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Content about Brian Johnson

April 1, 2013
Dry Cleaning Pros Exchange Best Practices During Conference

CANCUN, Mexico — DLI, NCA members share ideas, soak up sun

CANCUN, Mexico — When was the last time you shared ideas with industry peers on how to make your dry cleaning business more efficient, expand your customer base, or boost your bottom line?

More than 100 dry cleaning professionals traveled to a Cancun resort in January to exchange best practices during a joint conference sponsored by the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI) and the National Cleaners Association (NCA).

Brian Johnson, DLI’s director of education and analysis, called Secrets The Vine resort a “fantastic venue.” Attendees learned each other’s business secrets at daily, three-hour seminars. For example, motivational speaker and author Jack Mitchell discussed his “Hug Your Customers” philosophy that helps his business operating men’s and women’s specialty stores to thrive.

“His methods were fascinating,” says Johnson, explaining that “hugs” are unexpected gestures like placing a birthday card in a customer’s suit pocket.

July 26, 2012
Starting Strong: Getting a New Dry Cleaning Plant Up and Running (Part 2)

CHICAGO — Each start-up is unique, but there are basic guidelines to follow

CHICAGO — Opening a new dry cleaning business is a big step, whether you’re coming in fresh to the industry and are investing for the first time or you’re a current owner who’s looking to expand your operation by adding a new location.

Each plant start-up has its own unique challenges and requirements to meet, but there are some basic guidelines to keep in mind as you pursue your new venture.

KNOW-HOW

Given his position as director of education and training for the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI), it’s not surprising that Brian Johnson is passionate about continuing education. What may surprise you is his assessment of the dry cleaning community’s know-how.

“Probably one of the biggest issues in the industry today is the people that are running the dry cleaning businesses truly don’t understand the principles of cleaning clothes,” he says. “They tend to focus more on how to operate the machinery. The science is lost.”

July 24, 2012
Starting Strong: Getting a New Dry Cleaning Plant Up and Running (Part 1)

CHICAGO — Each start-up is unique, but there are basic guidelines to follow

CHICAGO — Opening a new dry cleaning business is a big step, whether you’re coming in fresh to the industry and are investing for the first time or you’re a current owner who’s looking to expand your operation by adding a new location.

Each plant start-up has its own unique challenges and requirements to meet, but there are some basic guidelines to keep in mind as you pursue your new venture.

STARTING POINT

An entrepreneur has to decide whether to buy an existing plant that will produce immediate cash flow or open a new location, says industry veteran Harvey Gershenson, who worked 44 years as a dry cleaner before selling his California business in 2007 and opening a consulting firm.

And whatever choice he or she makes, Gershenson hopes that it is influenced by a thoughtful business plan. “The No. 1 thing I would suggest for anybody who’s going into the business, whether they buy existing or look to start from scratch, is to do a written business plan.”

June 20, 2012
MAC Stages Annual Lecture & Mini-EXPO at DLI Headquarters

LAUREL, Md. — MAC members see depth of DLI facilities, services up close

LAUREL, Md. — The MidAtlantic Association of Cleaners (MAC) staged its Annual Lecture and Mini-EXPO Meeting on June 2 here at the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute’s (DLI) headquarters.

The event, provided free to attendees through sponsorships from several MAC allied trades companies, included presentations by speakers, a tour of the DLI facilities, and lunch.

During the tour, DLI showcased its large classroom; residential practical training area (with 13 student spotting boards, full shirt laundry, and a dry cleaning plant with several varieties of cleaning solvents); analysis and restoration department; destructive and non-destructive fabric testing laboratory; research and solvent testing lab; media lab; board room; and course materials storage.

Brian Johnson, DLI’s director of education and analysis, spoke on Quick Fixes for Common Dry Cleaning Problems, plus explained how to navigate DLI’s dry cleaning encyclopedia online (free to DLI members).

February 22, 2012
Puerto Rican Brainstorming Conference Builds Camaraderie

PUERTO RICO — The Five-Star Brainstorming conference, co-sponsored by the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute and the National Cleaners Association, was pronounced a success by organizers and attendees.

About 50 dry cleaning professionals gathered at a Puerto Rican resort in mid-January to discuss customer trends and produce ideas to improve their businesses. The unique gathering, the first time the two groups have co-hosted a conference, featured a number of speakers, including Brian Carter, co-author of Facebook Marketing.

“He showed attendees that you really can make money with Facebook,” says Brian Johnson, DLI director of education and analysis.

Identifying different levels of familiarity with online marketing among audience members, Carter tailored his talk to involve all attendees. He provided basic steps that everyone, even those with only 15 minutes per month to spend on the project, could take, including creating a Facebook page and running a simple Facebook ad to promote their business in their area.

September 12, 2011
DLI Takes Drycleaning Basics Education On the Road

LAUREL, Md. – The Drycleaning & Laundry Institute’s (DLI) first-ever On the Road course recently brought the basics of drycleaning to Minneapolis, Minn.

Brian Johnson, DLI director of education and analysis, taught seven students the ins and outs of drycleaning, finishing, stain removal and more. E. Weinberg Supply and Best Cleaners provided the instruction environment, and students were able to learn processes and skills with DLI’s customary hands-on approach.

“DLI is planning to do more of these courses in other areas,” says Johnson, “and we’re working with our state affiliates to determine the specifics.”

Some students expressed an interest in learning advanced drycleaning in their home areas as well, he says. “We’re looking into how we can adapt the Advanced Drycleaning Course to the On the Road format.”

The next DLI On the Road course is slated for Nov. 14-18 in West Palm Beach, Fla. New England and Texas are being targeted for potential stops.