Bikinis a sure way to jump start business
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Considering this idea hasn’t been greeted with open arms, I’ve turned my attention to goal No. 2, which is to have a large structure named in my honor. Since talks are gaining steam for an indoor pool in McMinnville, I’m thinking this is finally my chance.
That’s why I would like to officially make it known that I give my full blessing to naming an indoor pool ‘ when it eventually arrives ‘ the James Clark Indoor Pool. Note: this is much different than the James Clark Memorial Indoor Pool, which I have absolutely no interest in seeing constructed.
My main sticking point is coming up with a nifty little mascot that goes over well with the kids. After all, Gilley Pool has the lovable Gilley Frog as its mascot. That means I need to come up with something really catchy.
After a brief brainstorming session, I think the best mascot to exemplify my new pool is The Fonz. He’s hip, he’s cool, and he can make the jukebox at Arnold’s Restaurant play just by hitting it in a magic spot.
That’s my proposal. City officials can do with it what they wish.
As for the big news story of the month, there’s been an onslaught of publicity for a new lawn care company in Memphis. This company has seized on the Hooter’s business model and incorporated it in the lawn care industry. Translation: women in bikinis are now cutting grass in Memphis.
The company is called Tiger Time Lawn Care. Thus far the three-month-old company has been so successful, owner Lee Cathey is already trying to think of ways to stay busy after lawn-mowing season is over.
‘In the fall we’ll pick up leaves in the bikinis if need be,’ Cathey said. I wonder if that means they will shovel snow in bikinis too.
According to Cathey, this new twist to lawn care service has been widely popular ‘ even though fees are higher than regular lawn mowing.
‘We had a couple of customers sitting in lawn chairs drink beer just enjoying the bikini cut,’ he said. ‘The yards definitely get more attention when there’s a bikini on the lawn.’
For all the folks saying business is bad in McMinnville, and I agree with that assessment, maybe this is an idea to keep in mind for next summer. And it might not be a bad idea to shift over to other genres.
I mean who would you rather call, a plumber or a bikini plumber? If the cable company is struggling to compete with all these satellite providers, maybe the cable guy concept needs to be reinvented. How about a bikini cable lady. I think I have made my point.
A.O. Smith sale nears completion
It’s taken longer than expected, but all things do in the business world. That said, three local businessmen only have one more hurdle to clear before buying the former A.O. Smith building.
The three businessmen are guys we all know and love, Billy Wood, Ricky Minton and David Hill. And when I say love, I’m just talking figuratively. Together they have formed a company called Tennessee Soy, which is on the verge of cranking up a biodiesel operation here in McMinnville.
The three have been working to finalize the paperwork for some time ‘ and it’s been a mountain of paperwork. But alas, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
The project has entered its 30-day comment period, which is a period designed to give anyone a chance to raise concerns about the deal. If no objections are raised, the property will be sold to Tennessee Soy.
I understand through a reliable, super secret source the selling price is $500,000, but don’t repeat that. Once the half million dollars changes hands, the Industrial Development Board, which owns the property, will deed it over to Tennessee Soy. Then the fun will begin.
The plans call for Tennessee Soy to turn soybeans and cottonseed into biodiesel fuel. That means after the property deal is finalized, some very sophisticated equipment will be brought on site.
It will probably take close to a year to get all the equipment set up and have the operation running at full throttle. That’s a ways down the road.
What folks want to know about are jobs, and Tennessee Soy should hire a handful of people this fall. That includes a chemist, a couple machinists, and some tool and die people.
More than anything, Tennessee Soy is a step in the right direction. Slowly but surely, our great nation needs to ease its dependence on oil to prevent future fiascos like the war in Iraq. A company like Tennessee Soy is a vital piece to the puzzle.
Update on McMinnville Molding
One of the most frequent questions I’ve been asked over the past month is the fate of McMinnville Molding, which has been shut down since a late June fire.
While a definite determination has yet to be made about the company’s future, things are looking somewhat positive. Ruby Northcutt, who owns the company with her husband Rickey, told me Friday the business has its phone line back up and running, along with its e-mail.
Ruby said the clean-up process is still ongoing and that equipment is being tested to see how close it is to working order. More than anything, Ruby wanted to extend her gratitude.
‘We want people to know how thankful we are,’ she said. ‘We’ve received help from so many people it’s impossible to call names. People have brought food, given us free labor, and offered to help in any way possible. We are most grateful.’
McMinnville Molding employed 55 people. I’ll continue to keep you posted.
Merle Norman adds facial spa
Local Merle Norman owner Jennifer Morton knew what she was doing when she talked me into coming to her store for a facial. And yes it’s OK for a macho guy like me to get a facial.
Jennifer knew even a rugged guy like myself would enjoy the pampering you get from one of her face and back treatments. I’m not afraid to tell you I fully enjoyed the indulgence.
‘This goes hand and hand with my Merle Norman business,’ said Jennifer, who is now a licensed esthetician. ‘My clients from the retail store want to take care of their skin so it naturally rolls into the spa part.’
Jennifer has turned the back part of her business in Plaza Shopping Center into a facial spa, complete with soft music and relaxing atmosphere. She has Linsey Cornelius on staff, who is also a licensed esthetician.
The facial spa is in its early stages, about two months old, but Jennifer and Linsey are already building a steady clientele.
In addition to being a major stress reliever, the facials have the long-term benefit of making your skin look better. Hot towels are used to get your skin loose before it’s exfoliated. If you’re trying to find a neat gift for the wife, I’d recommend a gift certificate to the facial spa.
Jennifer and Linsey take this esthetician stuff seriously. They are attending a skin care convention in Orlando, Fla., at the end of September to make sure they’re up to date on the latest products and techniques.
To schedule an appointment with Jennifer or Linsey, the phone number is 473-5227. Remember, Merle Norman has been in business in Warren County for 47 years, with Jennifer owning the business for the last six of those years.
P.D. Trunk is closing up shop
It’s been three years since P.D. Trunk first opened in Cumberland Plaza, and owner Jane McGiboney Wilhite says it’s been a great three years. However, she’s ready to slow down just a bit and therefore she’s in the process of closing her store.
‘Anyone who tells you retail is not a personal business doesn’t know what they’re talking about,’ said Jane. ‘Because I’ve put everything into this store.’
What makes P.D. Trunk unique is its merchandise. There aren’t many high-end stores in McMinnville where you can buy home decorating items. Jane said another local store may be ready to take on some of her popular lines, but that announcement is not ready just yet.
As for what will fill P.D. Trunk’s spot at Cumberland Plaza, local realtor Sally Steakley is showing the property. Sally says there has been mild interest but nothing noteworthy to report.
Since I had Sally on the line, I asked her about the Warren County real estate market.
‘It’s changed since last year,’ said Sally. ‘More land and more lots are what’s selling. We’re still selling some houses, especially with acreage. That’s what these out-of-state buyers are looking for.’
When you look at retail space in McMinnville, it’s not exactly getting snatched up right now. For starters, there’s no shortage of available space at Three Star Mall. Main Street also has openings.
I’m surprised the old Blockbuster store is still empty after a year. And there is plenty of space available at strip shopping centers on Sparta Street and North Chancery. That said, I think a mad rush to fill the P.D. Trunk space once it’s vacant is unlikely.
Applebee’s changes won’t be drastic
Some of you have most likely heard about the $1.9 billion cash deal that has IHOP buying Applebee’s. The restaurant in McMinnville is one of 1,943 Applebee’s that will be acquired in the deal.
So what does this mean to local residents who enjoy a hot meal at Applebee’s? Well, probably not much. Even with the change at the top, The Woodland Group will continue to be over its 20 Applebee’s in Middle Tennessee and two in Southern Kentucky.
‘It’s a different parent company with new leadership at the top,’ said Chris Shoub, marketing spokesman for The Woodland Group. ‘The idea is to re-energize the brand with some innovative ideas.’
Shoub added the local Applebee’s is ‘doing very well’ and said he doesn’t expect the change in ownership to affect any jobs. IHOP is best known for its blue-roofed pancake restaurants. I don’t know if this deal means Applebee’s will begin serving breakfast down the road.
That’s all folks
To report your business news, give me a call at 473-2191.