everything from A to Z. Be well-covered.”

Barlow relates that: “Fortunately, we have never had a fire. We really strive to lead by example, safety first.”

About dust and lint, and their dangers, she says, “The biggest problem I see is if someone is doing laundry for a restaurant and they accidentally don’t get all the grease out of the linens, they can spontaneously combust just sitting in a cart after drying.”

Barlow’s dust control tip: “Get a daily routine! If you’re not able to do it daily, then do it ever other day or once a week on your slowest day.”

Asking for a comment to describe why fire is that deadly and safety that important, Barlow answers: “You don’t get a second chance at death!”

To recap, when it comes to dust control at your drycleaning operation, remember these: daily maintenance; check all equipment and spaces yourself; get outside expert help; use your team members; don’t forget insurance coverages; and have an updated fire safety plan with practiced escape routes.

Be the guardians of your own ‘galaxy’ at your cleaning operation. Control dust and lint. Don’t let them control you, or your team, or your drycleaning business.

Now you’re all clear for dust off!

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Here’s how Point Of Sale becomes a game-changer for drycleaning owners

A

By Tim Burke, Editor

t the most fundamental level, we use our fabricare point of sale system, or POS for short, to make the operation tick,” says Ian Noble.

“I am the owner of Rick’s Cleaners in Austin, Texas.

Rick’s has 16 locations with four plants and specializes in one-price dry cleaning and in providing a great value for our customer,” he notes.

“Your boiler is the heart of your plant; your POS should be the heart of your store transactions and data,” Noble says.

“We utilize a pre-pay model at our store and an automated assembly conveyer from GMS Conveyer to assemble items at our plant. Six of the 16 stores use bar-codes, and the other 10 use paper tags,” he says.

He plans on converting all his stores to bar-coding.

“This allows for accurate mark-in, efficient tracking, and using customer data we never had before. It also reduces plant labor and allows for a smoother running plant.”

“POS should allow your company to be flexible and work ‘within’ your operation,” says Mark Jones, vice president of opertions at SPOT Business Systems based in Draper, Utah.

“Software should not force your operation to work a specific way,” Jones notes. “If POS software is based on a single store and you attempt to scale you will run into issues such as reporting, time clock, production and other processes.”

Noble shares: “The two best things about using a POS are speed and data. I had converted from using paper tickets in 2011 and it was a game-changer.

“To help our staff know who they are dealing with, our POS currently places stars on the invoices of the top 50 customers in each store so our staff can always know who our VIP customers are. This changes as consumer spending increases or decreases,” he says.

A basic feature of all POS systems, Noble points out, is to be able to track how much a customer has spent with you.

“Beyond the dollar amount,” he relates, “you can easily dig deeper into their habits. We like to run reports of 14

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our top customers who’ve ‘Dropped From The Top’ to compare their spending in the last 90 days to 90 days prior.

“The report will compare the totals of the two date ranges as well as the last visit date so you can determine whether or not you have lost a customer. If we know or even think they may have moved on we call them personally to ask about their experience, see how we can improve, and thank them for their patronage.” (continued) Noble says this has helped them

Ian Noble (on right), owner of Rick’s Cleaners, and his team. He says, “The single most important thing when interviewing a potential POS provider is their support system,” Noble relates.

“Are they always available by phone? What are their hours? Can you get help fast? Do they provide solutions the first call or make you wait?”

(Photo: Rick’s Cleaners)

www.americandrycleaner.com

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understand why people leave for a competitor.

The benefit, he says, is that: “It has helped us gain back customers who had an issue with us but never told us about it until we reached out to them in efforts to earn their business back.”

“Multiple price lists can be set if you want to price locations or customers differently,” Noble relates, adding that another, “Simple, yet powerful, feature is pop-up notifications alerting our staff of the customer’s history or preferences.”

“A POS system can allow dry cleaners to connect with their customers as never before,” says Brian Athens, senior systems engineer at Fabricare Systems located in Acworth, Ga., adding that, “Texting and emailing are the things customers like about their POS,” Athens relates.

“Letting a customer know there is a problem or question with their garments or that the garments are ready, really makes the connection.”

Athens says: “We are always making changes to accommodate our customers. Requests are something we take seriously. Example, we have new customers that have requested merging customers and moving inventory between locations. That’s a game-changer for cleaners.”

Back to Noble’s customer preferences, he gives this example: “If you’ve double-creased a customers’ pants and he has written a negative Yelp review for it, then next time he comes in our staff will receive notifications to triple-check his pants before they get back to him to avoid further frustration for the customer.”

Noble notes: “Your POS can also be used to anticipate staffing for the next day in production by viewing piece counts, or view trends that allow you to reduce hours in your store.”

He adds: “If your employee says they stayed two hours late because they got slammed with customer drop-offs right before closing, there is a report for that. Nearly every step of the process can be tracked, data-mined, and verified, which is very powerful for an owner or operator.”

Noble describes himself as, “A hands-on owner who is extremely involved in day-to-day operations.” He also points out that, “Rick’s was awarded the 2018 Best Dry Cleaners in Austin. It’s our ninth time to win, and we are back-to-back winner.”

But Noble isn’t the only one talking about POS tech making a business tick today. Others weigh-in.

CHANNELS POS is more than a revenue system. Think of it as communications channels for drycleaning operators.

Enter Jason Loeb, CEO, Sudsies, Miami, Fla., who says: “Software is an integral part of our business and our future. It is constantly changing.

“The software helps us mange production, communicate with our clients, communicate with each other, manage our systems, set expectations and because this all works together this will help us continue to grow,” he notes, adding that his POS system, “Speaks to our clients via text messaging and or e-mail.”

Loeb relates that he created Sudsies 21 years ago: “I am the current chief executive officer. We specialize in pickup and delivery services all over Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.” His business, he notes, has three boutiques and 30 pickup and delivery vehicles.

How is your POS? “We are using fiber connections at our locations which gives us a consistent upload and download speed,” Loeb says. “Cloud-based also works much faster than even having a traditional server on location. And we are constantly being backed-up.”

Loeb also says that he and his team received on-site training, and notes: “We found training to be very simple. The software is intuitive and smart. The team was training other team members by the end of the day. When purchasing software take into account how you will be training your teams.”

Training in this tech means (continued)

Miami, Fla.-based Sudsies’ Jason Loeb, CEO, says: “Software is an integral part of our business and our future. It is constantly changing.” His business, he notes, has three boutiques and 30 pickup and delivery vehicles. (Photo: Sudsies) 16

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investing in both the present and the future, and that seems to spell POS. “Like all industries, technology is changing the way we can do business,” notes Joanna Creed, president of Toronto, Canada-based Pivot IO, a company which makes a POS system she describes as “built to streamline business operations at the point of purchase.”

She says: “POS software has changed significantly over the last decade from something that was only available as an on-premise solution for large enterprises with deep pockets.

“Nowadays, you have a host of POS systems that are pretty much plug-and-play right out of the proverbial box. For small businesses like dry cleaners, it doesn’t get much better than that.”

Creed points out that: “As a former drycleaner myself, our mission as a company, is to make your cleaning business simpler and more productive.”

She indicates that POS systems, “Not only get you through your day-to-day operations but also help drive you into the future.”

Technology advancements, Creed notes, “Don’t only affect consumer experience, but also the operations of the company itself. Certain uses of a POS system are obvious, such as taking in customer orders; detailing garment mark-in; and accepting payment.

“However,” Creed adds, “there is a lot more to a POS system that makes it a worthwhile investment for a drycleaning business.”

For instance, she says, “POS collects customer data, sends invoices, tracks piece counts, manages corporate accounts, ensures consistent pricing, and keeps track of business performance. Without a POS system, owners are left guessing what’s going on in their business.

“A POS system,” Creed insists, “allows you to have access to information about your business so you can make informed decisions. It helps owners determine why customer habits are changing and how to market to your customers.”

Creed’s own business is a cloud-based POS system.

She says: “Cloud-based systems are generally replacing traditional systems because of, among other things, the ease of remote access, seamless product updating, data security and recovery, and functionality across devices.”

There are certainly other companies serving the drycleaning industry and helping change the game with POS system advances.

One of those is Cleaner Business Systems in Burnsville, Minn. Tim Woodman, senior sales manager says this: “A point of sale system gives dry cleaning owners, whether they have one location or multiple locations, more control over their business in the areas of cash con18

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trol, detailed reporting, and time savings,” “Also” he adds, “it provides the ability to manage multiple locations from almost anywhere.”

Another one of those firms helping to make this evolving POS tech continue ticking upward, is garment care software firm Starchup, based in Brooklyn, N.Y. This company’s platform, notes Nick Chapleau, CEO and co-founder, “Includes: POS, customer relationship management (CRM), plus customer-facing mobile and web apps and an integrated marketing solution. We automate your garment care business so you can do more for less.”

What POS functions do drycleaning owners find particularly handy?

The answer from Chapleau comes simply and directly: “Variety.” Meaning all the different types of customercommunication options.

He says his firm, “Enables automated text messages and e-mails to inform customers about the order process, and to re-market services and promotions.”

Chapleau notes that, “Item tracking enables our customers to track down the last employee who handled a given garment to avoid misplaced pieces or match a found garment to an order.”

In general, does a POS system, ultimately, help make a drycleaning business more money?

Chapleau says: “A good software platform will increase annual margins by thousands of dollars per store.”

Chapleau points out that his firm’s integrated marketing platform — CRM, e-mail, digital marketing, and ordering apps — helps to acquire new customers using state of the art tools, noting his company’s, “Retention tools and customer communication features help to retain and increase revenue from existing customers.”

At CleanCloud, based in London, England, founder and CEO John Buni, describes his company as, “Cloudbased point of sale and delivery management solution, powering dry cleaners in over 55 countries worldwide.”

How does a POS system work in a drycleaning operation beyond revenue transactions?

Buni explains: “It works in a number of different ways. First, it allows drycleaning operators to have access to customer information in real-time and in multiple stores. This improves customer service across the board.

“If someone walks into store A or store B, the person serving that customer has the relevant information at hand and can give them more personalized service,” he notes.

If your POS system is cloud-based, Buni points out, “Then staff members at drycleaning operations have access to up-to-date order information as the piece of clothing gets moved on thru different departments. (continued) “In other words, if someone comes www.americandrycleaner.com

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in and drops off clothes for dry cleaning and alterations at the same time, then a good cloud-based POS system will allow the business to know where those items of clothing are, and to keep the customer updated through e-mail,” Buni says.

What we’re hearing is that POS systems can help a drycleaning business: to be more efficient; to help an owner know more about their clients; to know things in an up-to-date way; and to help an owner be profitable.

What about when an owner looks into buying a POS system? What tips can we learn?

POS BUYING TIPS You’re about to make a POS system purchase. But before you do, tick-off these buyer’s tips.

Creed wants you to think about this: “When it comes to choosing the right POS software for your small business, you just have to buy the one that works best for you.”

Additionally, Creed points out that: “You need to explore the best functionality for your business. Here are some general features you’ll want to look for: Accessible and free support for questions and technical problems; Cloud-based; supports multiple hardware options; and marketing features, such as customer loyalty programs

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and customer communications, to name a few.”

Chapleau reminds you to, “Do your research and talk to existing users about the platform. How does the POS system’s payment processing affect their business? How is the customer support? Does the company go the extra mile for its customers, or are you just another number?

How often is the software updated, and how open is the company to suggested improvements?”

Chapleau also says: “Think about the future. Do you want a POS that follows the crowd, or one that is ahead of the technology curve and thinking about what cleaners will need tomorrow? Skate to where the puck is going to be.”

Buni offers these tips: “Don’t just buy a system. Business owners really have to imagine their staff using it.

If the system isn’t intuitive, and if the training offered is poor, staff will inevitably become frustrated and the system won’t have the desired impact.

“It’s important not to sign up for features that you don’t need, and business owners should be equally wary of hidden extras or unnecessary add-ons,” he advises.

“Look for a system that is transparent, and make sure those offering it are knowledgeable,” Buni reminds. “I think it’s also really important that potential buyers look for a system operator that offers reliable support.” (continued) The tips from some of these software

8/14/18 3:16 PM

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companies serving the drycleaning industry will help you formulate a plan when getting ready to make a POS system purchase. But the last word will come from the users — drycleaning owners and operators like you.

GAME-CHANGER A POS system is a management tool for today’s world.

If you’re setting out to buy, it’s best to first ask questions.

Let’s listen to what owners Ian Noble and Jason Loeb say.

Loeb: “As technology is always changing, I wanted the most current up-to-date software. Look at the way the software is communicating with your clients. Look at the security. Also see how and when updates are deployed.”

Loeb recommends you ask: “What is the response time for technology questions? How easy will they make it for you to switch to another POS in the future by transferring your credit card data and your database? As long as my POS is delivering on its promises there is never a need to switch but the freedom to switch should be easy.”

Loeb concludes: “Make sure that your software provider will give you the information you request in the format you request and do it within an acceptable time period.”

Noble says this: “The upfront cost will be scary, but it is definitely worth it. We can now control costs by monitoring employee activity and utilizing our reports to make better business decisions.

“If an order does not arrive or isn’t ready, it is easy to see, and we can call the customer immediately to let them know. This simple step could save you from a Yelp or Google review if you happened to save that customer a trip to your store that day.”

Noble also relates that: “The biggest savings, that the owners may not realize, is theft prevention. On paper tickets it was very easy to steal, but POS systems allow you to monitor every step of the transaction, and if there is unusual activity, suspicious voids, or any other activity, it can most likely be found in a report.”

“One major improvement to our business is implementing heat-seal/bar-codes,” Noble points out. “It is more time-consuming the first time you apply them to a garment, but after that, the savings are great. It saves in time and labor for all future drop-offs on that item as well as increases tracking ability.”

Noble explains that if an item goes missing or the barcode comes off, “You know exactly what you are looking for which can help you find the item or avoid costly claims. All of these things contribute to the bottom line.”

John Kim, owner of Wauconda,Ill.-based Global Business Systems says, “Coming generations will see automation as a key to succeed for drycleaning owners. Wages are up and manpower is harder, and not only POS but automated sorting and bar-coding will help in reducing 22

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labor needs.”

Noble says: “Whether you are a one-price cleaners, standard, or a couture cleaners, every single penny counts.”

Noble’s POS purchasing tips? He has plenty, based on experience: “The first thing to analyze is where your business is today and what can be improved by buying a POS. When you install one you immediately legitimize your business in the eyes of the consumer. It will help you run more efficiently and streamline your operation,” he says.

With a streamlined operation, POS can create, as Jones relates, “An efficient counter, plant and route operation, which will require less labor and help to maintain happy customers. A happy and engaged customer will visit your business more frequently.”

“The single most important thing when interviewing a potential POS provider is their support system,” Noble relates. “Are they always available by phone? What are their hours? Can you get help fast? Do they provide solutions the first call or make you wait?”

Ali Khan, owner of Bellingham, Wash.-based DajiSoft says, “POS can actually change the life of a dry cleaner.

Its record-keeping can prevent employee theft. And customer history is a ‘gold mine’ because you can see where most of your customers are coming from.”

Khan indicates: “You can run reports to see if customer revenue or store visits have increased or decreased in the past month or so. Pricing mistakes are almost gone. So it has increased the bottom line for many clients.”

Khan advises: “For those who are looking to purchase a new POS, my biggest recommendation is to look more at the quality of service the POS provider is offering. Also look at the quality of the software and its marketing reports especially.”

Woodman’s tips are: “Make sure the provider offers phone support and other mediums for their customers to communicate with them; and give those mediums a test to make sure that the company is responsive. You don’t want to be waiting on your POS provider for a response to an email, or a call-back, for hours, days, or even weeks.”

Noble says this regarding service: “Don’t entertain a POS company if their support isn’t fully equipped to take phone calls when you need them or they are not adequately staffed. The best thing to do is find out from friends or other cleaners how their technical support is, and make your decisions based off real operator experience.

“Don’t be afraid to make a change in your business,” Noble concludes.

“If you do things the way they have always been done you’ll ultimately suffer. Try new ways of utilizing your POS system to see if it enhances your consumer and employee experience. If your change does not work, change it back. This is the beauty of business.”

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At SMRT systems

We Get it At the heart of SMRT, we are a dry cleaner. It’s the reason we created our software in the first place: To solve the everyday problems we ran into at our own business.

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8/10/18 8:19 AM 8/9/18 5:42 PM

M A N A G E M E N T ST RAT E G I E S (CONCLUSION)

Reaching Out (Further): Logistics How does your production and logistics fit the 10 ‘success trends’ (Image licensed by Ingram Publishing)

F

or the conclusion to my Reaching Out column, the focus will be on applying the same trends (that we saw in Part 1), to the areas of production and logistics, again with an emphasis on the impact on growing sales and profitability.

As a reminder, the trends list was generated by Ian Altman for Forbes Leadership because it exemplifies a consensus of last year’s trends lists. (For the entire article, go to: https://www.forbes.com/sites/ianaltDiana Vollmer man/2017/12/05/the-top-businesstrends-that-will-drive-success-in-2018/#23e807fb701a) 1. Artificial intelligence Per Wikipedia, “artificial intelligence (AI) is the intelligence exhibited by machines or software. It is also the name of the academic field of study, which examines how to create computers and computer software that are capable of intelligent behavior.”

A familiar version of AI in the drycleaning area, is the computer-aided drycleaning machine that chooses the correct cycle based on the fabric and garment content in the specific load. Another is the moisture sensitive control for wet-cleaned garments.

Sorting conveyors help reduce human error and lost or misplaced garments.

The automated robotics of the newest finishing equipment makes the job of the operators much easier because of the “intelligent” features. The newer features have reduced training time, increased quality and consistency, improved pieces-per-operator-hour (PPOH), and improved overall throughput, reducing total labor and related production costs.

With the ever-increasing competition for competent labor, it is time to review and weigh the benefits of equipment investment against the cost and calculate the resulting return-on-investment (ROI).

The many available apps in the industry are designed to give you and your drivers an easier way to optimize www.americandrycleaner.com

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the routes while giving the customers more options for their convenience.

Robots could be adapted to deliver orders to the drivethru, lockers and beyond. Drone delivery is becoming a reality for some industries, so why not ours? Self-driving vehicles may also become reliable and cost-effective in the foreseeable future.

Apps and automation can be very beneficial to you, your company and your clients.

2. Communities embrace live interactions Your local and remote teams benefit from electronic training and communication, but they also crave live interaction and events with their peers. Not only do they benefit from applying the training in a supportive environment, face-to-face encounters strengthen the bonds between team members and minimize the “them vs. us” silos that exist in most organizations.

3. Millennials welcome Generation Z Millennials (now reaching their mid-30s) have been in their careers long enough that many of them are now managing their teams. They are now encountering the latest generation to enter the workforce. Born after 1998, Gen Z is the first generation born surrounded by personal electronic devices. They crave automation in all their tasks, and efficiency and constant access in their communications.

Are you ready to adapt to their preferred form of payment, such as auto deposit to their online bank, 24/7 interactive communication, flex work hours, remote task completion, autonomy, and (continued) American Drycleaner, March 2019

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M A N A G E M E N T ST RAT E G I ES

other preferences?

4. Wages and more on the rise Like the sales and service departments, the associates in production and logistics are considering the same compensation issues. Companies should factor in a Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) prediction of an average 3% wage increase this year. Monetary compensation is only one component influencing jobholders and job-seekers. They are also weighing flexibility, benefits (including ever more expensive health care), and autonomy. The generation of the associate, influences the weight given to each component.

Offering job-sharing, remote work alternatives, flex hours, more self-management, and choice from a menu of benefits may be essential to attracting and retaining competent employees. You may need to be more creative to compete in the current job market.

5. Social learning Individual learning, regardless of the media, such as traditional learning or electronic, is beneficial and possibly essential to provide a baseline of knowledge about performing a given position. However, group learning outperforms individual learning when ranked on actual performance of the job. Seeing how someone else approaches the task or sharing perspectives during role playing can be very impactful once the initial reticence to participate is overcome.

Don’t forget to involve “lone wolf” drivers and remote workers, such as an outsourced billing department, so they feel connected to the company, their teammates and their counterparts.

6. Live-streaming video Although different people prefer learning in different ways, live-streaming video has proven to be one of the most effective and efficient ways to share information.

There are many resources available that have already been developed by suppliers, vendors and trainers.

Many of these resources are free, but if you need a personalized specific-use video, their production has become very affordable and can make your associates more efficient in both training and job performance.

7. Serve your community Review the sources and commonalities of your associates. They and their communities (social and geographic) are an excellent way to attract their peers to join your workforce. Enumerate the ways to show off your company as a positive place to work. Reach out to them 28

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through appropriate electronic media, physical media, and lifestyle events such as logo-canopy water-stations at children’s sports events. People like, and associate with, similar people in their communities.

8. Marketing focus on solving problems When “marketing” to your employees and prospective employees, focus on the challenges they face and how to overcome them. A menu of benefits from which to choose is a good way to address a range of needs without providing everything to everyone whether they need it or not. Health insurance, child care, dental and eye care, carpools, flex hours, job sharing, discounted family laundry, and more, can all be attractive benefits and the flexibility to mix and match them provides welcome control.

9. Subject matter experts (SMEs) You most likely have received the benefits of your suppliers’ SMEs throughout your fabricare career in the form of chemical specialists, equipment advice and plant layout suggestions. Your software vendor can also provide information and expert advice particularly in logistics and route apps.

Internally, you can develop SMEs for the benefit of your customers, as with the wedding specialist, and for your team in the form of expert team leaders or trainers.

Your most discerning clients may appreciate meeting the “master dry cleaner,” “stain removal expert,” or “master tailor.”

10. Blockchain You may wish to be on the cutting edge and offer Bitcoin as an optional form of compensation for your adventurous staff. Few, if any, would opt for that payment, but you would probably glean ample free publicity. Be sure it complies with all HR regulations in your jurisdiction.

Your company, your associates and your clientele can all benefit if you assess your status on each of the success trends coming out of last year and implement changes that move you through 2019.

ADC Diana Vollmer is a managing director for Methods for Management, which has served dry cleaners and launderers with affordable management expertise and improved profitability since 1953. For assistance implementing success trends in your company, contact her at dvollmer@mfmi.com or call 415-577-6544.

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2/15/19 2:33 PM

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2/6/18 11:12 AM

O W N E R’ S OF F I CE

Next Level Stuff In this Clean Show year, how to get the most out of conventions

T

rade shows in the drycleaning industry can help take your business to the next level. Here’s how: Way back last summer I attended the Fabricare Show in Long Beach, Calif., which was a terrific event full of good conversations and learning opportunities.

As I walked the floor of that convention center, I couldn’t help but think back to my first Clean Show and what a whirlwind that was. For a business owner, the sheer number of machines and displays on the floor at Clean can be overwhelming. Business owners can come away feeling as though they’ve seen everything and nothing, all at the same time.

Dan Miller Since this is a Clean Show year, it’s never too early to be thinking ahead.

With that in mind, I thought it would be helpful to discuss the three keys to getting the most out of our industry shows, and especially the Clean Show coming to New Orleans in June.

MAKE A PLAN There are so many activities and displays going on at a fabricare show that you can spend days there and never see everything there is to see, so it’s absolutely critical that before you go you make a plan to make the best use of your time.

One of the best ways to plan for a show is to start with the major questions that you want answered.

Those may include the following: What can I do to reduce my supply costs? What type of pants machine should I get to replace my current one? What is the best way to improve my online presence?

Before the Long Beach show last year, I had a bunch of questions for my software vendor and got all of them answered in one hour-long meeting.

Listing the major questions that, if answered, will improve your business, will give you a road map for how to spend your time at the show.

For example, if you are looking for a new shirt machine you can look up what shirt machine

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(Photo: Tim Burke)

manufacturers will be at the show and where they will be located. You can also look to see if there are any productivity consultants who may have insight into what shirt machines work best for certain businesses.

I guarantee you that if you are looking for a shirt machine and visit those booths you will come away with substantially more knowledge than you went in with.

You may come away with a discount as well, as many manufacturers offer significant “show” discounts.

ATTEND EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS While the idea of sitting in windowless conference rooms all day learning about some arcane topic isn’t most people’s idea of a good time on the weekend, I can’t tell you how much I’ve learned from the educational sessions held at fabricare shows.

Whether it is software updates, business valuation, or social media strategy topics, there is a great deal of knowledge on how to improve your business at these shows.

Some of the most rewarding educational sessions that I’ve attended have been on topics that I thought were ancillary to my business, but ended up giving me new ideas and fresh perspectives that we leverage to (continued) this day. www.americandrycleaner.com

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sales@starchup.com www.starchup.com

Starchup Point of Sale Superior Technology, Unrivaled Customer Care Starchup's team put us at ease from the very beginning. They worked with us every step of the way, transferring 10 years of customer and garment data seamlessly from our previous POS without interrupting our day-to-day operations. We could not be more thrilled with the training and support Starchup continues to provide!

Starchup has been fantastic with supporting every aspect of our conversion to their point of sale software system.

Starchup has developed a state of the art platform that is going to revolutionize the Dry Cleaning industry - and a team to guide us the whole way.

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O W N E R’ S OF F I CE

WANDER AND LEARN Once you’ve successfully had your planned questions answered and attended the educational sessions it’s critical to wander the floor and learn.

And I don’t just mean meandering the floor and walking by booths. I mean stopping at booths that offer something new and learning about what they do.

Much like the educational sessions I went to, many of the booths I stopped at, that I learned the most from, had nothing to do with my core business, but offered new insight into what was possible.

One booth I stopped by at last summer’s show made equipment that recycled water for laundry facilities to reduce water waste. I had heard of this before but assumed that it would only be viable for industrial laundries that used much more water than our facility.

Much to my surprise due to the high cost of water in California, our cleaning facility could still generate significant savings from this technology, and we are installing it this year. This never would have been possible had I not taken the time to wander and learn.

Drycleaning and laundry conventions are a great opportunity to get out of the office, clear your head, and open you mind to a world of new ideas.

If you follow these steps, you’ll emerge from the Clean Show in New Orleans with knowledge and innovative ideas ADC that can take your business to that next level!

Dan Miller is the chief executive officer of Mulberrys Garment Care, a premium drycleaning and laundry business with 17 locations in Minneapolis, San Francisco, and Dallas. You may contact him at dmiller@ mulberryscleaners.com or 866-473-0798.

OFF THE CUFF

Get to Know ...

John Riddle Former pro baseball player; and man behind the Clean Show

T

ell us where you were born, grew up, and reside today?

“I was born in Kannapolis, N.C. and lived there until I went to college. After a six-year career in professional baseball, I moved to Atlanta and have lived here ever since.”

Hobbies (that you’ll admit to)?

“I love fly-fishing, fly-tying, golf, and team roping, think rodeo. I am an avid reader, particularly of history and other non-fiction. I am always trying to learn something new.”

What gets you excited at work?

“People! I love coming to work and being with the people who work here. I truly enjoy the show’s exhibitors and love the challenge of motivating attendees to come. I like working toward making the Clean Show appealing both visually and in content.”

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John Riddle at his desk at Riddle & Associates in Atlanta. (Photo: John Riddle)

Lastly, tell us a secret (keep it clean) nobody knows about you?

“Some remember this so it is not really a secret, but I had the first adoption center of the original Little People dolls, which are now called Cabbage Patch dolls, in my Terminus Gift Shop in downtown Atlanta. Another that some people don’t believe is that in golf I have had a holein-one from both sides of the ball, one right-handed and one left-handed. A true secret, what people always want to ADC know, is when I wear my kilt, I am commando.”

(Do you want to take part in an Off the Cuff, or know someone who does? E-mail tburke@atmags.com.) www.americandrycleaner.com

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S P OT T I N G T I PS

Comforters Bedspreads often take a beating; Some comforters gain their appeal from being ‘stuffed’

B

edspreads and comforters come in all colors and textures. They are designed to be ornate yet functional.

Many are so decorative that they should be removed at bedtime to extend their lifespan.

But, there are times when children and pets see only a flat surface to play or relax.

Dirty shoes and dirty paws can leave marks that only focused, knowledgeable care can remedy.

That is where the professional has an opportunity to use experience and equipment to broaden the existing list of services.

Over the last 15 years, wet cleaning has come into its own, making waterMartin Young soluble stain-removal on these large household items much safer and more efficient. Most modern commercial washers have inverter drive and micro-processor controls which allow for gentle mechanical action.

Combined with a large residual moisture-controlled dryer and the use of detergents that have neutral pH or are slightly acidic, any item with a water-based cleaning option on the care label can be cleaned as a fine washable. However, there are customers that want that special appearance of custom designed treatments for the entire bedroom.

The very first question that must be asked is; “Is this part of a set?” Custom room treatments can include a bedspread/comforter, pillow shams, a dust ruffle, drapes, valance, and shears.

When only one piece of the matching set is cleaned, there is often a variation in color and intensity between the item cleaned and the other items that were not cleaned. It is difficult to explain this after the fact, so it must be pointed out when receiving the item.

All items should be cleaned at the same time to ensure that all pieces match when placed side by side in the room.

If one item requires dry cleaning, all items must be drycleaned.

Tip: It is far better to pass on a single item of a matching set than to face a claim because, “It doesn’t match anymore.”

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(Photo: Tim Burke)

Bedspreads and comforters often take a beating when left on the bed constantly. Many times, the customer will sit or even lay on the bed in dirty clothing.

The customer may treat a pet like a member of the family, allowing the pet to join them on the bed. You must not forget the underside of the item. There you are going to find soil and albumin stains.

Albumin stains are the result of the transfer of bodily fluids. These stains may go unnoticeable for an extended period, making them much harder to remove. These stains are for the most part water-soluble when fresh but may require a level of bleaching action by the time they are brought to the cleaners.

In extreme cases, the level of body oil and perspiration where the bedspread has been pulled up under the customer’s neck will be heavy. This will require additional effort to break down the discoloration, even with the best of the pre-spotting chemical tools.

In such extreme cases, the combination of perspiration and body oils may have to be addressed separately by breaking down the body oils to effectively remove the yellow/brown perspiration stain.

You may even be required, in other cases, to use sodium perborate or sodium percarbonate to completely remove the last of the stain.

Some comforters gain their appeal from being “stuffed.”

This partitioning of the surface provides only a minor adjustment in handling. In fact, I have found that more partitions contribute to an ease in handling, due to less chance of the filler shifting during cleaning and drying.

When the squares are larger than eighteen inches, I will run the item in a net bag to reduce shifting. (continued) www.americandrycleaner.com

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S P OT T I N G T I PS

It is not the customer’s fault, but it is my responsibility.

It makes no difference if you choose to dry-clean or wet-clean a quilted item, you should always use something to shift and fluff the filler.

This will ensure a like new appear-

ance and during the drying time, it will shift the filler.

Shifting the filler will give “even” drying and a “fluffy” appearance. I have always used at least four clean tennis balls, since they are heavy enough to shift the filler upon impact.

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The fuzzy cover prevents damage to the surface material.

Comforters that are filled with Down require extra attention. The Down may contain a small amount of lanolin that is released during cleaning. This is especially true in dry cleaning. This lanolin will appear as a darkened area on the surface.

This can be remedied by applying a mild POG to the stain, light mechanical action, and then re-cleaning. The excess lanolin will be removed in the cleaning process. Be aware that manufacturers use “water fowl feathers” as a cost cutting measure.

These feathers are larger and have longer, more brittle stems. These stems tend to poke through to the outside and ruin the appearance of the item. Water fowl feathers are listed on the content label and will feel like small twigs when the item is handled.

It is very important to use something like the tennis balls to move around the feathers during drying. I recommend that you increase your drying time by 20% with Down, and that you use additional tennis balls to increase the frequency of shifting.

Promoting bedspreads and comforters is a great way to expand/ diversify your service. These are usually items that are too large for home washers and dryers.

The customer can be easily overwhelmed when handling a comforter and will welcome the opportunity to have someone else take care of the item.

ADC Martin L. Young Jr. has been an industry consultant and trainer for 20 years, and a member of various stakeholder groups on environmental issues. He grew up in his parents’ plant in Concord, N.C., Young Cleaners, which he operates today. Phone: 704786-3011, e-mail: mayoung@ctc.net. www.americandrycleaner.com

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SMOOTH AS SILK:

DRYER ADVANCES Wet cleaning’s partner is a dryer that’s up to handling delicates

By Jeff Quail

W

ments more quickly and efficiently, provide improved customer turnaround times, become more environmentally friendly, and lower operational costs. Because the new dryers eliminate air drying, it takes wet cleaning to a whole new level of productivity.

Let’s take wool suits as an example. A load of wool suits takes just 15 minutes to wet clean, 15 minutes to dry and less than 10 minutes to finish. The new dryers make it possible to turnaround a suit — from drop off to pick up — in an hour.

DRYER PROGRAMMED Dryer programmability is finally catching up to the programmability level of a wetcleaning washer.

For the first time, there are dryers on the market offering several programmable phases/steps in the drying process, as well as sophisticated control over multiple variables within those phases, including oven temperature, drum temperature, drum rotation action and G-force, timed reversing, and moisture-sensing control technology.

Many of these drying variables have not been programmable. Yet, complete control over drying is critical to the success and speed of the wetcleaning process.

CAPABILITIES So, what are the key capabilities to look for?

Seek out dryers with programmability of multiple variables within each step/phase of the drying process.

Programmable phases, beyond the typical dry and cooldown, allow for the control necessary to protect garments when they are at their most vulnerable — at the beginning of the dry cycle when they are saturated with water and at the end of the cycle when they are near dry. A minimum of five phases is essential: 1. Critical Programmable Features To deliver great results, look for a dryer with the following programmable features within each phase.

2. Drum Rotation Speed (RPMs) and Interval By controlling drum speed and interval, you can remove moisture quickly, without tumbling. This is important. When garments are wet, the drum should ideally spin with enough RPMs to cause garments to cling to the drum, rather than fall and tumble from top to bottom.

EFFICIENT By controlling variables by phase/step, even the most delicate items can be dried to the proper moisture level that’s ideal for finishing.

This means textile care operations can wet clean gar38

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(Image licensed by Ingram Publishing)

hile highly programmable wetcleaning washer-extractors have been on the market for years, their partner dryers have lacked the programmability needed to dry delicate fabrics — wools, silks, linens — without resulting damage.

Historically, garments were either wet-cleaned and air-dried overnight, which took a lot of time and space, or dry cleaned. Thankfully, emerging dryer technology is changing all that … revolutionizing the wetcleaning process and how textile care operators do business.

www.americandrycleaner.com

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This prevents damage and shrinkshrinkage. Typically, oven temperaage. Drum speed should be adjustable ture is higher for thicker materials and Even the most delicate based on phase, item type, moisture lower for delicate garments. items can be dried to the content and fabric.

Additionally, new dryers can hit proper moisture level 3. Moisture Level high drum temperatures of up to 195°F that’s ideal for finishing.

It’s important for a dryer to have extremely quickly in order to evaporate the ability to check and confirm the moisture without as much tumbling. moisture content of a load before adThis precise control over temperature, vancing to the next phase. Most dryers monitor for one rotation action and drum speed protects garments from moisture level throughout the entire dry cycle. Now, damage while allowing the shortest dry times. thanks to new technology, each phase has its own moisTIME LIMIT ture level setting. This eliminates over drying, shrinking It goes without saying that the duration of each phase and damage at all phases of the drying process. is important. New technology allows cycles to advance 4. Timed Reversing to the next phase based on time limit or moisture level.

When the drum only turns in one direction, garments A time limit is always programmed to prevent over drytangle and ball up, creating uneven drying. Look for a ing due to a possible moisture sensing error. This redundryer with multiple different reversing options. dancy is an additional safeguard against damaging 5. Input (Oven) and Output (Drum)Temperature ADC garments.

Most dryers allow control over the drum temperature for a set period of time. But it isn’t enough. A dryer with programmable oven temperature, from 104-392°F, Jeff Quail, co-owner of Poseidon Textile Care Systems®, allows total control over the dryer heat source/flame, has more than 30 years of hands-on industry operations which greatly reduces the risk of hot spots and heating experience in dry cleaning and wet cleaning. E-mail: jquail@poseidonwetcleaning.com. inconsistencies that contribute to garment damage or

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P RO D U C T S H OW C AS E

Renzacci SPA Renzacci’s drycleaning machine Progress Extreme is available in models from 20- to 352-pound load capacity, and are both ETLand CSA-approved, the company says. This machine offers a wide range of innovations, the firm notes, among them, the new computer “i-Brain” equipped with the exclusive Sentinel-Friendly Touch (SFT), which uses the new communication system, V-SMS box. It can report in real-time, identifying invalid operations, and allows the customer to carry out actions regarding the steps to be taken.

The Progress Extreme can be equipped, on request, with the innovative app “My Brain,” that makes it possible to remotely monitor and control your drycleaning machine, the company describes, “as if you were right in front of it looking at the computer’s i-brain in action.”

Renzacci-USA www.renzacci-usa.com parts/service: 877-872-7369 | cell: 561-644-5517 Renzacci Italy www.renzacci.com | 39-075-862-961

Firbimatic Firbimatic’s Vortex 40 Plus machine includes Vapor Induction Drying, which streamlines airflow through the chamber to help reduce drying times. A Smart Combi controller is fully programmable, has 20 programs, a fully manual control, and features more than 10 languages. A Maintenance Manager incorporates diagnostics and a full maintenance schedule.

Two independent circuits handle filtration, with two spin-disk filters and two all-carbon filters. ChillPerc is a refrigerated solvent cooler that cools the solvent prior to entering the wheel to reduce dye bleeds, and integrated CoalPerc carbon-adsorption system removes the solvent.

Firbimatic also offers economical Axial Series machines featuring two filter circuits with an ecological spindisk filter, an all-carbon filter, large-format housing, double water separators, solvent cooler, Coalperc, and steam traps. www.firbimaticusa.com | 800-220-0630

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Donini International The Donini Swing Series drycleaning machines are manufactured all in stainless steel, and the machines have a high-spinning suspended cage with spring and shock absorbers and no fixing to the floor. The main motor and fan motor are controlled by a frequency control device. The machines offer double extraction speed and a washing speed adjustable with trimmer, relates the company.

Swing Series drycleaning machines come with three self-cleaning automatic tanks and one self-cleaning powderless nylon filter, the firm notes. The machines have a water-saving valve; continuous or batch distillation; and electric or steam heating. The Series gives cleaning with drum reversing and programmable reversing times. These machines also have a self-priming pump.

The drying temperature is programmable through computer for these machines. They also have a soapdosing pump; still walls automatic cleaning; semi-automatic still sludge drying; and cage insulation during deodorization, the company says. www.donini.com | 39-059-697-094

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P RO D U CT S H OW C A S E

Italclean Perc machines continue to be at the core of Italclean’s business, and the company exports machines around the globe, it says.

Italclean’s basic machine is the Liberty 200; at 10 to 20 kilograms (or 25 pounds), the machine is simple with no frills, the company notes. It features an inverter drive, Danfoss valves, aeroquips fittings in the refrigeration unit, extra-powerful distillator, and more. The machine also is available in 15-kg and 18-kg capacities.

To minimize shipping costs, the company ships 10 units in a 40-foot container. The machine is popular with hotels around the world, Italclean says, including the famous Burj Hotel in Dubai. www.italclean.com | 39-051-663-0468

Columbia/Ilsa TD Mach 2 fourth-generation perc machines from Columbia/Ilsa are available in 40-, 50-, 55-, 65-, 80-, 99-, 120-, and 160-pound capacities, as well as tandem systems for up to 320-pound capacity. The machines reduce cycle times and speed production with Quick Dri technology, which directs airflow into the center of the drum with 95% efficiency, the company points out.

TD Mach 2 machines feature 316 stainless steel in the recovery unit, still, condenser, water separator and button trap for durability, it indicates, and the sealed refrigeration coils are accessible for easy maintenance. The IL-2 microprocessor allows users to choose up to 40 programs, and adjusts temperatures and drum speeds during every step of the cycle.

All machines, the firm relates, come with Columbia’s patented, emission-free still-cleaning system, door locks, and safety switches to maintain operator safety. www.columbiailsa.com | 800-446-5634 42

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Union Drycleaning Products Union has a diverse line of perc drycleaning machines including two- and three-tank machines available in 35- to 90-pound capacities. The P Series is a twotank, space-saving version, and the L Series is a three-tank, wide-body version, the firm relates. Union machines, the company points out, are equipped with exclusive, high-performance features to provide exceptional cleaning and cost savings. www.uniondc.com | 800-433-9401

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Realstar USA Realstar’s perc drycleaning machines are available in 35- to 90-pound capacities in two- or three-tank configurations. The T Series is available in 40-, 50-, and 60-pound capacities in a two-tank configuration, making them ideal for drycleaning facilities with space limitations, the company notes, adding that the M Series machines are available in 40- to 90-pound capacities in a three-tank configuration. The RS Series is available in a 35-pound, twotank configuration. www.realstarusa.com | 888-822-7827

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A R O U N D T H E I N D U S T RY

UniMac expands distribution network UniMac, a source of heavy duty industrial laundry solutions, recently appointed Dynamic Sales and Service (DSS) the distributor in the Pacific Northwest, it reports.

“Dynamic Sales and Service mirrors the values that UniMac prides itself on, such as delivering a level of customer service that reflects the quality of the brand,” says Bill Brooks, UniMac North American sales manager.

Based in Kirkland, Wash., DSS has served the commercial laundry needs of the Pacific Northwest since 1990.

Dan Danhof, owner of DSS, says: “I’m confident that UniMac’s world-leading products and systems technology combined with our company’s commitment to the pinnacle of service and support will be a winning combination for customers in the Pacific Northwest.”

Leather Standards label From a young age, we use leather products in all areas of life, from rugs made of sheepskin to footwear, says Oeko-Tex ®, which describes itself as a worldwide independent testing and certification system for raw, semi-finished, and finished textile products, since 1992.

Reliable verification that leather articles do not contain any harmful substances, such as the allergenic Chrom-VI, represents a valuable decision-making tool for all consumers, the firm notes.

The firm writes that products with its, “Leather Standard” label have offered the “reassurance that they have been tested against an extensive catalogue of harmful substances through independent laboratory tests,” and that they comply with the company’s strict criteria.

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W R I N KL E I N T I M E

Now A Major 10 YEARS AGO. Consumer confidence continues to slip. According to the Reuters/University of Michigan index, consumer sentiment dropped to 56.2 — near November’s all-time low of 55.3. Consumer expectations — the index’ measure of where the public thinks the economy will stand six months from now — fell more than eight points in January to 49.1, its lowest level since 1980.

35 YEARS AGO. Solvent maintenance.

The latest IFI garment analysis statistics show that poor solvent maintenance was the second most frequent dry cleaner-related cause of garment damage last year. “While in some cases poor solvent is due to high nonvolatile residue or dark solvent color, we also see a trend toward more problems with high insoluble soil content in solvents. We believe this is to be a major concern for the entire drycleaning industry,” the Institute reports.

50 YEARS AGO. Diversification, anyone? The full-service cleaning center may be the trend of the future, but surely the line has to be drawn somewhere! A bunch of promoters are now claiming that tomorrow’s housewife, while she is doing her family’s washing and cleaning at her friendly neighborhood complete cleaning center, may want to give her baby a bath, too! At any rate, it seems that a Texas inventor has obtained a patent on a contraption called “Baby Wash,” an enclosed,

March 1944 front cover; and, American Drycleaners’ general manager Smitty Abrams, who served in World War II in the Army Air Forces and was promoted to Major, is shown on left in photo shaking hands with a private and handing him his newly-purchased war bond.

circular bathtub for babies. It operates for 10 minutes for a dime and 30 minutes for a quarter (depending, one assumes, on the number of babies plunked into it or possibly on how dirty the one baby is.) Water comes into the unit through the sides. Two switches allow it to fill with water or to drain, and an automatic outlet opens the drain when water reaches a certain specific depth. It seems that a comment of some kind should be in order here, but the whole thing leaves us absolutely flabbergasted and utterly speechless!

75 YEARS AGO. Now A Major. The news items have come in about Smitty Abrams, the American Drycleaner general manager who is now serving

in the Army Air Forces during World War II. It’s now Major Abrams.

Smitty, who went in as a captain, has received a well-deserved promotion.

The accompanying photo, which appeared in the newspaper at Lowery Field, Denver, Colo., where Smitty is stationed, shows him congratulating a private who walked into his office and bought a $1,000 war bond.

Told that this would entitle him to a three-day pass, the private promptly produced another $750 for a second bond. “Just celebrating my birthday,” he said. Later he extended his bond buying to $5,000 worth. At last report Smitty’s squadron was leading all others at Lowry Field in bond ADC purchases.

— Compiled by Tim Burke, Editor

To read more of American Drycleaner’s chronicling of the industry over the years, visit www.americandrycleaner.com.

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A PARKER BOILER SHOULD BE THE LAST BOILER YOU EVER HAVE TO BUY AS

Steam Boilers 101-105 Series

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We expect 15 to 25 years from our interchangeable tube bundles, and 30 to 40 years of life our more out the boiler.

Indirect Fired Water Heaters 209-211 Series We normally expect 10-25 years out of the copper heat exchanger, 30 to 40 years out of the boiler.

Thermal Liquid Heaters 207 Series We expect 30 to 50 years out of our thermal fluid heater models 103 Series Internal View Shown On all of the above units we have continWe are asked by many new and existing customers on what is our projected life ued to build, and will continue to have expectancy of our products. We are not always the lowest initial price but know we available any part of the pressure vessel, have one of the lowest cost of ownership of any boiler manufactured in North America. burners, cabinet, and controls meaning These facts are based on our 90 plus years of boiler manufacturing, feedback and that for as long as a customer wants, experiences from our end users, service departments, and all of our representatives they will be able to infinitely repair and dealers worldwide. These life spans are based on our boilers being installed their equipment rather than replace the properly, and do receive our minimal recommended care, are applied to the correct equipment. application, and include the proper maintenance and water treatment programs.

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WELCOMETO TO WELCOME TO WELCOME YOURFUTURE FUTURE YOUR FUTURE YOUR

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fter waiting several years to choose an alternative solvent fter waiting several years choose alternative solvent “ “ “fter waiting several years to to choose an an alternative solvent ™Columbia ™ and ™ and SENSENE and Columbia and machine, I’m happy I waited.

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I couldn't be happier with my choice. decrease in in quality cleaning.

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I couldn't bebe happier with mymy choice. ~Charles D’Angelo, Oak Neck Cleaners ~Charles D’Angelo, Oak Neck Cleaners ~Charles D’Angelo, Oak Neck Cleaners West Islip, NY, USA West Islip, USA West Islip, NY,NY, USA

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e have been a perc plant for over 50 yrs.

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Although one in in Europe was making way to to there made us us want to to switch.

Although one in Europe was making its its way to ™. ™ . Stephen from Columbia Drycleaning SENSENE the States had us intrigued and that was .™Stephen from Columbia Drycleaning SENSENE States had us intrigued and that was Stephen from Columbia Drycleaning SENSENE thethe States had us intrigued and that was ™. ™ SENSENE Machines gave us the run down all alternative solvents.

We went with SENSENE Machines gave the run down all alternative solvents. went with It.™It. It SENSENE Machines gave us us the run down onon allon alternative solvents.

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