March 31, 2012

►    A Seasonal Specialty Stores report card was received from Michelle F.  in Auburn,NH.  She stated that her general  shopping experience with us was Good, “Store manager Pat?  I forgot his name.  He didn’t give me a hard time trying to    exchange a leaking skimmer.  He was very polite and helpful.”  Sales help in general was Good, “Seth was great”.   Operations, communication, and product performance were Good. PoolSchool, In-store advice and free water testing were rated Excellent.  As to what we could do to improve – “Have a store closer to us?  It’s a long ride for me to drive there.”  What do we do well?  “Customer service.” 

►    New advertising and specials start April 1^st:  “April Sale”.   We will extend the Patio Furniture Sale just one more day, until April 1^st. 

►    Big meeting at 9AM Sunday, April 1^st for training in new items, and Seasonal Rewards.

 ►    Big week coming up:  Happy Birthday to Stephanie on April 2.  Happy ten year anniversary to Jim also on April 2.  Happy one year anniversary to Kyle, John, and Kristine on April 7.  Cake in the coffee shop on April 7.

 ►    April hours start April 1^st:  Mon-Fri 10-8, Sat 10-5, Sun 11-5

 ►    Rebates on the Pentair Legend double on April 1^st.  Also, the Maytronics rebates start.  I am hoping that all the forms have shown up by then.  If not, Pat should mail them to the customer when they do show up.

 ►    Submitted by Anne-Marie:

        When entering a new customer in RetailPro, do not enter the city and state, instead enter the zip code. The system will automatically bring up the city and state so you do not have to type it in. 

►    Total Quarterly Bonuses averaged 113% this quarter.  Congratulations, and great work!

 ►    Joe has added a new service to deliveries:  if he (or we) deliver a spa cover, he/we will also put it on the tub and dispose of the old one.  This is a very good service, and matches Oasis, for $5.00 less than their price.

 ►    More wisdom from our Bits ‘N Pieces books:

        – One never knows what each day is going to bring.  The important thing is to be open and ready for it.  Henry Moore

        – There is no greater joy nor greater reward than to make a fundamental difference in someone’s life.  Sister Mary Rose McGeady

        – If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.  If you want to be happy, practice compassion.  The Dalai Lama

        – Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family.  Whatever you call it, whoever, you are, you need one.  Jane Howard

 ►    Submitted by Anne-Marie:           

       Five minute management training lesson:

       Lesson 2:  A priest offered a Nun a lift.  She got in and crossed her legs, forcing her gown to reveal a leg.  The priest nearly had an accident.  After controlling the car, he stealthily slid his hand up her leg.  The nun said, “Father, remember Psalm 129?”  The priest removed his hand.  But, changing gears, he let his hand slide up her leg again.  The nun once again said, “Father, remember Psalm 129?” 

 The priest apologized “Sorry sister but the flesh is weak.”  Arriving at the convent, the nun sighed heavily and went on her way.  On his arrival at the church, the priest rushed to look up Psalm 129.  It said, “Go forth and seek, further up, you will find glory.” 

 Moral of the story:  If you are not well informed in your job, you might miss a great opportunity.