Reply To: Dr. Vinyls Working Together
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Techs and Owners,
Recently, I was installing upholstery at 3 different Arby’s in a town. While I was at my first stop, I received a call from another Dr. Vinyl who was in negotiations with the restaurant chain, Fazoli’s. He was dealing with a corporate VP responsible for several states who wanted 7 locations in his area serviced as well as a location far away from his territory in our franchise area. The Dr. Vinyl called me and asked if I would have time to look at this other location so that he could tell the VP that we could cover all the locations he was concerned about. I was surprised to hear that the location was in the same town I was currently working in. I was even more surprised to see that very location across the street from my second stop of the day. I went over to the Fazoli’s and took measurements and made patterns. It was so nice to be able to make this stop while I was in a town 2 hours away from my home. It saved me half a day of driving and at the same time brought me another account. Furthermore, this quick response made not only both our franchises look very professional but also made the entire Dr. Vinyl system look impressive. The customer realized within minutes that Dr. Vinyls were well connected to each other even if they were hundreds of miles apart. That spoke volumes to the customer who had already had a great experience with Dr. Vinyl in the past in another state.
What I am trying to say is that we not only represent each other nationally but also can impress customers by working together. In this case both franchises greatly benefited from this collaboration. One franchise looked very professional and well connected to a network while the other picked up an easy sale and a new customer while working at a location 100 miles away. Some might say it was just luck. However, it is my experience that there is no such thing. Two Dr. Vinyls met years ago and because of that relationship knew that they could call on each other when a need arose. If this sort of thing had only happened once, then maybe I could believe in the luck scenario. However, this has happened to me multiple times in the past. I have benefited by my relationships in the Dr. Vinyl family for no other reason than I have made connections with other Dr. Vinyls. Most of these contacts have been made at conventions but not all. Some of them were made through the Forums, while others were introduced through corporate contacts, owners, or even other techs.
I know we get used to working by ourselves or maybe at most, working with others in our own franchise. I promise you there is more out there…There is more out there for those who dare to reach out and make the connections to other techs and owners. I know this to be true because I have benefited from it greatly over the years. I know it seems easier to remain isolated in our own little world. I too used to be a lone wolf sort of operator. While isolation does keep our failures and mistakes a secret, it mainly keeps us from growing and prospering as a franchise. Try reaching out to someone, anyone, in the Dr. Vinyl system. See if they can help you or if you can help them. I promise either way you will gain from this experience. I know I have. There are so many Dr. Vinyls out there that are successful and want you to be also. Try and see. I think you will be pleasantly surprised by the results. If you are a new franchise or just don’t know who to reach out, to ask corporate for a contact. If all else fails, you can call me (931-252-0879). I may not have the answers you are looking for, but I probably know someone who does. I know over the years I have certainly received more help than I have ever given, but I truly believe that is the Dr. Vinyl way.
Why else would a tech in Tennessee make so many phone calls to Oklahoma, Missouri, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Texas, Kansas, North Carolina, and so many others?
Try and see.
Mitch Reid
The Wandering Upholsterer
All Who Wander Are Not Lost