Need a little advise...

[jwat929]

I have owned a fairly large dry cleaners for over 35 years and we have also been in the textile restoration business for over 22 years. I am considering purchasing an existing Servpro territory that's about 2 hours away from my dry cleaning business. The numbers seem to be good but I am worried about spreading myself too thin. I am 56 years old and do not want to be working like I did when I was in my early 20's. I am hoping that after a certain amount of training I would be able to delegate 95% of the service work to key managers.

Is there anyone out there that owns a Servpro or Service Master franchise along with another business--and how is it working out for you? I have very good-experienced management and employees at the dry cleaners--but I don't want to get in a situation where this Servpro venture is all consuming. Is this a business you can delegate most of the work to key people as long as you monitor them? Thanks in advance for your help!!

 

[hogjowl]

You should be talking to ServPro. They have the systems and experience to guide you properly.

 

[Desk Jockey]

I'd pass if thats what you're looking for. The restoration business is all consuming and demands a lot of direction and leadership. Its very unlike the drycleaning business with no set times. While the the drycleaning business is demanding you generally can depend on a schedule. The restoration business is 24/7 365 days a year. One call and you need a dozen people to respond within hours. Operating as an absentee owner is a recipe for disaster.

Can you leave the drycleaning operation in good hands and run with restoration?

 

[jwat929]

I can't leave the drycleaning operation indefinitely--too many moving parts...we also do quite a bit of textile restoration..thanks for your advice!!

 

[Desk Jockey]

The other option is hire away one of your younger managers from the dry cleaning business.

However I think you'll need more commitment from him than just an employee. He needs some skin in the game, maybe make him a limited partner with a share in growth goals.

He can eventually be your exit strategy when you decide you are ready to retire from the restoration business.

It might be worth the expense of a consultant whether you go forward with Restoration or not.
http://violand.com/

 

[Papa John]

I'd pass if thats what you're looking for. The restoration business is all consuming and demands a lot of direction and leadership. Its very unlike the drycleaning business with no set times. While the the drycleaning business is demanding you generally can depend on a schedule. The restoration business is 24/7 365 days a year. One call and you need a dozen people to respond within hours. Operating as an absentee owner is a recipe for disaster.

Can you leave the drycleaning operation in good hands and run with restoration?

I Second That!
John-- The Doc is giving you very good advise-- take it.
I would deplore having to start from the beginning again-- Its just too painful.

Due to High Taxes and Greed-- the middle class is shrinking. The Middle class are a CC "Bread n Butter" and THAT is why business is so hard for upstarts and even some existing CC.

 

[jwat929]

Thanks so much for your helpful advise Doc!!

 

[jwat929]

I Second That!
John-- The Doc is giving you very good advise-- take it.
I would deplore having to start from the beginning again-- Its just too painful.

Due to High Taxes and Greed-- the middle class is shrinking. The Middle class are a CC "Bread n Butter" and THAT is why business is so hard for upstarts and even some existing CC.

Thanks John!!

 

[bob vawter]

FIRST OF ALL.....
i would advise yous all how ta spell advice.......!

 

[GCCLee]

Behave yurself Bawb!


Yur spellin suks worser, lol




And Yes, Doc has earned his stripes!!!! Very Sound Advize : )