Why Read This Blog?

 

Why should you read this blog?
Instead of just writing an answer, I’ve asked my friend the motorsports journalist, Steve “The Wrench” Ratchett (SR) to do an interview of me.

Steve Ratchett (SR): So why an interview?
Everet (EK): If you write a blog it is always a good idea to tell readers once in awhile why they are coming to your blog. What is it they will read about. I’ve done those articles a few times. This is just a different way of doing that.

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SR: So what will readers learn from your blog?
EK: I’m trying to be a resource for anyone in the laundry business that owns or manages laundry rooms and laundromats. I’m passing on knowledge I’ve learned from my years in the business and my experience owning and running many laundromat facilities. I pass on tips about maintenance, marketing, hiring, and other issues. I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I hope to point people in the right direction.

SR: Why?
EK: When I was looking to get in the business and even afterwards,
no one told me ANYTHING.
I said I wouldn’t be that way for people looking to get into or are already in the laundry business.
Plus I have to live up to my brand “A Heck of A Nice Guy” that I’ve used for the last 25 years.

SR: You have articles on Sales and Marketing, and Hiring on here too. Why?
EK: Former careers I spent a lot of time in. That knowledge still has value. Why not promote it and write about it. Not everyone in the laundry business knows how to hire people, market their stores or products. Hopefully these older articles help.

SR: You also have articles on history and jokes too. Why?
EK: Writing is fun! I used to be a journalist and sometimes I dabble in silly or serious topics for fun. Once a quarter I allow myself to write something not related to my careers. If this were strictly a work related blog I wouldn't do that. IF readers find them interesting that is fine. 
The jokes are there because who can’t use a good clean joke sometimes?
I used to publish a joke column on the last day of every month. I haven’t written a joke column for many years. Maybe I’ll revive it.

SR: With the “groaner” and “dad” jokes you tell maybe you shouldn’t.
EK: Lets let the readers decide that.

SR: This blog has technical articles for old machines. Shouldn't you just have articles about the new machines you are selling in your current position?
EK: There are a lot of new owners taking over stores and inheriting equipment.
Many of these owners haven't worked on older equipment so if I can pass along a few tips that saves them the cost of a repair tech and get a machine up and running faster so they can make money with it, then I've done my job. Plus sometimes we experienced owners can forget things too if we don't have to deal with them all the time. Plus when people tell me a tip I learn form them too!

It is easy to be a "trunk salesperson" and just sell the latest and greatest and say to a customer "here you go" and take off. There are enough of those salespeople out there. In my career I've always made it a point to be a positive difference in the lives and businesses of my customers. A customer may not ever buy something from me, or agree with my advice, however my goal is for them to say,
"that Everet is a Heck of A Nice Guy."

SR: I'm sensing that phrase is more than a saying but more of a brand for you.
EK: It is indeed my brand that I've had for 25 years, and a reminder for me how to act and treat people and customers.

SR: So how about one of those jokes to end the interview?
EK: Okay. How come cannibals don't eat clowns?

Ev
A Heck of A Nice Guy