LIVERMORE, Calif. — America’s Best Cleaners (ABC) recently hosted its spring Live Accelerator meeting in Livermore, California. The theme of the meeting was “Simplify,” where affiliates explored practical strategies and resources to simplify their operations and maximize growth and success.
The event, held from April 17-19, was hosted by ABC Affiliate Country Club Cleaners and kicked off on Wednesday with a welcome reception at Lone Oak Kitchen + Bar where attendees had the opportunity to catch up and share business trends.
Thursday morning started with affiliates touring Country Club Cleaners’ retail location and production facility, followed by a working lunch. The afternoon continued with presentations from Rick Mugno of SMRT Systems, Michael Oh of Air World Pad and Covers, and Gary Thompson of Paylocity. Featured speaker Josef Shapiro led an engaging session on Holistic Problem Solving that provided affiliates with simple tips to uncomplicate success. The day ended with a reception and dinner at Zephyr Grill & Bar.
“By stepping back and simplifying the ways our owners and leaders approach their operations, we collaborated on fresh ways to develop our teams and ourselves, which in turn, builds growth internally and externally,” says ABC Executive Director Chris White. “Through strategic initiatives like our Live Accelerator, Workflow Suite of Services and our EmpowerWear community outreach program, we are reshaping the way dry cleaners operate, enabling them to unlock new levels of culture-building, efficiency, profitability, and client satisfaction.”
White kicked off Friday morning with an update on all of ABC’s current activities and programs, including updates from its work with the American Circular Textiles group, WorkFlow program and workshop updates, and the continued growth of the EmpowerWear program.
Next, affiliates participated in a session focused on how to “Simplify with AI,” followed by Part 2 of Josef Shapiro’s Holistic Problem Solving workshop. The event concluded with an Affiliate Hot Seat mastermind session to discuss new programs and challenges in a focused group setting.
Steve Rettler, owner of All Seasons Garment Care, shares his experience as a first-time Live Accelerator attendee: “As a new affiliate of ABC, participating in the recent Live Accelerator event in Livermore, California was an incredibly valuable experience. It provided a platform for networking with Affiliate peers, sharing invaluable knowledge, and exploring innovative strategies. It’s clear ABC and its affiliates are at the forefront of innovation in the industry. The event also reinforced my confidence in the value of collaboration and continuous learning. I look forward to applying these insights to deliver even greater value to our team and clients.”
Maggie Fox, owner of Fox Cleaners, adds, "I’m thrilled to have joined fellow ABC affiliates at the Spring Accelerator event hosted by Country Club Cleaners and America's Best Cleaners. The 'Simplicity' theme offered invaluable strategies for our continued growth and success at Fox Cleaners. Thanks to Chris White and the ABC team for their inspiring insights and energy! I can't wait for our next meeting this fall."
The theme of the next Live Accelerator is “Relationships,” and it will be held September 18-20, 2024, at La Nouvelle Fine Cleaners in Denver, Colorado.
Andre Lobato, Vice President of La Nouvelle Fine Cleaners, shares, “We couldn't be more enthusiastic about the opportunity to host the September live accelerator event where we’ll explore ways to strengthen ties and leverage strategic relationships with fashion retailers, suppliers, customers, partners, and local charities. We look forward to engaging with other affiliates and uncovering takeaways for impactful business success.”
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