We are T-1 day from the launch of our annual Holiday Promotion and we are all really excited for what the winter season may hold for Super Wash. We have had a SUPER fall so far, having had an opportunity to be out on the road meeting with many of our wonderful managers and attendants. We know they are going to do their best to make a positive difference to our customers, and that feeling is just wonderful.
If you happen to live near a Super Wash, please head out to the wash this weekend as approximately 175 of our stores will be giving away FREE WASHES this Friday and Saturday (Nov. 19 and 20) to celebrate the kickoff of our Holiday Promotion. Tokens will be on sale at the biggest discount of the year and make great gifts for those special people on your holiday list who "have everything" or who are hard to buy for.
All of us at Super Wash, wish you and your family a joyous Thanksgiving. Thank you for all you do to be SUPER!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
What a Day at Subway!
I had the amazing privilege of presenting two motivational/educational speeches at the Subway Worldwide Franchisee Convention this past Friday and Saturday. What a day at Subway!! There were 4500 people in attendance, from all around the world, including about 900 vendors to the Subway system. Subway currently has just over 33,000 stores in 90 countries!! Can you believe that? It's hard for me to even wrap my mind around! I learned a lot of interesting stuff through this opportunity (some "deep" things about me personally included), but one neat statistic was in regards to the frequency of people in North America eating out at QSR's or Quick Serve Restaurants. Did you know, that 31% of North American's are considered "heavy QSR users," meaning they eat at a QSR more than 12 times a month - TWELVE TIMES A MONTH!! But if you think about it, many who eat lunch out during the work week quickly fall into this category. Additionally about 34% are considerate "moderate" user (4-11 times per month) and 34% are considered "non/low" users in that they eat at QSR's 0-3 times per month. Which category do you fall in to? Depends on the month for me - if it is a busy travel month, I could easily be somewhere between a moderate and a heavy user. Thank you Subway for your subs under 6 grams of fat!!
The Subway system is made up of many family's, so they seemed to really relate to the family business side of Super Wash. I had a number of people approach me after the Saturday session, in particular, to tell me about their family business experience. For me, that's when we really start having fun!
And it certainly is a small world. After Friday's session, a Subway franchisee came up to me and said, "My mom and dad are franchisees of yours and I wanted to introduce myself." I had no idea who should could have been talking about because her last name did not look familiar (she's married). When she told me who her parents are, I just lit up! She has two super parents who have been a part of the Super Wash family since 1985 and we just adore them. It was a special treat to meet her at the Subway Convention.
Until next time, have a super week!
Susan
The Subway system is made up of many family's, so they seemed to really relate to the family business side of Super Wash. I had a number of people approach me after the Saturday session, in particular, to tell me about their family business experience. For me, that's when we really start having fun!
And it certainly is a small world. After Friday's session, a Subway franchisee came up to me and said, "My mom and dad are franchisees of yours and I wanted to introduce myself." I had no idea who should could have been talking about because her last name did not look familiar (she's married). When she told me who her parents are, I just lit up! She has two super parents who have been a part of the Super Wash family since 1985 and we just adore them. It was a special treat to meet her at the Subway Convention.
Until next time, have a super week!
Susan
Friday, July 16, 2010
Next Generation of Talent
I had the pleasure of meeting two young guys this week who, like me and my sister, grew up in the car wash industry. Both Ryan and Kyle are doing some cool and innovative stuff to bring more awareness, via newer technology, to the car wash industry. What I especially liked about these guys is how both of them seem to have a real sense of need to give back to the industry in which they were raised. As you can probably imagine, car washing is very much a family business venture. It was that way when we started in the 70's and it's still that way today. What we are experiencing now though is the next generation coming into their 20's, 30's and 40's and really putting their mark on this industry.
Ryan and I had a chance to work together yesterday on a podcast focused on community involvement and fundraising, and he did a really nice job as the host. The podcast will likely be posted either today or early next week at www.washideas.com. It is also available as a podcast through itunes. Ryan produces this podcast as basically a hobby and his day job company, Wash Card Systems, allows him to do so on company time. Now that's thinking outside the box!! I applaud both Ryan and Wash Card Systems for their efforts to make this industry more inclusive. Thank you!
Kyle is creating "behind the scenes" looks at different companies in the car wash industry. He is posting those looks on his website www.carwashtv.com. Another great and innovative offering by some of the car wash industries next generation of talent.
Who's next up in your industry? What are they bringing to the table? Are you listening to what they are saying? How can you mentor them into being the next generation of leaders? All good things to be thinking about...
Until next time, be SUPER!!
Susan
Ryan and I had a chance to work together yesterday on a podcast focused on community involvement and fundraising, and he did a really nice job as the host. The podcast will likely be posted either today or early next week at www.washideas.com. It is also available as a podcast through itunes. Ryan produces this podcast as basically a hobby and his day job company, Wash Card Systems, allows him to do so on company time. Now that's thinking outside the box!! I applaud both Ryan and Wash Card Systems for their efforts to make this industry more inclusive. Thank you!
Kyle is creating "behind the scenes" looks at different companies in the car wash industry. He is posting those looks on his website www.carwashtv.com. Another great and innovative offering by some of the car wash industries next generation of talent.
Who's next up in your industry? What are they bringing to the table? Are you listening to what they are saying? How can you mentor them into being the next generation of leaders? All good things to be thinking about...
Until next time, be SUPER!!
Susan
Monday, June 28, 2010
1st Annual FoodRaiser a SUPER Success!
For the entire month of May, select Super Wash® car washes, hosted a Food-Raiser to raise money for local food pantries. I am very thrilled to report we collectively raised $52,460 with an average donation of $325.00 made to each participating food pantry! There were 162 participating facilities contributing to that $52,460 donation. All of the money raised will stay in the local community to benefit local families.
On their website, www.feedingamerica.org, Feeding America, the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity, states, “For every $1.00 donated Feeding America can provide 7 meals to men, women and children facing hunger in our country.” This means that the $52,000 Super Wash donation will provide 364,000 meals to hungry families in the local communities we serve. If you are so inclined, please consider making a donation to Feeding America, or your local food pantry, to help those in need during these challenging times.
A big THANK YOU to all who helped make our first FoodRaiser a SUPER success!! It is our intention to make this an annual event. As Mary (my mom and co-founder of Super Wash) says, “A clean car does a body good!”
Until Next Time, Be Super!!
Susan
On their website, www.feedingamerica.org, Feeding America, the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity, states, “For every $1.00 donated Feeding America can provide 7 meals to men, women and children facing hunger in our country.” This means that the $52,000 Super Wash donation will provide 364,000 meals to hungry families in the local communities we serve. If you are so inclined, please consider making a donation to Feeding America, or your local food pantry, to help those in need during these challenging times.
A big THANK YOU to all who helped make our first FoodRaiser a SUPER success!! It is our intention to make this an annual event. As Mary (my mom and co-founder of Super Wash) says, “A clean car does a body good!”
Until Next Time, Be Super!!
Susan
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
So Many Without Food
For purchases made in the month of May, Super Wash will donate $1.00 for every "Super Wash" automatic car wash and $1.50 of every 4-token package to local food pantries. We recognized a great need that we hope to be able to help fill in some small way, and what we have learned along the way has been very powerful. Did you know there are many families, kids particularly, right here in this country who go extended periods of time without eating? I learned that summer is one of the highest demand periods for Food Pantries because kids are not in school where they would otherwise have gotten state-funded lunch. As a kid growing up in a small farming community in western Illinois, I always cheered for snow days in the winter, even if we had to make them up later on. Do you know who doesn't root for a snow day? Kids who will not eat that day because they are not in school. Many of these kids do not have sufficient nutrition over weekends for this very same reason.
We have been so fortunate to talk with the wonderful volunteers who keep these Food Pantries running. What wonderful work they are doing! I got shivers the day we heard, "You have just answered a prayer for us." We are so grateful to be able to help local families in the communities we serve.
Please consider making a donation to your local Food Pantry - no matter the time of year. Food is great, cash is always welcome (in many communities, they use the cash to buy vouchers to the local grocery stores so families can buy perishable items the Food Pantry can't readily provide) and volunteered time is a very valuable commodity. These are tough times for many Americans. Let's commit to making a positive difference this May, and always! Until next time, have a super week!
We have been so fortunate to talk with the wonderful volunteers who keep these Food Pantries running. What wonderful work they are doing! I got shivers the day we heard, "You have just answered a prayer for us." We are so grateful to be able to help local families in the communities we serve.
Please consider making a donation to your local Food Pantry - no matter the time of year. Food is great, cash is always welcome (in many communities, they use the cash to buy vouchers to the local grocery stores so families can buy perishable items the Food Pantry can't readily provide) and volunteered time is a very valuable commodity. These are tough times for many Americans. Let's commit to making a positive difference this May, and always! Until next time, have a super week!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Renewed Energy
Our annual Franchisee Homecoming was a success! Our theme was "Renewed Energy" and from the comments we have received back, our franchisees definitely left with renewed energy. How great it feels to be able to offer this kind of opportunity to our franchise partners!
There are times when all of us lose steam, when our "Passion Buckets" are empty. There is no harm in losing steam every once in awhile, but there is harm in not re-energizing when the time comes. When you're feeling low on spunk, do like we did at our franchisee meeting last week, surround yourself with people who have positive energy and believe in you. They will help fill your Passion Bucket right back up.
Have a super week!
There are times when all of us lose steam, when our "Passion Buckets" are empty. There is no harm in losing steam every once in awhile, but there is harm in not re-energizing when the time comes. When you're feeling low on spunk, do like we did at our franchisee meeting last week, surround yourself with people who have positive energy and believe in you. They will help fill your Passion Bucket right back up.
Have a super week!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Franchisee Homecoming - A Labor of Love
WoW! Our Corporate staff is caught up in the whirlwind of getting ready for our franchisees to be back at our headquarters tomorrow and Friday. For me, our annual Homecoming is a bit like preparing to welcome a new baby. The few days before "D-Day" are all anxiety-filled, you're exhausted, running around frantically making last minute preparations. Then, D-Day arrives and it's uncomfortable. You just want everything to go well, and according to plan. There is pain, there is excitement, there is more exhaustion, there is complete bliss when it's all over. Then, you go home and nurture this new baby and somewhere along the line you forget all the mania, the exhaustion and the pain and only remember the bliss. In the end, you sign up to do it all over again!!
I will make an admission that I am really looking forward to Friday afternoon. Not because it will be all over, but because it will be at that time that we can hopefully look back on our labor of love and bask in the glow of a job well done. Our programming is very interactive this year so I am anxious to see what our franchisees think. Additionally, almost half of our attendees are first time Homecoming attendees, so that will add a super dynamic to the group.
Wish us luck, cause this baby's comin', whether we're ready or not!! Thankfully, I'm pretty sure we're all set! Have a super week!!
I will make an admission that I am really looking forward to Friday afternoon. Not because it will be all over, but because it will be at that time that we can hopefully look back on our labor of love and bask in the glow of a job well done. Our programming is very interactive this year so I am anxious to see what our franchisees think. Additionally, almost half of our attendees are first time Homecoming attendees, so that will add a super dynamic to the group.
Wish us luck, cause this baby's comin', whether we're ready or not!! Thankfully, I'm pretty sure we're all set! Have a super week!!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Francheesor
It is very important for all of us to continuously expand our vocabulary. This week I learned a new word, "Francheesor". I was at a non-franchise industry event and the person I was talking was asking me about the different parties involved in franchising. After you say, "Franchisee" and "Franchisor" so many times, it apparently combines real nicely into "Francheesor". I thought this was hi-larious, but did manage to not embarass myself by laughing outright. I am wondering if I can use "francheesor" when I give speeches about franchisee/franchisor relationships??
Now that UFOC is defunct, I think francheesor should take over as the funnest word in franchising!
Until next time, have a super weekend!
Now that UFOC is defunct, I think francheesor should take over as the funnest word in franchising!
Until next time, have a super weekend!
Friday, April 9, 2010
"Girlfriend Kidnapped By Ninjas..."
My sister-in-law and I took our niece to Chicago last weekend to see Beauty and the Beast in celebration of her big 5th birthday. As we were walking from the theater to Elephant and Castle for dinner, we saw numerous homeless people with signs out panhandling. One sign really caught my attention - "Girlfriend Kidnapped By Ninjas. Need $ for Kung-fu Lessons!" When the going gets tough, the tough get creative!! I love it!
Make a pact with yourself to take one challenge that comes up next week and look at it through completely new filters. Call a trusted friend and run the scenario by them. Oftentimes we are just to close to the problem to see the creative solution. Gather as much input from as many varied sources as you feel appropriate, and then get creative. There is almost always a different way (and often better way) to do things than the one we're accustomed to. If you get stuck, take a break and join a kung-fu class so at the very least you'll be able to save a loved one from ninjas!
Have a super weekend!
Make a pact with yourself to take one challenge that comes up next week and look at it through completely new filters. Call a trusted friend and run the scenario by them. Oftentimes we are just to close to the problem to see the creative solution. Gather as much input from as many varied sources as you feel appropriate, and then get creative. There is almost always a different way (and often better way) to do things than the one we're accustomed to. If you get stuck, take a break and join a kung-fu class so at the very least you'll be able to save a loved one from ninjas!
Have a super weekend!
Friday, April 2, 2010
The Personal Touch
A couple of weeks ago I mentioned my husband and his buddies would be watching NCAA basketball here at our house. Friday night is pizza night and the guys decided to order from a local pizza place, mostly because there was a buy 1 pizza, get 1 free special going on. I had taken the kids to a friend's house for a play date so I didn't get to experience the pizza, but I did get to interact with the pizza shop owner a few days later. I work from home most days and was surprised, to say the least, when the name of the pizza place came up on our caller ID. I was even more surprised after the call. You see, the owner of the pizza restaurant saw from his records that we were new customers and just wanted to call and see how we liked our pizza and if we were happy with the service they provided. The whole call took 30 seconds, but let me tell you, it left a very lasting impression! As a customer, I sincerely appreciate the owner/manager calling me to thank me for my business. There is a lesson in here for all of us, personally and in business; in this age of technology and social media the personal touch still matters - a lot!!
The personal touch is the reason Bob and Mary decided 25+ years ago to staff their Super Wash car washes. We are always striving to make a positive difference, and we greatly appreciate the efforts of our 700+ Super Wash managers and attendants who help us offer the personal touch.
For those celebrating Easter this weekend, enjoy the holiday!! For all, enjoy the first weekend of April - it's hard to believe it is here already!
Until next time, be SUPER!
The personal touch is the reason Bob and Mary decided 25+ years ago to staff their Super Wash car washes. We are always striving to make a positive difference, and we greatly appreciate the efforts of our 700+ Super Wash managers and attendants who help us offer the personal touch.
For those celebrating Easter this weekend, enjoy the holiday!! For all, enjoy the first weekend of April - it's hard to believe it is here already!
Until next time, be SUPER!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Franchises: Where Traditions and Memories are Made
Today is my oldest son's 4th birthday. At 6:00 AM this morning I was out the door to our local Dunkin' Donuts(R) to buy him a big jelly donut, which we ultimately stuck a large "4" candle in for him to blow out at breakfast. What a super way to start out your birthday, right?? This tradition originally started out as an "oops" because I hadn't gotten a cake or cupcakes made for his birthday and I needed something quick to put a candle in. He loves DD jelly donuts so off I went. And here we are now continuing that "oops tradition, treasuring those memories made with Dunkin' Donuts.
It seems like franchising sometimes get a bad rap, mostly by folks who may not truly understand the importance of the franchisor/franchisee relationship, but as I was cruising to DD this morning I reflected on how many wonderful traditions and memories my family has built at franchised businesses. In addition to Dunkin' Donuts for your birthday: 1) Each kids' 1st birthday was celebrated with just them, me and their dad at McDonald's(R). Their first Happy Meal(R) was a big occasion for us since my husband was a McDonald's "Employee of the Year" back in his youth. 2)We had a wonderful party at Chuck E. Cheese's(R) this past weekend. Andrew and his cousin, Izy (who was celebrating her 5th birthday), smiled the whole time. They had a blast, and so did we. The Chuck E. Cheese's staff was so accomodating and cheerful and truly made the party relaxed and enjoyable instead of chaotic. I will never forget acting like a kid for a few minutes myself and challenging my dad to a couple of games of Ski-ball. Not that it's important, but I won. I am sure this will be the first of many Chuck E. Cheese's parties. 3)Me, and lots of kids, treasure the memory of washing the family vehicle at a Super Wash(R) car wash with dad on the weekend. To this day, thirty some years after I started hangin' out at the car wash with my mom and dad, when I am in a self-serve bay at a Super Wash I am totally at ease. It's just me, the water and the dirt. It feels so good when I am done washing my car and I can see what I accomplished. Thanks mom and dad.
Franchises: where traditions and memories are made. Thank you to all of the men and women out there who reached for the dream of owning your own business and did so through franchising. My family and I will do our best to keep making traditions and memories at your businesses - I'm sure many other families will to!
Happy Birthday, Andrew! You are my heart.
Until next week, have a SUPER weekend!!
It seems like franchising sometimes get a bad rap, mostly by folks who may not truly understand the importance of the franchisor/franchisee relationship, but as I was cruising to DD this morning I reflected on how many wonderful traditions and memories my family has built at franchised businesses. In addition to Dunkin' Donuts for your birthday: 1) Each kids' 1st birthday was celebrated with just them, me and their dad at McDonald's(R). Their first Happy Meal(R) was a big occasion for us since my husband was a McDonald's "Employee of the Year" back in his youth. 2)We had a wonderful party at Chuck E. Cheese's(R) this past weekend. Andrew and his cousin, Izy (who was celebrating her 5th birthday), smiled the whole time. They had a blast, and so did we. The Chuck E. Cheese's staff was so accomodating and cheerful and truly made the party relaxed and enjoyable instead of chaotic. I will never forget acting like a kid for a few minutes myself and challenging my dad to a couple of games of Ski-ball. Not that it's important, but I won. I am sure this will be the first of many Chuck E. Cheese's parties. 3)Me, and lots of kids, treasure the memory of washing the family vehicle at a Super Wash(R) car wash with dad on the weekend. To this day, thirty some years after I started hangin' out at the car wash with my mom and dad, when I am in a self-serve bay at a Super Wash I am totally at ease. It's just me, the water and the dirt. It feels so good when I am done washing my car and I can see what I accomplished. Thanks mom and dad.
Franchises: where traditions and memories are made. Thank you to all of the men and women out there who reached for the dream of owning your own business and did so through franchising. My family and I will do our best to keep making traditions and memories at your businesses - I'm sure many other families will to!
Happy Birthday, Andrew! You are my heart.
Until next week, have a SUPER weekend!!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
The Business of Basketball
What a wonderful time of year! The snow is finally just about permanently gone here in the midwest, we will have a smattering of 60 and 70 degree days, the flowers are starting to burst through the soil, we get to be silly and celebrate St. Patrick's Day and we get to be very serious and watch basketball!! Starting tomorrow afternoon, there will be anywhere from 3 - 10 (at most times) grown men lounging around our living room soaking in basketball on three t.v.'s. Yes, that's right, it's a mini-version of Buffalo Wild Wings right here at home! If only we could have a flat-screen installed above the toilet in the first floor bathroom I think we would be golden!! I absolutely love that my husband and his buddies get together every year to watch these games. It's a wonderful opportunity for comraderie, stress-release and just good old fashioned conversation. By "conversation" I mean, "DRIVE TO THE HOOP!" "You Idiots, you won't win if you can't score!" That sort of good old fashioned conversation. One of my favorite stand-up comedians, Rob Riggle, does a whole bit about how he can spend 45 minutes on the phone with his best friend and not find out a single thing about his friend's life - not how his kid is doing, if his mom's still sick, nothing. I am quite certain that is happening all around the country this week as friends gather to take in the basketball action. I say, "Cheers! Go to it!"
The NCAA tourney is for all intents and purposes, survival of the fittest. A lot like life, and a whole lot like business. Isn't it true that in business the weak don't often survive? You have to want to win, and you have to want to win more than the other team (competition) does. You have to be willing to scrap, throw yourself into the bleachers and sprint when you are out of breath. There will be times of upset where a "Cinderella" team makes a run for the title, but ultimately, they will have to have flawless execution and determination in spades in order to pull off the victory.
When it all gets a little overwhelming, ask yourself: Do I want it? Do I want it more than everyone else? Am I willing to take the game-winning three and shoulder the responsibility of victory and defeat? If the answer is yes, then trench in and be the fittest Cinderella out there.
Until next time, have a super week!
Susan
The NCAA tourney is for all intents and purposes, survival of the fittest. A lot like life, and a whole lot like business. Isn't it true that in business the weak don't often survive? You have to want to win, and you have to want to win more than the other team (competition) does. You have to be willing to scrap, throw yourself into the bleachers and sprint when you are out of breath. There will be times of upset where a "Cinderella" team makes a run for the title, but ultimately, they will have to have flawless execution and determination in spades in order to pull off the victory.
When it all gets a little overwhelming, ask yourself: Do I want it? Do I want it more than everyone else? Am I willing to take the game-winning three and shoulder the responsibility of victory and defeat? If the answer is yes, then trench in and be the fittest Cinderella out there.
Until next time, have a super week!
Susan
Friday, March 5, 2010
The Advantage of an "Athlete's Mentality"
I've been out of the loop for a couple of weeks because I had to have some surgery. I have Crohn's Disease and after about ten years of battling it out, the disease finally won this round resulting in my having to have part of my small intestine removed. The surgery was a success, with no complications, but the side effects of the surgery were really challenging for me. I am home recovering now, and am glad to be out of the morphine haze I was living in at the hospital!
I've learned lots of things over the last six weeks, including the absolute importance of wonderful, supportive friends, but also the tremendous advantage having an athlete's mentality offers. I will never try to pass myself off as a true athlete, but I certainly have participated in my fair share of sports over the years. These days I enjoy the challenges of mini-triathlons and will always love playing, and watching, most all of the "standard" sports. Hey, back in the day, I even loved a good Jarts! match, before they outlawed them, of course!! What has really been emphasized to me lately is how having that driven athlete's mentality can really proper you forward. Let me give an example. I was told I would be in the hospital for about five days after the surgery. There would be many incremental targets that would need to be hit for me to get sprung on day five. Well, I am married to a wonderful guy and have two super sweet little boys at home - there was no way I was staying in that hospital one day longer than absolutely necessary, I was going home regardless of what it took. With abdominal surgeries, one of the most important, and crucial, things you have to do is get up and get moving. Trust me, it often hurts like hell to get up and get moving, but if you wanna bust outta there on time, you gotta do it. So, I did it. I started logging laps around my hospital floor. The first couple of laps were REALLY slow while holding on to my IV pole and my constant steadying force, my husband. From those first laps, the length of time I spent cirlcing that floor just increased. On day three, I logged over 2 1/2 hours of laps, all in an effort to get better and get outta there.
There was a young lady on my floor, twenty-eight years old and she had just had the Whipple surgery. This is a very complicated and involved surgery where they remove part of your pancreas and other parts of your digestive track. For her, this surgery was necessitated by chronic pancreatitis and was her last option for a good quality of life. Well, I picked her out of the crowd on the floor, because she was pretty much the only one remotely close to my age. If I saw her out walking the hall, I got out and walked the halls - she was NOT going to log more laps than me. I'm not sure I motivated her the same way she motivated me, but on Day 4 we ended up doing rounds together. I don't know her name, but I do know I wish her all the best in her recovery, and thank her for being the "competition" she never knew she was.
There is an instinct inside of most really good athlete's that does not allow for accepting failure or being beaten. No one is going to "one up" them. They will shoot hundreds of free throws a day; catch pass after pass; hit bucket after bucket of balls; run mile upon mile all in an effort to attain their goals, be the best and not let the competition get the better of them. Doesn't the same apply in business? Don't many of the really outstanding business leaders you admire have that athlete's mentality where they will dig in and do whatever necessary to prevail? Both of my parents have a "never say die" attitude and in my opinion, that has been as instrumental as any other factor in their going from where they were in 1976 to where they are today.
So, the next time the chips seem like their down, there's no way out, no way to win, take a deep breath, visualize where you want to go, strategize the plan for getting there, and then, most importantly, get back out in the hallways and do a few hundred laps. You will recover and be on the path to good personal, and business health, before you know it!
Until next time, have a SUPER weekend.
I've learned lots of things over the last six weeks, including the absolute importance of wonderful, supportive friends, but also the tremendous advantage having an athlete's mentality offers. I will never try to pass myself off as a true athlete, but I certainly have participated in my fair share of sports over the years. These days I enjoy the challenges of mini-triathlons and will always love playing, and watching, most all of the "standard" sports. Hey, back in the day, I even loved a good Jarts! match, before they outlawed them, of course!! What has really been emphasized to me lately is how having that driven athlete's mentality can really proper you forward. Let me give an example. I was told I would be in the hospital for about five days after the surgery. There would be many incremental targets that would need to be hit for me to get sprung on day five. Well, I am married to a wonderful guy and have two super sweet little boys at home - there was no way I was staying in that hospital one day longer than absolutely necessary, I was going home regardless of what it took. With abdominal surgeries, one of the most important, and crucial, things you have to do is get up and get moving. Trust me, it often hurts like hell to get up and get moving, but if you wanna bust outta there on time, you gotta do it. So, I did it. I started logging laps around my hospital floor. The first couple of laps were REALLY slow while holding on to my IV pole and my constant steadying force, my husband. From those first laps, the length of time I spent cirlcing that floor just increased. On day three, I logged over 2 1/2 hours of laps, all in an effort to get better and get outta there.
There was a young lady on my floor, twenty-eight years old and she had just had the Whipple surgery. This is a very complicated and involved surgery where they remove part of your pancreas and other parts of your digestive track. For her, this surgery was necessitated by chronic pancreatitis and was her last option for a good quality of life. Well, I picked her out of the crowd on the floor, because she was pretty much the only one remotely close to my age. If I saw her out walking the hall, I got out and walked the halls - she was NOT going to log more laps than me. I'm not sure I motivated her the same way she motivated me, but on Day 4 we ended up doing rounds together. I don't know her name, but I do know I wish her all the best in her recovery, and thank her for being the "competition" she never knew she was.
There is an instinct inside of most really good athlete's that does not allow for accepting failure or being beaten. No one is going to "one up" them. They will shoot hundreds of free throws a day; catch pass after pass; hit bucket after bucket of balls; run mile upon mile all in an effort to attain their goals, be the best and not let the competition get the better of them. Doesn't the same apply in business? Don't many of the really outstanding business leaders you admire have that athlete's mentality where they will dig in and do whatever necessary to prevail? Both of my parents have a "never say die" attitude and in my opinion, that has been as instrumental as any other factor in their going from where they were in 1976 to where they are today.
So, the next time the chips seem like their down, there's no way out, no way to win, take a deep breath, visualize where you want to go, strategize the plan for getting there, and then, most importantly, get back out in the hallways and do a few hundred laps. You will recover and be on the path to good personal, and business health, before you know it!
Until next time, have a SUPER weekend.
Monday, February 8, 2010
George W. Bush's "New Domestic Agenda"
Being a part of the 2010 IFA Convention Planning Committee was fun, but seeing the whole 50th Anniversary Convention come together was really fun!! When we were having discussion about who the Opening General Session speaker should be, no one was quite sure how Bush would be received so shortly after the ending of his Presidency. Quite frankly, that trepidation was also part of the appeal. Well, I must say, I think we made the right decision because Bush was tremendously appealing to those who already liked him and he even "impressed" some who went into the session disliking him. He was funny, witty, patriotic, self-depracating and Joe Average-guy with those with whom he interacted. He said Laura told him he now has time to take out the garbage - his new "Domestic Agenda" - very cute!
The IFA once again did a stellar job pulling together a wonderful event. Unfortunately, I was not able to stay for it all, but I know the ending was probably better than the beginning. Way to go IFA staff and volunteers! It was such a pleasure to work on this event from start to finish. And, the Women's Leadership Conference rocked!! Jane Abell, President/COO of Donato's Pizza, did a great job being very forthright and transparent with their story. Our panelists, and moderator, Kerry Olson, were great and added much value!
As is always the issue when coming back from Convention - what to do with all this new information??? 1) Process 2) Prioritize 3) Plan to implement. What a great challenge to have! I better get to sorting through all of my info so we can get to prioritizing. Have a SUPER day!
The IFA once again did a stellar job pulling together a wonderful event. Unfortunately, I was not able to stay for it all, but I know the ending was probably better than the beginning. Way to go IFA staff and volunteers! It was such a pleasure to work on this event from start to finish. And, the Women's Leadership Conference rocked!! Jane Abell, President/COO of Donato's Pizza, did a great job being very forthright and transparent with their story. Our panelists, and moderator, Kerry Olson, were great and added much value!
As is always the issue when coming back from Convention - what to do with all this new information??? 1) Process 2) Prioritize 3) Plan to implement. What a great challenge to have! I better get to sorting through all of my info so we can get to prioritizing. Have a SUPER day!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Communicating for Success
As I mentioned last week, many of the best and brightest in franchising will be heading to San Antonio, TX this week for the International Franchise Association's 50th Anniversary Convention. This event is always one I look forward to, but I am especially eager this year because I am really excited about the panel discussion I will be moderating on Saturday directly after the opening general session. Why am I so excited? A) because after multiple years of speaking at this convention, I'm finally a part of a panel that got a primo speaking slot :) and B)I am absolutely passionate about the topic. This year I will be moderating a panel entitled "Communicating for Success - Fostering Positive Franchisor/Franchisee Relationships". The panel will consist of Steve Hockett, VP of Ops for Great Clips Inc., Jeff Jervik, President and CEO of Fitness Together Holdings and Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS Intl. I couldn't be more pleased to be presenting with this group of outstanding leaders. I count myself very lucky to be personally acquainted with both Steve and Catherine, and am so glad to have met Jeff through this panel. Each of these individuals, in their own personal way, are making huge impacts on their organizations, and franchising as a whole. If you are attending the convention, and are looking for real-time, practical, applicable knowledge on how to foster positive relationships with your franchisees (and/or with your Zor), I would highly recommend you participate in our breakout session. We're 'on' right after the President! Until I see you in Texas, have a SUPER day!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Crystal Compass Recognition by IFA's WFC
I have been very fortunate in my life, and career, to have met some really wonderful individuals. People who are caring, passionate, devoted leaders that enjoy sharing their knowledge with others. One of these such people is Saunda Kitchen. Saunda and her husband Paul are multi-unit Mr. Rooter(r)franchisees in California. In one week I will have the great pleasure, and honor, of flying to San Antonio, TX to recognize Saunda as the first-ever franchisee recipient of the Crystal Compass. Since 2001, the Women's Franchise Committee has proudly bestowed the honor of the Crystal Compass upon a successful leader in franchising. The Crystal Compass was established to recognize an IFA member who has made significant contributions within their franchise organization, the franchise community or community in which they live. Ultimately, it recognizes leadership. Examples of such leadership include undertaking a project to greatly improve the working environment of employees; successfully managing a dramatic change in the organizational nature of the company; fostering or promoting awareness of franchising to the non-franchising community; spearheading activities designed to promote or develop franchise relationships within the franchise community; or conducting volunteer work with third party organizations relating to leadership. Saunda is currently secretary of the IFA’s Franchisee Forum and is also Co-Chairing the IFA’s Franchise Congress initiative. Saunda has been involved with franchising since 1996. Saunda was named Woman of the Year for Mr. Rooter in 2008 and was also named to the Top 40 under 40 Leaders of the North Bay in California in 2008. Recently she developed a Zees for Zees outreach program which lends financial and motivational support to start up or struggling franchisees. She and Paul, along with their 5 children, live in Sonoma County, California. Saunda - it's a pleasure to know you and I can't wait for next week!
Next week the best and brightest minds in franchising will infiltrate San Antonio for the International Franchise Association's 50th Anniversary annual convention. This is a must-attend event for any franchisor or supplier to the franchise segment. Franchisees will also find beneficial programming at this excellent event. I am personally very much looking forward to reconnecting with the many wonderful folks I have met over my past ten years in franchising - see you soon my friends! Until then, have a SUPER day!
Next week the best and brightest minds in franchising will infiltrate San Antonio for the International Franchise Association's 50th Anniversary annual convention. This is a must-attend event for any franchisor or supplier to the franchise segment. Franchisees will also find beneficial programming at this excellent event. I am personally very much looking forward to reconnecting with the many wonderful folks I have met over my past ten years in franchising - see you soon my friends! Until then, have a SUPER day!
Friday, January 22, 2010
Why, oh Why "Scary Guy" ?
At Super Wash, our mission is to "Meet and Greet Each Customer and Make A Positive Difference In Their Day". We try to live this mission at every level of the company, but it is certainly paramount on the "front lines" at the car washes. We are very proud of the fact that over the years Super Wash has provided a place of employment for hundreds of managers/attendants who help us achieve our mission while providing them an opportunity to contribute to their community. Many, many of these managers/attendants have been retirees who have come to us after years of service to another company or organization. We are very fortunate to benefit from their past work, and life!, experiences. There are a number of heart-warming stories about managers/attendants being brought ice cream by adoring fans, handing out suckers to kids and treats to the family pet who rides along to the car wash, helping someone down on their luck find a place to call 'home' and also being laid to rest in their "Super Wash Blues" (Super Wash uniform coats/shirts/hats are all royal blue in color). We have been profoundly touched by these individuals and their stories and we are grateful for their contribution to this company's legacy.
As every employer knows though, not all employees are shining stars. We also have a story about a guy simply referred to as "Scary Guy". Yeah, he doesn't work at a Super Wash(r) car wash anymore. Scary Guy did not give customers, or anyone he came into contact with frankly, that warm fuzzy feeling. We've all had an experience with Scary Guy at some retail location and for many of us, that person affected our decision to return to that business. While there is no dollar value that can be put on an outstanding employee and what they bring to a business, there is also no dollar amount that can fully showcase the long-lasting damage a poor employee has caused. For the love of your business, and customers, help Scary Guy exit your system ASAP!
In these trying economic times, outstanding customer service is so very important. A note to myself as an employer, and to you, is to invest the time to find super people to represent you to your customers. There are lots of really wonderful people out there who want to do a good job and contribute. Dig a little deeper to find them. Trust me, Scary Guy is right at the surface of the employment pool, skip by him/her, dive a little deeper and you will find that person who will 'Make A Positive Difference' for your team. Until next time, have a SUPER day!
As every employer knows though, not all employees are shining stars. We also have a story about a guy simply referred to as "Scary Guy". Yeah, he doesn't work at a Super Wash(r) car wash anymore. Scary Guy did not give customers, or anyone he came into contact with frankly, that warm fuzzy feeling. We've all had an experience with Scary Guy at some retail location and for many of us, that person affected our decision to return to that business. While there is no dollar value that can be put on an outstanding employee and what they bring to a business, there is also no dollar amount that can fully showcase the long-lasting damage a poor employee has caused. For the love of your business, and customers, help Scary Guy exit your system ASAP!
In these trying economic times, outstanding customer service is so very important. A note to myself as an employer, and to you, is to invest the time to find super people to represent you to your customers. There are lots of really wonderful people out there who want to do a good job and contribute. Dig a little deeper to find them. Trust me, Scary Guy is right at the surface of the employment pool, skip by him/her, dive a little deeper and you will find that person who will 'Make A Positive Difference' for your team. Until next time, have a SUPER day!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
You Haven't 'Tried Everything'
There is a Domino's(R) Pizza about two blocks from my house one site removed from a very busy 4-way stoplight intersection. It is a smaller establishment with a drive-through and a standard light up readerboard out front. I was intrigued all last summer when they had one of their employees (or more likely the son of the owner - we boss's kids are asked to do some goofy things) sitting/standing out front wearing a big, multi-colored, frizzy clown wig offering a $5.99 dinner option. I thought, "Well, huh, that's different." I didn't give it much more thought until I was going to pick my kids up from day care a couple of weeks later and there was the guy in the clown wig again. This time he was running up and down the busy street waving a sign board advertising the value dinner option, still wearing the wig. This time I thought to myself, "You haven't tried everything until you have a kid wearing a clown wig run up and down the street!"
In and out, day after day, we work with people or hear people or ARE people who say, "I've tried EVERYTHING! There's nothing more I can do." When I feel like this, I try to remind myself of the kid in the clown wig. Have I thought as far outside the box as I can? Have I tried that goofy off-the-wall idea that's been hanging out in the back of my mind for a long time? Can you really ever have tried everything? I am vowing here and now to be strong enough to dig deep and challenge myself to try something more - something different, something wild, something old that's revamped, something old I haven't utilized in a while. This will not only make me mentally tougher, but it will help those who look to me for guidance and will help the brand be all it is supposed to be. You never know what's going to catch somebody's attention and get them to stop in and make a purchase.
I would like to give Domino's Pizza additional props for their current marketing campaign. What a knock-out idea to air your less than positive customer comments in order to show how you have bettered your product. I love it! I'll tell you this, the Domino's up the street was packed this past Sunday afternoon and I had not seen that kind of activity there before. I hope this campaign with it's honest approach of trying something new is a true home run for Domino's. My hat's off to them! I've got to run, I gotta a clown wig to go buy! Have a SUPER day!!
In and out, day after day, we work with people or hear people or ARE people who say, "I've tried EVERYTHING! There's nothing more I can do." When I feel like this, I try to remind myself of the kid in the clown wig. Have I thought as far outside the box as I can? Have I tried that goofy off-the-wall idea that's been hanging out in the back of my mind for a long time? Can you really ever have tried everything? I am vowing here and now to be strong enough to dig deep and challenge myself to try something more - something different, something wild, something old that's revamped, something old I haven't utilized in a while. This will not only make me mentally tougher, but it will help those who look to me for guidance and will help the brand be all it is supposed to be. You never know what's going to catch somebody's attention and get them to stop in and make a purchase.
I would like to give Domino's Pizza additional props for their current marketing campaign. What a knock-out idea to air your less than positive customer comments in order to show how you have bettered your product. I love it! I'll tell you this, the Domino's up the street was packed this past Sunday afternoon and I had not seen that kind of activity there before. I hope this campaign with it's honest approach of trying something new is a true home run for Domino's. My hat's off to them! I've got to run, I gotta a clown wig to go buy! Have a SUPER day!!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
In the Beginning...
Thirty-three years ago this holiday season, my parents opened their very first self-serve car wash with no house or car to their names, just $17.42 in their checkbook and a lot of ambition to make a positive difference in both their own lives and the lives of others. Back then, we weren't "Super Wash" yet, we were "Town's Edge Car Wash". But now, these three decades later, there are over 300 Super Wash(r) car washes across this great nation and we are so very proud to have the opportunity to serve these communities.
We are a true family-owned and operated American small business. Both of my parents are still intricately involved in the business, as are my sister and my dad's younger brother. Our company is a franchise format business and we are thankful for our super franchisee partners. Of the approximately 300 Super Wash car washes in 20+ states, about half are independently owned and operated by franchisees and half are owned and/or operated by Super Wash, Inc. This is somewhat unique as many franchisors do not have large numbers of company-owned stores, let alone run them for outside investors like we do.
Our mission is to "Meet and Greet Each Customer and Make A Positive Difference in Their Day". A past survey we conducted indicated that 3 out of 4 people wash their vehicle because it makes them feel better. We are glad to be able to provide a service that helps people feel better about their day/self/vehicle investment/situation. In these trying times, we know that a positive outlook can make all the difference!
Super Wash, Inc. offers a turnkey product, meaning we do everything from helping to locate the real estate for future projects to being the general contractor for the building to installing the equipment to servicing the business for the length of the franchise contract. Over the years, we have been a part of the development of over 700 self-serve car washes coast to coast. I do not know of any other car wash based company that does everything we do (especially in the self-serve world).
So, who am I? My name is Susan, and I am the Director of Franchising for Super Wash, Inc. I am the youngest daughter of the founders and there has not been a day of my life that this company hasn't been apart of. My mom was three months pregnant with me when they were putting the roof on their very first car wash. I like to joke with people that I am here to save the world one dirty car at a time. I am passionate about people and I love the business model of franchising. I truly believe that franchising is not a dirty "F" word, especially when companies are lead by individuals who are committed to people and good/ethical business practices.
I plan to use this blog to not only speak about Super Wash(r) car washes, but also about business in general. So many individuals/companies/businesses are doing amazing and wonderful things and I think we need to focus on what's going right in the world. I hope to be able to highlight some innovative practices and also some things that just make you go "hmm?"
To learn more about Super Wash, Inc. or to find the Super Wash closest to you, please visit us at www.superwash.com.
Until next time, have a SUPER day!
We are a true family-owned and operated American small business. Both of my parents are still intricately involved in the business, as are my sister and my dad's younger brother. Our company is a franchise format business and we are thankful for our super franchisee partners. Of the approximately 300 Super Wash car washes in 20+ states, about half are independently owned and operated by franchisees and half are owned and/or operated by Super Wash, Inc. This is somewhat unique as many franchisors do not have large numbers of company-owned stores, let alone run them for outside investors like we do.
Our mission is to "Meet and Greet Each Customer and Make A Positive Difference in Their Day". A past survey we conducted indicated that 3 out of 4 people wash their vehicle because it makes them feel better. We are glad to be able to provide a service that helps people feel better about their day/self/vehicle investment/situation. In these trying times, we know that a positive outlook can make all the difference!
Super Wash, Inc. offers a turnkey product, meaning we do everything from helping to locate the real estate for future projects to being the general contractor for the building to installing the equipment to servicing the business for the length of the franchise contract. Over the years, we have been a part of the development of over 700 self-serve car washes coast to coast. I do not know of any other car wash based company that does everything we do (especially in the self-serve world).
So, who am I? My name is Susan, and I am the Director of Franchising for Super Wash, Inc. I am the youngest daughter of the founders and there has not been a day of my life that this company hasn't been apart of. My mom was three months pregnant with me when they were putting the roof on their very first car wash. I like to joke with people that I am here to save the world one dirty car at a time. I am passionate about people and I love the business model of franchising. I truly believe that franchising is not a dirty "F" word, especially when companies are lead by individuals who are committed to people and good/ethical business practices.
I plan to use this blog to not only speak about Super Wash(r) car washes, but also about business in general. So many individuals/companies/businesses are doing amazing and wonderful things and I think we need to focus on what's going right in the world. I hope to be able to highlight some innovative practices and also some things that just make you go "hmm?"
To learn more about Super Wash, Inc. or to find the Super Wash closest to you, please visit us at www.superwash.com.
Until next time, have a SUPER day!
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