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WANDA ACKERT, owner – KRAZEE KLEAN (Fort Kent, AB)
Krazee Klean has 16 full-time and two part-time staff. “My staff are the heart of my operation. Without them I can’t run,” says Wanda Ackert. Her staff’s teamwork, flexible attitude toward last-minute schedule changes, a get-it- done attitude and readiness to learn new things by taking on new responsibilities ensures Krazee Klean runs at a high efficiency.
Ackert is also pleased with her company’s strong commit- ment to customer service. “Your whole business is based on customer service. Your customers pay your bills and your staff’s wages,” she says. She asked her staff what makes them proud. Their
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responses included “… the honesty, loyalty, and pride we take in doing our jobs right and efficiently,” “… respect and consideration toward customer service and co-workers,” “… the understanding and respect we have for each other as individuals and teammates,” “… we are all good work- ers, everything gets done and everyone works together. We all have a good sense of accomplishment.”
1. The Krazee Klean team. 2. Wanda Ackert, owner. 3. L-R: BJ Brown, Samantha Peseski, Shawna Bilodeau, Beverly Normile, Nicole Dubeau, Sarah Crocker, Jonathan Cardinal (laundry supervisor), Ty Denomme.
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3 1. Bob Wong.
2. Bob’s parents in 1957 at NID Annual Banquet.
3. Senior Wongs in 1961 at an industry Canadian Reception.
LISA HIEBERT, co-owner – BEST CARE DRY CLEANERS (Winnipeg, MB)
The ability to come to work each day with a fresh perspective to focus
on their customers, staff and equipment, and how they can support their team of 18 to achieve success is what makes Lisa Hiebert most proud. “Without custom- ers, we wouldn’t have a business. We value them and we show it by giving them what they need – knowledgeable customer service reps who greet them by name, same-day service, pick-up and delivery options, and, above all, quality professional care of their garments,” says Hiebert, who co-owns the store with her husband Kevin.
Above: Shirt presser Natalia Nani.
Top left (L-R): Kevin and Lisa Hiebert with pressers Natalia Nani and Firehiwot Gameda, and Mike Tunges- vick of Sankosha.
Top right: Lorena Manlusoc (CSR supervisor), Louie Jurado (CSR), Mary Ann Cuevas (CSR).
Hiebert also invests in her staff. “We realize that it’s management’s responsi- bility to invest in staff by providing them with opportunities for gaining knowl- edge and experience,” says Hiebert. “Production staff is cross-trained on all finishing equipment, our dry cleaner/ spotter has completed DLI’s Advanced Dry Cleaning Course, and our CSR supervisor is engaged in workplace lead- ership training.”
BOB WONG, owner – QUALITY CLEANERS LTD. (New Glasgow, NS)
Early on, Bob Wong’s parents gave him the foundation to continue the family business by giving him a solid education both in school and within the company. “It’s nearly 30 years since my father passed away. I had just graduated from university with a business degree,” says Wong. “Origin- ally I was to work outside the business for a year and decide whether I wanted to get involved in it. I graduated in May and my father passed away that August.”
After Wong’s father’s pass- ing, his two older brothers and mother provided him with guidance in taking over his father’s role within the busi- ness. He attributes the success of Quality Cleaners to his father and all those who have supported him over the past 30 years. Wong is most proud of the way he has been able to continue his dad’s legacy with- in his own success.
2015 September/October FABRICARE CANADA 9
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