My favorite local supplier went out of business recently but he was great to talk with. Another died a few years ago. The last time a supplier gave me a donut was when I took Pemberton's upholstery class back in January 2002 (on the strong recommendation from my favorite supplier that offered a competing class with another instructor. That's what was so awesome about the guy, he recommended what was best for the customer, not himself. The 5 hour drive and a few nights in a hotel were well worth the drive to Mckeesport, Pa (even though it was 22 degrees) and I learned allot and had a blast listening to some of Lee's stories. I remember him talking about 9/11 and saying , "guys you need to realize EVERYTHING just changed". I wonder if he realizes now how closely he call it. On a lighter note: The fact that the class in held in the very same old elementary school where the instructor Jim Pemberton spent so many days standing in the corner, added to the nostalgia, LOL :wink: .
Seriously I just listen to the pulse of the industry, having been in a few industries and a couple of complete nightmare businesses it is pretty easy to evaluate the "state of our industry". The pulse is still beating but with the health of a 400LB chain smoker. I predict a bunch of carpet cleaners are going to be flat-lined this winter, and more than a few manufacturers / distributors won't be around for advice anymore.
We all need to take the time to thank the old timers that have helped us over the years. During the last couple of years I have reflect on some of the chats I had with Ed York , Ralph Bloss and a few others. Add in Jay Abraham & Dan Kennedy on the marketing side of things and they are the only reason I'm still in business. You just really realize it when times of economic crisis smacks you in the head.
More then anything we all need to be ready to hit the floor running when things start to turn around.
