Quick look at things happening now.

First, I don't know how many of you are aware that Google has released the BETA version of their GMail program. I have it as a gift from one of my blogger mentors and now the fine folks at Google have given me, 50 invites to pass out! So, if you would like an invite to have GMail, which I have to say, is pretty cool in comparison to Yahoo and Hotmail. Just post a comment here with your email address filled in. No, I will not respond to email requests, you have to post here. Go to the bottom of this blog and click on the word Comments.

On to the news;

In one of my blogs on the Zen of Cleaning from my personal business site I made some comments about how the carpet mats from the big rental companies are starting to resemble old worm eaten burlap bags and I encouraged my customers to complain to the delivery people.

Today, I see in the news that Aramark
Has been busted by the State of Michigan for trying to avoid unemployment insurance to the tune of $2.4 million dollars! You have to wonder why these big companies think they are above the law!
If it was one of us small operators the state would be in our driveway, impounding vehicles, seizing bank accounts and attaching our receivables.

I expect now, the mats from Aramark will continue to be these threadbare, old pieces of discard rags for some time to come. Of course, they will also probably be raising rates too! They also have food service division and they own and operate a janitorial and facility service division as well. Which competes with us service business owners and they have that size advantage!
With a little less capital now. :)

I think I am going to call some carpet mat manufacturers in the morning and see if I can buy some rolls, cut my own mats and offer my customers a deal. I would do it at cost, if it meant keeping some of these conglomerates out of my accounts.

Congratulations to Richard up there in Canada who hit it big in the lottery! $12 million!
Hint, Richard, don't buy stock in Aramark for awhile. Nice to see one of our own getting something good for a change!

I see Coverall has opened up offices in a new country of unsuspecting sheep. Japan!
I sure hope all those fine folks there take the time to do some net research, check the forums and look at the US Government sites on lawsuits for franchise violations before spending any hard earned yen!