It's 4 a.m. You've just spent the past seven hours
readying your business for the big sale you're starting
tomorrow, updating your Web site and restocking your shelves, all
the while inhaling cup after cup of coffee and yearning for
daylight savings time so you could just turn the clock back an
hour.
You finally hit the sack, your body still quaking from the
caffeine, your eyes drooping with
fatigue . . . two hours later, your alarm clock
screams, yanking you back into reality.
Sound familiar? We thought so.
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That's why we're so amazed by those of you who manage to
squeeze anything other than thoughts of business into your
overworked brains--and why we established the first annual Socially
Responsible Franchisee of the Year award. Of the numerous
nominations we received, we found several exemplary citizens who
deserved to be recognized, so we established three categories:
Philanthropist Extraordinaire, an overall socially responsible
franchisee (in this case, a husband-and-wife team); Big-Time
Benevolence, a multiunit franchisee whose influential status
benefits his or her community; and Oh, Charitable Canadian, a
franchisee who carries social responsibility across the border.
Philanthropist Extraordinaire
Judy and Chuck Ruggeri, both in their 60s, were devoted to
social responsibility way before it was cool. The co-owners of six
Fantastic Sams locations in Pennsylvania have spent much of the
past 11 years educating and supporting the public, promoting their
industry, and charming customers, rarely pausing for a breather.
"Chuck and I are [involved] in the business 24 hours a day,
seven days a week," says Judy. "Last year, we had our
first full-week vacation in 10 years."
They're able to handle the stress with the help of their
son, David Ruggeri, and his wife, Flo, who both work in the
business, as well as their loyal staff and customers, who often
inspire ideas for helping the community. And let's not forget
Fuzzy.
Yes, Fuzzy is a bear. A big, orange bear that journeys to local
preschools and hospitals with the Ruggeris' stylists. While
Fuzzy entertains, the stylists cut the kids' hair and teach
them grooming techniques. "If we teach them while they're
young, they'll learn to respect themselves," says Flo, the
Ruggeris' director of operations. "The little things we
teach them go a long way."
Other efforts include fund-raisers for cancer research and the
Make-A-Wish Foundation, in-home haircuts for the elderly, Easter
egg hunts, and in-salon birthday parties. In the name of social
responsibility, Chuck and David even volunteered to do hard time:
They spent a few hours in the slammer while stylists collected
"bail" money from customers. The Ruggeris matched each
dollar given and donated all the proceeds to the Muscular Dystrophy
Association.
What's next? Wigs. The stylists lop off customers'
ponytails and ship the hair to a charity which turns it into wigs
for cancer patients. Appropriately, the effort is called
"Locks of Love."
"These events allow us to get along with the
community," notes Chuck. "They inspire our employees to
do more, which inspires us to do more, too. It's a rewarding
experience for everyone." Including Fuzzy.
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