We had over 70 in attendance. Larry Cooper of Connections said he was real impressed!

Cleaners and industry folks came from all over the country. In fact, some came just for EncapFest.

From 1:30-2:00 I discussed the development and benefits of encapsulation.

From 2:00-2:30 Steve Roberts (Rug Badger) talked about setting up a simple rug cleaning operation using encapsulation for all but the most difficult rug jobs.

From 2:30-3:00 Bob Wittkamp (ICS writer) took us through a slide presentation that originally came from Ed York discussing fiber, soil, and cleaning. Bob related experiences of how he sees encapsulation changing the landscape in cleaning today. It’s always a pleasure to listen to Bob teach.

From 3:00-3:45 Fritz Thomspon (PCS Professional Cleaning Systems CEO) gave an energizing presentation on “systemizing” your business. Fritz demonstrated how to set up a simple SOP “Standard Operations Procedure”. This was an EXCELLENT presentation, worth the price of admission! Wait a minute, admission was free.

From 3:45-4:30 I had a second presentation. This one discussed how to build a commercial business with encapsulation. We talked about marketing and some simple systems to run a commercial business.

From 4:30-5:00 we played Who Wants To Be an Encap-ionaire (based on Who Wants To be a Millionaire). Jeff Cross (CleanFax editor) volunteered to be Regis and he did a GREAT job of it too! Mark Hart was our first victim er contestant, and Bill Yeadon was our second contestant. It was a lot of laughs!

And then from 5:00-6:00 we had some hands equipment demos. Everybody hung out and talked and had some fun. In fact nobody wanted to leave at 6:00.

I’ll post some pictures later. It was a lot of fun. And it was great to see some old friends, put faces with names, and make some new friends too. That’s what CONNECTIONS is about. To all of you that came and all that helped, THANK YOU for being a part of EncapFest. I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did.

Sooooo extremely dissapointed I missed it!!! Just my luck, I came down with a stomach flu 2 days ago, and had to miss connections(and reschedule 3 days of work ). Was so looking forward to meet everyone and participate. Rick, I left you a voice message...

PS Did anyone videotape it, or even an audio tape it? I will be willing to buy a copy if it will be available!!

Joe DeSouza

Rick,
That is great to hear! I wish I was there. My business is finally starting to grow by leaps and bounds. You know, 2 weeks ago I was thinking, "Man, if it wasn't for the mold jobs, I'd be hurting right now". Then, wham, the carpet cleaning hit. Awesome!
I was at Connections in Clearwater in '04 and it was a fantastic event. I've kept trying to get back, but haven't been able to afford it! I don't know if I'll be able to make Vegas this year, especially if I do Summerfest in Myrtle Beach (which is only 4 or 5 hours South of my location), but I'm definitely shooting for Florida next year!
Have a great time and do me a favor. If Toburen or Yeadon is there....tell them "This Bud's for Kevin Jones". Thanks .

Bob Wittkamp told it like it is as far as where the dirt goes (most of it doesn't) so the 14 step processes like paytoilet does is for his satisfaction more than the customer!!!


PS Rick's table dance at the ICS reception accompany'ed by the steel drum guy stole the show, i just wunder why he didn't wear the dred locks during the trade show???

See what they all missed by not being there. LOL




Rick Gelinas
encapman

WHERE'S MY MILLION DOLLARS!

The check's in the mail

Thanks for playing Mark, it was fun.

I wish I had more time to hang out and talk while you were there.
I run at a maddening pace at Connections, so it's hard to spend time.
Let's get together soon. Give me a call when you're heading back through this way.

Take care bro.





Rick Gelinas
encapman

Yes it was very nice

Man that Fritz is one smart dude, we had 4 great speakers

very nice event Rick

Thank you for putting it on



Mark let me know if you don't get your $$$$$$$$$$$$$$

IMHO this was the best part of the whole event. It was here that I received the most useful information. I was great matching names with faces. Here's an idea for the next time. An encap table at one of the meals so we can pick each others brain one on one.

Rick, I realize that at events like this you're running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. We'll have other opportunities.

It was a great event what surprised me was STANDING ROOM ONLY I was watching all the presentations and when I got up and turned around the room was packed!
So the secret is out to the world. It was a great event and great to network with everyone. Mark, Kevin,BobW, Rick, etc. I even managed to keep my credit card in my wallet even though Rick kept teasing me with the Sprint!!(but I sure liked it) I was amazed at the smoothness of the challenger after reading how OP machines vibrate like crazy, and the propane monster can flat out clean some carpet.

That sprint is already on its way Mr. Lord. Rick has your credit card on file.

I have to agree with the above post. The place was packed and one of the best parts of Connections was the Encapfest. I am "systemizing" today.

I learned so much from this now implementation is the key.

Kevin Pearson

Call me if you still have doubts about the challenger.Its' on my van right next to my MEX!
Patrick