So I am finally back at home with a coffee and able to sit in front of my computer for a bit. What a great 5 days. To all you guys who pooh pooh these events and don't attend because it may take time off work and you may make less money and don't want to work for a charity sponsored by a mega corporation and so on, YOU DON'T KNOW WTF YOU'RE MISSING. You will make much more money when you return back to work with all the new ideas that will be given to you for free. Even if you've been in the business for 30-40 years, you will be inspired by the stories of other carpet cleaners who have made against all odds. You will learn how to clean carpets, tiles, upholstery, etc, from the best in the business. I don't know how many times someone said to me, "this is like my family". That's what it feels like when all of us miserable s.o.b.s get together. Family. One of my highlights was meeting Lee Stockwell. A true gentleman who can back up his comments and opinions here with a lifetime of experience. I wish I had more time to spend with him. Most popular carpet cleaner there is Grant Baverstock from down under. If you've never been to a bar with Grant, you don't know what you're missing. Absolutely hilarious, great person, great carpet cleaner and he's legally blind and operates his business from a taxi. Had a chance to use a
Trinity op machine. We cleaned some heavily soiled carpets in the back offices of the hotel. The carpets were completely trashed but came out amazing. Mikey has a video somewhere. Cleaning the Ronald Macdonald houses, some carpet cleaners ran into some of the families who have to use the facilities because their kids are so seriously ill. Very emotional for some and it brings it home why we are doing this. The spirit of generosity was evident everywhere. From the Vendors who supported us to the carpet cleaners bidding on auction items, knowing that the funds are going to a worthy cause. This is my second Mikeys
Fest and I have to say, I can't wait for the next one. I may not be able to attend Nashville but I will definitely be there in spirit. A big thanks to all the organizers and Thoughts and Prayers for Mark who ended up in the hospital from a spider bite. Anyone near Minnesota who can give Mark a hand for a few days, please do so.