A look back....

Looking back over my shoulder, I have witnessed many years of fortunately being just a small part of this Great Industry of ours. I started in November of 1971 with my first machine. Man, was I ever a young man back then! I can still remember to this day one of my very first customers. A fabulous person.

Back then, the HWE industry was just taking off and little was known about it. There was no extensive information of any kind; no internet; no trade shows, only some magazine advertisements of a few manufacturers.

37 psi with one vacuum motor was common. 3-6 jet wands, bulky 8-jet drag back weighted cleaning heads were optional.

Throughout these years, I have had the real fortune of meeting hundreds and hundreds in person and further speaking with thousands on the telephone from all over the World. Neat individuals who were (and still are)very professional in their presentation and the way they handle themselves in a personal and business nature. They all had one common aspect of success: They all possessed a very positive ; helpful; honorable and respectful attitude and were fun to converse with.

I learned first hand, that the large majority of people of all Nationalities from all countries had the same thing in common; they were all hard working individuals, had the exact same goals, and were helping to provide their lovely spouse and children with a decent living. The only thing that separated us was perhaps the language. However, this was actually exciting to converse and we (at both ends of the phone) always found a means to a successful end.

Ofcourse, I am very proud of this company, Cross-American Corporation and the individuals whom contibuted so much along the way to help make it a hugh success. Further, I hope by many that we have been an important innovator and have provided much information in an effort to help advance this Industry.

Finally, since the early days, I have witnessed approx 20 manufacturers of HWE (unfortunately in some situations) disappear for various reasons. Therefore, just another reason that may imply that Cross-American has implimented the right organization and process of manufacturing and servicing of our customers.

I conclude by sincerely thanking each and every one of you whom I have described above for we would not have made it this far if we were not doing something right with your help and support.

This is really a tribute to YOU!

Thanks for the memories;
Ed Valentine

Carpetologist;

Thank you for those kind words. However, you too have been in this industry a long, long time! I remember the first time I met you at a International trade show. I think you brought a black hat with either a Rabbit or a Cat in it. --LOL   I do remember however, that we had a lot of fun and you were always very professional in your presentation.

 

I wonder if sometime I should list some of those manufacturers who went out the back door. Might bring up memories......................

 

Thanks again my good Canadian Friend!

 

Ed Valentine