As we round out 2021, let’s take a moment to recognize an achievement on one of the more familiar personalities in our industry, James Peuster.
JP (as many of us know him as), begins his 20th year consulting teams across America (and internationally). Originally under the guidance of Al Robson of Biz Builders, James found his niche very early on. So many Dry Cleaners have leaned on James for guidance in not just Route Development, but also Staff Development. Enter, The Route Pro’s Member Group.
Early on along his business travels, JP earned himself another nickname, The Knockfather. He’s worked with thousands of Route Drivers and many of them will tell you how fond they are of his face to face sales and retention training.
As the years have passed, James has taken his Route Pro’s Group to the next level, establishing task focused peer groups from within. As our industry recognizes, leadership is more critical than ever. James has run with this, and to this day The Route Pro’s have a dedicated Leadership group of over 75 members strong!
Fondly recognized often as the life of a party, James has often been spotted spearheading great times across the land. Whether at a Clean Show booth, Route Pro Member Conference dinner, or a DLI (Dry Cleaning & Laundry Institute) Zoom Chat, James usually gets people laughing and lightens the mood.
James, enjoy some fond words and stories from your peers:
The first time I met James I was in a bus shelter, waiting on a bus in New Jersey getting ready to go to New York City for the day; because the next day I would find myself at a Route conference to see the next GURU of Route building, AKA James Peuster. Even though I‘d never met him before we spent the entire day sight-seeing in NYC and we ended up at a place called Hog’s and Heffer’s (Similar to the movie Coyote Ugly) where James ended up losing his green sweater vest! I remember thinking to myself, who is this guy in a green sweater vest, with no dry cleaning experience possibly going to share with all of these “seasoned” dry cleaners? Well, never judge a book by its cover. Even though he was not from the industry and he wore a green sweater vest he was and still is a fresh set of eyes always looking for new ideas and opinions to make this industry great again. Working side by side with James for 10 years was an honor, our thoughts and values were aligned and I still learned so much and greatly valued my time with him. I consider both James and Peggy good friends. Peggy being the beauty and the brains of the duo! I also consider James a personal mentor in my development as a person as well as a pillar in this industry. Congratulations James on 20 years in this industry, with only 20 years you’re still a baby!
-Randy Mearkle, BJC Consulting
James likes to say he got into this industry because of his friend Al Robson who took him under his wing with a drycleaning group. Well, what many people don’t know is that I brought Al Robson into this industry. I hired him to run a NEFA cost group a very long time ago. So in a way, James is in the industry because of me — and if I can lay claim to that — then I have left a powerful impact on this industry in that one act. James has been a tremendous asset to so many. In many ways, he changed the landscape of the industry and along the way helped countless people survive and thrive in their businesses. So many drycleaners worldwide can point to his assistance and see the ways he has impacted our industry.
I tend to look at things a little different sometimes, and while what he does for his clients is terrific, it is often his selflessness that really inspires me. He is always first in line to help us whenever we need him. He is giving with his expertise, his experiences and his vision. He recognizes the value in associations like NEFA, SEFA and MAC and has always supported us whenever called upon.
James, I am proud to call you a colleague, a resource and an industry icon. More so, I am honored and privileged to call you my friend and I am better for it!
-Peter Blake, Executive Director; SEFA, NEFA, MAC
James, Congratulations on 20 Years! You have the unique ability to see the potential that lies within each of us and find a way to bring it to the surface. You’ve always called it the way you see it. You’ve been supportive in my business endeavors and with my personal life. You’ve taught me where to put the right people on the bus and so much more. I’ve learned and grown thanks to you, James!
-Debbie Wilson, General Manager, J. Anton’s Cleaners, Route Pro Hall of Fame Member
I met James in Providence RI after Al Robson passed. We had coffee together and I asked him if I could join his group. He knew I was fired from the BizBuilder Group after I participated in a group led by Rex Carrigan, but still accepted me to participate.
Since I met James about 16 years ago, he has helped us grow our Route business and stay focused in moving forward. I have really enjoyed our relationship. James, Happy 20th Anniversary! (Hope I’m still in your favorite 5 contact list.) Let’s get Started!!!
-Carl Sahady, Diamond Cleaners
James, We are so appreciative of you and your Route Pro teammates. Your consulting, guidance and support of the industry has helped Edit TX become one of the countries most successful home pickup and delivery companies. We couldn’t have done it without you.
We’ve been blessed to be partners for nearly two decades and the best is yet to come. Thank you for an amazing 20 years. Let’s keep building new memories and breaking new records!
-Kyle Nesbit, VP of Business Development, EDIT
About 7-8 years ago, I was attending Route Pro’s University in Kansas City. During one of our sessions (with James, Esme and Leon), we were disrupted by a siren. James proclaimed, “It’s a tornado!” Esme and I immediately headed to the basement of The Route Pro’s offices and hunkered down. While she and I were busy texting our loved ones, we quickly realized that James and Leon were nowhere to be found! After an hour, we emerged from the basement, and behold, James and Leon pull into the parking lot in the route van after chasing the tornado!
James, congrats on 20 years from our Classic Drycleaners team; keep chasing tornadoes!
-Paula Kostik, Owner, Classic Drycleaners & Laundromats
In the spring of 2010, James came to make his initial visit to Art Cleaners in Boulder, Colorado where I was the epitome of the term “just a driver.” I was “that” guy. I thought my customers couldn’t live without me. I thought my route was “big enough.” Most importantly, I was terrified of knocking on a stranger’s door to talk about anything, much less to try and “sell” them on something. So, I made every excuse in the book. You know them, you have heard them all: “I don’t have time to sell,” “It’s too cold to sell out here,” “It’s also too hot to sell out here.”
James, you came in and I took my rolodex home with me (yes, youngsters-my route used to be in a ROLODEX and I used a tool you’ve probably never heard of to find houses-it was called a MAPSCO). The reason I took my ROLODEX home is because I was sure I was going to walk out of our meeting unhappy.
Well, you promoted me to Route Manager that day and told that you believed in me. It had been a very long time since someone said they believed in me and for very good reason. After that day, I pushed all my chips to the middle of the table and fell in love with the dry cleaning business and especially routes. Over the next six years, you helped my team grow our little route department from $400k to about $1.25million in route sales.
James, you and I have butted heads over the years. We have almost identical DISC profiles and this surely caused each of our egos to get the better of us at times. Especially mine. After 11 years of being not only mentored by you but also befriended, I cannot say where I would be without your guidance. I went from being “the blue route” driver at Art Cleaners to being the General Manager of four locations, two production facilities and ten routes here in Austin, Texas with Tide Cleaners.
James Peuster, thank you for all you have done for me and most importantly thank you for how much you care about the people you meet on a daily basis. Cheers to you, JP!
-Jason St. Pierre, General Manger, Tide Austin, Route Pro’s Hall Of Fame
What can be said about James “The Knockfather” Peuster? You will not find a more knowledgeable person when it comes down to Route Development. You give him any challenge that a Route has and he will not only eliminate the challenge, but will turn that Route and Driver into a top tier operator in record time.
James, when we met for the first time I knew right away that if I wanted to take our Routes to the next level we needed to align our company with you. Our company has improved 100% with your help and guidance and there are not enough ways to say thank you. Outside of the business, you are such a kind person.
James, you’ll give us the sweater vest off of your back, tell us where to have it cleaned and sign us up for Free Pick Up & Delivery! Congratulations on 20 years in the most interesting world of dry cleaning!
-Brian Sternheim, Route Manager, Embassy Cleaners
James, congratulations on 20 years of outstanding service to our industry!
You have coached hundreds of owners, route mangers and drivers, who owe you a debt of gratitude. James, you are the personification of determination and a can-do-attitude, which we all have benefitted from. Congratulations and looking forward to your next 20 years!
-Chuck Anton, Owner, J. Anton’s Cleaners
James, Crest Cleaners would like to congratulate you on your 20th anniversary!!! Being part of The Route Pro’s family has brought many great memories to Crest. From meetings to trainings to sales team blitz’s , we find great value in having your team pour into ours. You lead by example with a passion to genuinely help each of us become better in all areas. I personally love the DISC profiles. They’ve really taught me how to lead each individual better and it’s also taught me a lot of insight on myself.
We truly appreciate the time we have spent with you! Looking forward to another 20 years!! WE CAN!!
-Marlena Calobong, Sales & Service Director, Crest Cleaners
James Peuster…where do we begin? Having never met you, but only the stories and reputation that preceded, I flew out to Kansas City for Route Pros University. From the moment I met you when you picked me up at the hotel I knew I was in for a good time. I left RPU with a whole new set of skills to bring back to our routes and aside from the killer route training, had an awesome time exploring Kansas City too!
James, you’re an incredible asset to the dry cleaning industry and have been a great teacher to me and I appreciate my time at RPU immensely! Congratulations on 20 years and here’s to 20 more!
-Rob Parker, Area Manager, Dependable Cleaners
James, Congratulations on 20 years! It just seems like yesterday it was 19. Oh wait, that’s because it was.
During my time I’ve certainly learned a lot from you and it was a pleasure and honor working and learning from you. Remember, when a pitching at the door, if a spouse says I have to check with my significant other, just tell them it’s hard to get a great dry cleaner you can always get a new spouse.
Congratulations once again and keep up the great work James!
-Mark Torch, Route Developer, DO Summers Cleaners
James, you’ve been a fantastic resource when it comes to route development and implementation. I appreciate your thoughtful guidance and commitment to route development and your commitment to excellence. You’ve helped make my company better and more diverse. You’re a super guy and a great friend as well! I’m sure Randy Unruh is smiling down and riding shotgun with you!
-Kurt Lucero, Owner, The Cleanery
James, I was new to the industry when we first met back in 2013 and was not sure what to expect. As you know, I came from the automotive industry and I had no idea what I was getting myself into. The passion that you have for route development was something that I wasn’t expecting but it helped me buy-in quickly. Your unique style of teaching and coaching has been consistent over time.
I appreciate your commitment to this industry and the way you always look to future for new ideas and ways we can improve and build a better relationship with employees and our customers. Keep up the great work and wish nothing but the best for your Route Pro team!
-Ron Carver, Rogers Cleaners
When I first met James I wasn’t sure what to think. Maybe it was because he thought of things much different than others in the industry. Maybe it was because he hadn’t stopped talking for 30 minutes and I was still trying to process what he had mentioned 15 minutes into the conversation, so I was 15 minutes behind what he was saying. One thing was clear, he had a passion for helping people succeed. Not just the businesses, the people. Focus on the people as an investment, not as a cost. Invest in your people, show them you want to help them succeed and then see how they become an ambassador for your brand. In an industry always focused on COST, James is a breath of fresh air with a positive message and is always an injection of energy for our team.
James, beyond business, I’ve grown as a person because of what I’ve learned from you. My approach and mindset to managing people both in and out of our company has changed and has helped me to succeed. Our current Route Manager has flourished because of the guidance of your Route Pro Team. Our Route Sales Team has learned to tie work goals to personal goals and helped them to reach those goals they never expected. It is about the people and our people succeed both within our company and in life thanks to you, James!
Congrats, Knockfather on your 20th anniversary in the industry. We thank you for all that you have taught us to date, for many great memories along the way and look forward to many more years of memories and learning to come!
-Brian Fish, Manager, Pier Cleaners
James, I recall my first-time hearing you speak. Your energy and passion immediately caught my attention. Partially because, as a southerner, I found you to be a fast talker but as I listened, I heard your fresh ideas. We decided to focus on taking Puritan Cleaners delivery service to the next level, so we enrolled in the services of you and The Route Pro’s. Over the years, you’ve become a friend and a trusted advisor. As you’ve added staff, and multiplied talents, you haven’t been afraid to share the spotlight. In our industry, it is good to have a friend who has personal and experiential knowledge from very best operations around the country. And the awesome thing is how you’ve shared this knowledge and experience with vendors and associations freely so that our entire industry can benefit.
James, we appreciate you friend! On behalf of our entire Puritan Cleaners team, we congratulate you on 20 great years in the dry cleaning industry!
-Norman Way, Puritan Cleaners
As you have read for yourself, James leaves a lasting impression. Not only in your business, but in your life. We are honored to work with him and privileged to call him a friend and mentor. Sweater vests off to you James. Here is to another 20 years and countless memories.
