French Laundry

It IS Greener on the Other Side of the Fence

It IS greener on the other side of the fence…

Who hasn’t used the old “The grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the fence” adage when considering difficult decisions in life? Thirty-two years ago I answered a blind box ad in the job section of a newspaper. This adage came into clear focus as I considered responding to an ad that simply stated, “Looking for a person to work the presses, increase sales, hire staff, and keep equipment in shape.” With no knowledge of what the position description meant, I responded. Thinking that the grass was greener on the other side of the fence, I interviewed, reaching for a better life for our family. Allowing fear to be the dominant consideration wasn’t an option, so I accepted the offer and the grass has continually gotten greener through the years. Sure, there have been some of the tan, patchy seasons but never a time where I regretted my decision.

I am blessed to have experienced both sides of our industry, as a plant operator and as an allied trades representative. My early years were spent as General Manager of a small chain of package plants, drop stores, and commercial real estate. Those early formative years provided me with a steep learning curve and reward that convinced me that indeed the grass was getting greener in the textile care industry. An opportunity provided by a good friend trained me in the capital goods sales field of equipment and design and layout for laundries and dry cleaning plants. While it broadened my view of the textile care industry, I also experienced the great need for attention to detail to professionally serve the dry cleaning industry as allied trades servants. These experiences revealed that not only was it greener in the dry cleaning industry, but that many people helped me gain knowledge, skills, and confidence to help me grow personally and professionally. It was at this point that I saw that certain key players were not just in it for the money but had the vision to ensure the industry would be sustainable in the long view, or put another way—they wanted to keep the future path green and vibrant, free of weeds and that one spot that never seems to grow.

Just a few years ago, I was seeking to partner with a firm that was progressive in its approach to our industry. I wasn’t seeking a job; I already had one. My desire was to partner with a firm that actually lived on a daily basis their commitment to a better future for our industry. After much research, I found that GreenEarth Cleaning not only spoke of their commitment and mission but they put their money where their mouth is. They invested early and often, refined processes, tested, then tested those results again, listened to their Affiliates, and improved continually. Once again, I saw that the grass is truly greener on the other side of the fence, and I wanted to be on that side of it.

Serving you has brought untold blessings of sharing your life with me—the birth of children, marriage, health challenges, etc.—daily confirming life is greener on the other side of the fence.

For me, it’s more than a monetary driver; it’s about providing a sustainable business practice for people, profits, and the planet. Looking out for their best interests—that is as green as it gets!