When I read their press release recently it brought back memories of a lady named "Pat."
"Pat" ( I don't remember her last name) worked for Milliken and called me about 25 years ago to inquire about our method. "Pat" asked more questions about our service business than she did about the process which should have made me suspicious.
But, it was during a period when we were actively seeking recommendations from carpet mills, I was pleased Milliken was interested and answered all of her questions. "Pat" called me every week for ten or twelve weeks on our toll-free number (free for her, not for me) to ask more detailed questions about running a service company.
Much to my chagrin I found out that "Pat" was just picking my brain. Milliken had bought the rights to the old DuPont "Capture" dry-powder process and they were preparing to start their own cleaning service which has now morphed into the Millicare franchise. It's interesting to note that nearly all franchises have the CRI Seal of Approval.
Thanks "Pat!" Do you think I should get a little piece of your franchise fee? Maybe a pittance to reimburse me for all of those toll-free calls? I'm just kidding of course! Mohawk was much worse than you. They cost Kevin Stark and me a two-day trip to Dublin, Georgia*, besides all of the "toll-free" phone calls.
* It's not the end of the world, but you can see it from there.
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