The Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI) will be virtually educating drycleaners on virtually everything to do with textile care this month. Coming up soon is a two-day virtual course on “Understanding Fibers and Fabrics” set to take place on April 14 and 16.
The course gives production team members and customer service representatives the practical knowledge they need to protect garments and prevent costly claims. Participants learn how fiber content, fabric construction, dyes and finishes influence what happens during cleaning, stain removal and finishing to identify textiles with confidence, anticipate risk and choose safer, more effective cleaning approaches. Training covers natural and man-made fibers, weaves/knits/velvets, special finishes and decorative trims, how to test for dye bleeding and more.
During the following week, DLI will host a two-day virtual course on “Customer Service Superstars” on April 21 and 23 that will feature Jennifer Whitmarsh with The Route Pros and Snappy Drycleaning. This is a high-energy course designed to transform customer service professionals into exceptional brand ambassadors. This program focuses on building the skills and mindset needed to create unforgettable customer experiences, foster loyalty and drive success.
Participants will learn effective communication techniques, problem-solving strategies and tools to handle challenging situations with confidence and grace. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the industry, Service Superstars equips you with the knowledge and techniques to exceed expectations, delight customers and shine in every interaction.
Another virtual program coming up include a featured monthly webinar at 1 p.m. EST on April 15: “Top 10 Tax-Saving Strategies Your Accountant Won’t Tell You About” with Dave Coyle of Maverick Drycleaners.
On the following day, DLI will host its Marketing Masterclass online at 2 p.m. EST. The series offers practical, one-hour sessions focused on strategies owners can apply immediately to improve visibility, strengthen customer relationships and increase revenue.
Finally, there are two DLI programs designed specifically to help cleaners connect. The association’s weekly peer networking meetings take place at 11:30 a.m. EST every Tuesday on Zoom, allowing members a collaborative space to share challenges, exchange ideas and gain insights from fellow operators.
While the peer-to-peer meetings have continued for some time, another program by DLI was recently launched. It is called DLI Connect: New Owner Roundtable, a new member-exclusive program designed specifically for drycleaning and laundry professionals who have been business owners for less than three years. The inaugural roundtable began March 11, with additional groups now forming.
Recognizing that the early years of ownership present unique operational, financial and leadership challenges, DLI developed the New Owner Roundtable to provide structured peer support in a confidential, small-group setting. Each roundtable is strictly limited to seven to 10 DLI members from non-competing geographic areas to ensure open dialogue and meaningful participation.
“This program was created to address a very real need in our industry,” said Peter Blake, director of association services for DLI. “New owners often find themselves navigating complex decisions without a trusted peer group. DLI Connect provides a space where they can learn from one another, share challenges candidly and build confidence as leaders.”
Unlike traditional webinars or lecture-based education, the roundtable format is discussion-driven and facilitated to encourage practical, experience-based learning. Topics include transitioning from operator to owner, managing time and personnel, understanding key financial metrics, and developing long-term leadership skills.
The first roundtable cohort began March 11 will serve as Founding Members, helping shape the direction and evolution of the program as additional groups are formed throughout the year.
“There is tremendous strength in shared experience,” Blake added. “By connecting new owners early in their journey, we are investing in the long-term health and leadership of our industry.”
Learn more at DLIonline.org/Membership or call (800) 638-2627.