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POLYESTER

~ I've Been Everywhere - Man ~

By Jay KantorPublished 2 years ago Updated 7 months ago 4 min read
11
— Such a 'Tude —

Author © Jay Kantor

POLYESTER 

—Tell-um I went to Tim-Buk-Tu in search of Gold—

Did you ever look-back shaking your head and saying to yourself: "Who Was THAT? Such a Big-Shot!"

I 'Schlepped' from state to state in my Baby-Blue M.B. Roadster; before they were as common as a Toyota. And, followed the guide-map towards each small town's Best-Western-Hotel. I had a long-whip-antenna to search any 'Roaming' frequencies for the best area reception; NOT a lot of Cell-Phone-Towers on top of each lamp post. I was just showing off my 1st car phone (Pacific-Telephone-installation bolted to the floor board) — never really worked at all ...but looked important; a 100% conversation starter.

Remembering: As I walked to my car in the parking lot, at a Sizzler Steak House, my car was surrounded by groups of town residents. Come-on the Boomers didn't have access to an Internet-Highway at the time to let them digitally-peek at the other side of the tracks; a (1) road town. But, who is this guy from 'Hollyweird' with the Pastel-Blue 'Polyester' (3) piece shiny-suit along with wrap-around sunglasses. An anomaly in 'their' town; a Mercedes with California-Tags: They were actually peeking in at the heavy phone mounted to the center console. At the time, as novel a curiosity as the Comic Book Character 'Dick Tracy's' wrist phone was 1st fantasized.

The internet instant news, everywhere, has come a long-long way from small town local news, since this occurred. Allowing curious Digital-Peeks in (1) time as reality; or not. Our generation has become accustomed to 'Onslaught-Media' as well; for better or worse.

Of Course, it may have seemed like I was some kind of a movie star, or what? Definitely an 'Or What' SHOW-Off! Although, I think I made some friends that day. We had a lengthy parking-lot fun Q & A Session-Exchange; beyond '70's Mod ~ Polyester ~

The Reason for the 'Schlepping'? We were searching for Prospective Franchisors along with Prospective Franchisees from town to town: What may become an eventual fit for our Biz-Op formulas? Our focus was longevity on an ongoing basis under a mutually beneficial umbrella; rarely single item-service operations.

~ A Hands-on-Hands-off Formula ~

Our Motto: Show us your Formula-for-Success, we'll pay your fee, forever! "Turn-Key-Me!"

While checking out the morning local paper ads noshing on a Complimentary Bagel @ the Best Western in Wichita, I noticed a (3) line ad for "Custom Wooden Cabinets."

So, I called the guy. Always looking for small business 'Entrepreneurs' that want/need to expand — That's WHY I was on the road.

A Discovery! Young guy (22) was advertising to install custom closets as well as general cabinetry. Asked him, not wanting to intrude, but generally how he was doing? But, of course, he had my Franchise-Person Card. And, he freely talked to me, asking my advice. He told me how frustrated he was trying to get his business off of the ground; saying, he was a Craftsman not a Salesman—Where were the Newbie Influencers then? He lived with his folks and worked out of their garage. But, whew, when I visited him what an absolutely incredible craftsman. Everything seemed to fit our "Formula" for success recipe.

— So Lets Start "Romancing the Closets" —

When interviewing prospective Franchisors whereby interested inquiries would buy and plug-into their 'Unique' system for all to benefit and grow. It never failed that the business owners recited, verbatim, that his "Schtick" is the best-ever and everyone will want in. Of course, there may be a bit of human-nature egos involved, but the only thing that matters is Can we SELL-it?

We setup our 'Biz-Recipes' from reverse: We know that you like your product. Let's say that's the (Positive +). Now look at the opportunity from reverse: What's the worst thing that can happen—And WHY? Go marry your product (set it aside) we know you love it. We know it's hard to get past that reality check! I was never disrespectful — Just Biz!

So, I mentioned to him that I would contact him when I got home in L.A. But, as I started to leave I was astounded when he said to me: "You've been on the road for so long...come in the kitchen and get some home cooking." It was wonderful; a true Mensch! There and then I promised myself I'm going to set a path for him with us: True Story!

As the Co-Author of Several Pioneer Franchise Business Opportunities in the Franchise Industries Infancy-Stage whereby they were highly regulated from State/Federal Governmentally enforced registrations. Thus, "The Hands on-Hands off approach!" Consumer Protection Watch Dogs — Never shy about pulling your business' plug with violations.

Essentially it worked, almost as a co-op with combined overhead, as well as blanket media-advertising and customer financing, et cetera.

Here was the brief 'Custom Closet' Franchise Opportunity setup scenario: Wrote a little story with my associate, as we always did as a precursor to a formal prospectus. Mart and I zig-zagged and came up with this:

Once the Franchise was sold: We implemented the 'Cabinet-Guy' as the 'Installer'.

The prospective Franchisee would be: A woman experienced as a decorator with a flair for design ~ aka "Romancing the Closet" approach.

We would also write a script on how they should approach the in-home~office~or garage installations Q & A's. Once the new Franchisee sold the 'Retail' program the 'Installer-Franchisor' would do his thing. Franchisor 'Licensor' would benefit continually with initial setup fees and ongoing design-service-royalties; an intricate reciprocal yet logical "Formula for Success!"

The "Mensch" is NOT working out of his garage anymore.

Jay Kantor, Chatsworth, Cal

"Senior" Vocal Author

For The Kids Someday

humanity
11

About the Creator

Jay Kantor

Retired: Write for "The Kids Someday"

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Comments (10)

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  • Shirley Belk6 months ago

    Jay, thank you for a walk down memory lane....you had me at road map. And, being from any small hick town, I laughed at loud about the "Hollyweird." I know exactly the looks you got! I love the symbiotic relationship you formed with the humble cabinet maker.

  • Judey Kalchik 7 months ago

    I spent 11 years working for one of the best mid-West furniture companies, and part of the time I supported their franchisees. Your story hit home with a smile!

  • Lamar Wiggins7 months ago

    Inspiring true stories, I love those. Thank for the recommendation my bud! I can picture you in that suit right now. Do you still have it? Wait! Is that you in the cover pic?

  • Naomi Gold8 months ago

    Well Jay… I read this at your request, but as an 80’s baby I have no idea what you’re talking about. Just picturing you in a baby blue polyester suit and smiling. You’ve seen things I never will. That’s pretty cool.

  • Wow! This story is fantastic, and the delivery is even better. Jay, you have a special gift for storytelling. I honestly found myself reading this aloud, in a slow country drawl, thinking how perfectly this would lend itself to a podcast. It offers a peek into a bygone era, but even more, it tells the story of human emotion and innovation. This is incredibly well crafted and delivered. Fantastic!

  • Dana Crandell10 months ago

    Ah, yes. "Back in the day." Love that your franchising scheme brought the Mensch his just reward. You've got me thinking of writing about my days in sales. The first "really portable" (backpack) cell phone by "The Big M", followed by the real one-hander that was still an effective weapon. That's just to mention a couple. The good ol' Kirby. Yeah, I wore some polyester.

  • Awww, that was so nice of him to invite you in for some home cooked meal! Wonderful story!

  • Jay Kantor (Author)10 months ago

    Hi Phil ~ Good to hear from you! Metaphor: That's why they make 'Fords & Chevys' - we all have a choice. You enjoy what you do; and so do I. Kind of like if you're a good bowler; you like to bowl a lot. I so enjoy your offerings as well! As a Self-Described "Goof Writer" ~ If we were all exactly alike it would be boring - it's interesting to "Sell" ourselves - In our own way! ~ - With Respect - Jay Kantor, Chatsworth, California 'Senior' Vocal Author - Vocal Author Community -

  • Phil Flannery11 months ago

    Sounds like you were quite the business man. I hate trying to sell things.

  • Immediately, I thought of Charlie Cowell, anvil salesman in "The Music Man". I don't know how you delivered your pitch, but if it was anything like old Charlie (perhaps with a bit of Professor Harold Hill thrown in), I betcha it was fun.

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