The next VDTA/SDTA Convention & Show will be in
New Orleans, LA
February 27 - 29, 2012
at the Ernest Morial Convention Center

2009 Boot Camp
It was HOT, HOT, HOT

The 2009 Ultimate Profit Explosion Boot Camp was HOT - HOT - HOT. There was so much thinking going on that Phoenix reached a new record high temperature!

Those who participated this year learned a great deal of new tips, techniques and business ideas. According to Boot Camp Director Howard Anderson of Longview Retail Consulting, “It was a great time of sharing with new and old friends.”

Anderson also noted that the people who attended the Boot Camp this year came with an open mind. They learned some great new ideas and systems of implementation, and they worked together to find solutions to their challenges.

He added, “They cultivated new long-term friendships, and they left with a vision and optimism for their business. It was all good!”

Vern Hanson of A Best Sew & Vac agreed with Anderson. This year was Hanson’s second year at the Boot Camp and he said he considered it one of the best investments he can make in his business.

Hanson said, “I gleaned enough information and ideas in the first half of the first day to more than pay for participating in this event. Interacting with like-minded dealers who truly want to advance this industry and enjoy helping each other succeed is a huge plus!”

The Boot Camp tone this year focused on learning from others and how dealers can profit by sharing ideas that work. Bob Negen of WhizBang Training presented two great lectures. He spoke on how to “Jumpstart Your Business” and the importance of “Training and Coaching your Staff.” It was particularly timely, considering the state of today’s economy. Negen shared step-by-step instructions on how to get things accomplished.

Lee Phillips, attorney and scientist, got the group thinking about laws and taxes when he made his presentation. Phillips noted that, for dealers, legal issues are rarely addressed until it is too late, so he shared insight on ways to protect businesses. He also shared how dealers can keep more of their money just by changing a few things in their business structure. Phillips specializes in tax planning, asset protection and wealth accumulation, and he did an excellent job of sharing his areas of expertise!

Attendee Anita Covert of Country Stitches was excited to be involved in the educational sessions. She said, “I got great ideas which I can apply to my business. Several of these will not only improve the way I do business but will make me money!”

Two dealers were also particularly impressive this year on the Boot Camp stage. Paul LaPonte of Quality Vacuum & Sewing Centers and Amy “Fuzzy Shark” Baughman of Amy Baughman’s Sewing & Quilting Centers stepped up and did a great job sharing tips on everything from advertising to opening up new stores. They talked about things that everyone could take right home and use right away! LaPonte and Baughman have so much real experience in running their businesses and it showed!

Karen Burdick of Paramount Sewing & Vacuum was one of the attendees who immediately took action with what she learned at Camp when she returned home. Burdick said, “I think the timing was also really good with a holiday right after the Camp. I re-arranged my store right away, and it was fun to put into practice some of the things I learned. I had a great time at Boot Camp.”

Mira Beck of VideoMarketingExpert.com did an impromptu presentation on how dealers can use video clips on their Web sites as well as in their businesses. Beck demonstrated how easy it is to make, edit and publish videos. Elizabeth Anderson was his subject and she did a short video tip on how to do a blind hem. It was amazing how easy it was to do with a $100 flip camera! People commented on how well Beck explained what was previously so complicated.

Reflecting even further on the presentations from the Camp, Diane Conklin of Complete Marketing Systems and Mark Ingraham of MS Productions, Inc. shared ways that the attendees could improve the profit in their business simply by changing how they contact their customers. Conklin shared successful new and unique direct mail strategies for the sewing and vacuum retailers. Ingraham showed how doing in-store events and exhibiting in shows can add greatly to the bottom line without adding great expense.

About 10 of the Boot Camp attendees enjoyed a special treat during the event. They took a field trip to Sally’s Fabric in Mesa. Owner Greg Erickson purchased the business about five years ago and was a wonderful field trip host. Erickson has done a lot with the store and is planning to implement more changes to increase his machine sales. He received some great ideas from the Boot Camp attendees who toured his store and said he is thankful for all the feedback.

Joel Navarro of Sally’s Fabrics also attended the Boot Camp and had this to say: “I knew the Boot Camp was going to give me information, but I didn’t know it was going to be this good! It was great. I learned a lot. It was worth every penny! Now I am ready to get even better and succeed. I am going to have my business and myself at a higher level. I will attend again!”

“I almost didn’t come (to the Boot Camp) because I didn’t think I could afford it. Now I know I could not afford not to come!” said Karen Misner of Sew Pfine Divas. “Excellent speakers were helping me with my industry. The handouts alone were worth the registration fee. I’ll be back next year!”

Many manufacturers saw how important it was for their dealers to attend the Ultimate Profit Explosion Boot Camp. Brother International, Emer USA, Janome America, Miele, Husqvarna Viking, Pfaff, Singer, Long View Retail Consulting and Tacony Corporation all sponsored meals, breaks or door prizes for the event. 

Anderson commented, “I truly appreciate their support. It was very encouraging to see. Many even sent some of their top people to the Boot Camp. Having the manufacturers on board will help increase the attendance next year.” 

If you want to improve your game, keep in touch with Anderson. He is planning a lot of great things for next year. The Ultimate Profit Explosion Boot Camp 2010 will be held in October 2010 in Florida or Atlanta. A firm location and dates will be announced soon. Go to www.LongViewRetail.com and leave your information, and he will keep you up to date as the event unfolds to be bigger and better in 2010!

“It was very rewarding to see people grow and become more successful,” Anderson said. “I felt blessed and honored to be able to share what I have learned with others. The sewing and vacuum business is a great business and I love the people in it! We all need to make it better. We need to become more profitable and we need more new people in the business so that our overall percentage of the independent dealer market grows. What are you doing to grow your business? Times are different, we have to be different also. You may have to move. You may need new employees. You may need other products. You may have to change the systems you have in place. But it can be done. The tools are there. Find them!”

For more information on how you can purchase the DVDs or CDs of the 2008 or 2009 Ultimate Profit Explosion Boot Camp, got to www.LongViewRetail.com. It’s the next best thing to being there!

Reprinted from Floor Care Professonal, July 2009