Janet Davis Cleaners - March 2019

Take a look at our newsletter this month.

“HOT OFF THE PRESS” Dry Cleaning News

(248) 543-0340 | www.janetdaviscleaners.com 27607Woodward Ave., Berkley, MI 48072 | 3645 Maple Rd., Bloomfield, MI 48301

MARCH 2019

IN HONOR OF EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY: A Tribute to Our Amazing Team!

On the first Friday in March back in 1995, Bob Nelson, a founding Recognition Professionals International board member, initiated the very first Employee Appreciation Day. While it’s not an official American holiday, National Employee Appreciation Day is a great way to focus the attention of employers from all types of industries on their team members. For the last few decades, businesses and organizations all across the country have held celebrations to show their gratitude for employees’ contributions and achievements. If you’re a longtime customer of ours, then you know that, while we have a relatively small team (20 including my dad and me), the longevity of our employees is nothing short of astounding. In fact, the vast majority of our team members have worked with us for over a decade. We have several second- and even third-generation employees with us as well; one of our employees encouraged her daughter to apply, then that daughter worked with us for several years and encouraged her own daughter to apply! Because I am a fifth-generation employee myself, I understand the significance of our team members’ loyalty — especially considering that the national employee

turnover rate rose from 15.1 percent to 18.5 percent in the last two years. Speaking for my entire family, I know how lucky we are to have such hardworking and devoted employees. Over the years, I’ve been approached by several people who were curious about how we retain employees as long as we do. Although it might be easy to say that we are all best friends, the reality has much more to do with our ability to work together seamlessly. Everyone helps maintain the existing company culture so well that it’s easy to ascertain if potential hires won’t be great fits. Additionally, every single employee walks through our store doors with the same mission in mind: pleasing the customer. They understand that if my dad or I ask them to complete a specific task, we are asking on behalf of the customer. This collective sharing of one underlying mission makes up the backbone of our work culture. It forms the foundation of our team dynamic. While we work hard, we make time for fun too! We set goals to achieve, and if we reach a new milestone, we’ll throw a party to celebrate. These parties aren’t just for a specific department; the entire company is invited. One of the most recent celebrations happened after our

wedding department completed an entire quarter without a single overdue order. We were so proud of them that we hosted an in-house pizza party to show our appreciation for their diligent work and attention to detail. Another memorable celebration worth noting was our most recent holiday party. We host a company party every December, but this year, one of our long- standing customers, Mr. Brodie, came in to the store right beforehand. He said, “Hey, you guys having a party? I want to pay for it!” His generosity demonstrates the reciprocal relationship our team shares with our customers. As a business owner, it was such an amazing exchange to witness! In all, I just want to give a huge shoutout and thank you to our employees; without them, we couldn’t serve customers as well as we do. Janet Davis Cleaners has been consistently running since 1938, and any success the company experiences is a direct result of our employees’ determination, loyalty, and work. Thank you so much, team! We couldn’t ask for better!

–Kyle Matthews 1 (248) 543-0340

It’s no secret that superhero movies are dominating the box office. The highest-grossing movies of 2018 (and the third and fourth highest-grossing of all time) were “Black Panther” and “Avengers: Infinity War.” There’s never been a better time to be a fan of superheroes or to become a fan of superhero comics. If your kids are interested in reading more about superheroes, here are a few great titles your whole family can enjoy together. It’s a Bird! It’s a Plane! It’s … 3 GREAT FAMILY-FRIENDLY SUPERHERO COMICS

‘MS. MARVEL’ Since her debut in 2013, Kamala Khan, aka Ms. Marvel, has been a wildly popular character, and her comic has gained critical acclaim. A 2015 Hugo Award winner, “Ms. Marvel” explores what it means to be a teenager, a first- generation American, a friend, and a superhero. The storylines promote an important message: “Good is not a thing you are, it’s a thing you do.” In just a few years, Ms. Marvel has become an established superhero in comics, and it won’t be long before she steps onto the big screen with a live-action movie.

Ever since our first store opened in 1938, the team at Janet Davis Cleaners has made it our mission to offer supreme service to each and every client who walks through the door looking for dry-cleaning help. While this mission is still the foundation of what we do several decades later, we know that in order to continue growing our client base, we have to ask for feedback. Since spring is the season of growth and renewal, we figured it would be the perfect time to ask our existing and prospective clients for advice about how we can take the best steps forward. As a small business, we are dependent on a multitude of factors to continue growing, but none are as vital as the good people we have the pleasure to serve. That’s why your reviews and referrals mean everything to us. Whether you leave us a review on Google, Wedding Wire, or Facebook or you encourage a friend, family member, or even a stranger in a grocery store to use our services, we reap the benefits in two ways. First, your referral lets us know that we are satisfying your needs as a customer and that we should continue with our existing processes and methods. Second, your referral gives us the opportunity to work with a new person. Every customer is different and gives us an ability to learn. If we stop learning, we stagnate as a business and eventually plateau. The more clients we receive, the more chances we have to learn from challenges and solve complex problems. In the end, your help and feedback ultimately equate to growth for us. Is there any better way for our business to start this spring? We don’t think so! REFERRALS AND GROWTH: Why Spring Is the Perfect Time to Ask for Advice

‘SUPER SONS: THE POLARSHIELD PROJECT’ Jon Kent, son of Superman, and Damian Wayne, son of Batman, couldn’t be more different. But when a mysterious force threatens the world, these super sons must learn to trust each other — and themselves — to save the day. Based on the hit “Super Sons” comic book series, “Super Sons: The Polarshield Project” doesn’t hit shelves until April 2, 2019, which means you and your kids have plenty of time to reserve a copy of this graphic novel at your local comic book shop! ‘CHAMPIONS’ “Champions” is a story about teenage superheroes, but don’t expect pizza or relationship drama in these panels. These comics tackle how young people today approach problems with a readiness to rally together and take matters into their own hands. “Champions” doesn’t shy away from hard topics, making it more appropriate for older kids and teens. But that doesn’t mean this story lacks heart or humor. Featuring comic favorites like Ms. Marvel and Spider-Man as well as popular newcomers, “Champions” is about identity, purpose, and what it really means to save the world.

Find these titles and other incredible stories at your local comic book shop.

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When Was the Last Time You Cleaned Your Pillow? ONE OF THE DIRTIEST HOUSEHOLD ITEMS MIGHT SURPRISE YOU!

Pillows top the list of household items people typically forget to clean. This might not seem all that terrible; after all, pillows stay in one location and are only used to ease you into a relaxing, dreamlike trance. However, unwashed pillows can wreak far more havoc than you might have ever thought possible. Even if you dutifully launder your pillowcases on the regular, if you aren’t washing your actual pillows, you aren’t getting at the core of the issue. In fact, according to a new study by Dow Polyurethanes, one-third of your pillow’s weight is made up of dust mites, dead skin, and bugs (plus their droppings) after just two years of use! In addition to these surprisingly weighty — and repulsive — additions, there are several health ramifications as well. Apparently, 10 percent of people and 80 percent of allergy sufferers are allergic to the proteins

found in waste and decomposed dust mites. To that end, some of your restless nights could be traced to allergies caused by an unwashed pillow. If you have a feather pillow, you’ve likely read the directions on the tag that say, “Don’t machine wash. Dry-clean only.” While there are several tips and tricks to get around dry-cleaning household items, truth be told, you just can’t go there with feather pillows. Fortunately, our team here at Janet Davis Cleaners has a machine specifically designed and calibrated to keep your feather pillows feeling like new. There’s only one company in the entire country — Harris Pillow Company — that makes this particular machine. We feel fortunate to have one in-house.

and sanitize them. After the feathers are cleaned in this machine’s process, we place them in a brand-new cover rather than merely cleaning

the old one. Additionally, this gives us the opportunity to add new feathers or leave out existing ones, depending your preference. Even if you don’t have down or feather pillows, we can still wash your pillows for you. If it’s been awhile since you’ve purchased or cleaned your pillows, feel free to bring them to us!

Essentially, this machine allows us to open the pillow, take the feathers out, fluff them,

Everything

SUDOKU

POPCORN

Everything is the best bagel flavor. This is not a matter of debate. Sprinkle the seasoning on popcorn for a delicious snack that will have people asking, “What does this remind me of?”

INGREDIENTS

• 3/4 cup popcorn kernels • 2 tablespoons flaky sea salt • 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds • 2 teaspoons white sesame seeds • 2 teaspoons granulated garlic

• 2 teaspoons granulated onion • 1/3 cup canola oil • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

DIRECTIONS

1. In a small skillet over medium heat, toast sesame seeds. Shake skillet often and cook until white seeds are golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and add garlic, onion, and salt. 2. In a large saucepan, combine popcorn kernels and oil. Cook over medium- high heat, covered, until popcorn kernels start to pop. Once popping, continue cooking and shaking the pan intermittently until popping ceases, about 3–5 minutes. 3. Transfer popcorn to a large mixing bowl. Pour in butter and toss to coat. Finally, add seasoning, toss again, and serve. 3 (248) 543-0340 Inspired by Food & Wine magazine

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

Monday–Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

(248) 543-0340 www.janetdaviscleaners.com INSIDE THIS ISSUE

27607Woodward Ave. Berkley, MI 48072

1 A Tribute to Our Amazing Team! 2 Super Comics for Your Super Family

Why Spring Is the Perfect Time to Ask for Advice

3 When Was the Last Time You Cleaned Your Pillow?

Everything Popcorn 4 How to Make Your

Sailing Dreams Come True

SET SAIL FOR VACATION

Take Your Next Trip Offshore

TAKE A DAY SAIL

If you’re lucky enough to have been aboard a ship under full sail, chances are you know the thrill and serenity sailing can give you. If you’ve never been but have always wanted to know what it’s like to get out on the wind and waves, there are many great options available for beginners. Here are some ideas to inspire your next waterside vacation.

Many day-sail charters exist for those who want to go out a little farther than a dinghy would permit. If you’ve captained a boat and are familiar with the waters, you can apply for a bareboat charter. However, if you are inexperienced or simply don’t want a local guide at the helm, signing up for a day trip with a skipper and crew is a great option.

START SMALL

DO A FULL CHARTER

For those who dream of becoming a skipper one day, a great way to start is by sailing dinghies. These one-sail, beach-launch boats fit 1–2 people and can be rented at most water sports shops. If you want to make it a family experience, shops usually have 16-foot catamarans for rent as well. Catamarans have two hulls rather than one, making for a smoother, more spacious ride. If you’ve never sailed before, inquire about lessons. Most rental operations have instructors on hand who can show you the ropes. The great thing about sailing is that whether you’re in a 12-foot dinghy or a 60-foot sloop, the same basic principles, rules, and skills apply.

Short of owning your own vessel, chartering a boat for multiple nights is the closest you can get to living out your nautical dreams. Some of the most beautiful destinations on earth — from the Caribbean Sea to the Mediterranean —

are best experienced from the deck of a sailboat. Letting the sea guide you to amazing snorkeling destinations, remote cays, and bustling harbors is the stuff of real adventure.

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