Consulting Services for the Independent Retailer

Testimonials

 JRM Sales & Management's extensive list of references

is available upon request.  

Contact us or call 1-866-925-6287.

 

We started with JRM Sales and Management at the worst possible time. The economy had basically collapsed as we knew it and the future did not look much better. Michael Luciani has been everything from a financial advisor, a teacher and coach for me and my staff, a GREAT sounding board, a therapist, and a friend. With his help we have made great strides on improving many different areas of the business. Mike's expertise on everything from Inventory, Employee Management, to Accounting has without a doubt helped us through this very trying time. Mike either has the knowledge we need for whatever problem we are having or he uses his resources with JRM to find the answer. Mike and JRM are definitely a valuable asset to my business.

Vic Grogan

True Value Hardware & Home

 

David Fass and JRM have been invaluable to our company in the last 6 months.  By no means have we reached all our goals, but we're a different company from who we were before.  David has supported us with insight and accountability through a period of extreme economic uncertainty, and with his help we have made several significant changes to our business that will be a foundation for controlled, consistent growth.  JRM is helping us fix root problems we didn't know we had while teaching us skills we didn't know we lacked.  I don't know where we'd be without them, but I'm excited about where we're going together!

Aaron Clewell

Clewell's Family Hardware

 

Michael Luciani and JRM was definitely a positive experience for us as a team at Best Fire Hearth & Patio, and also for me personally, as a young sales manager.  They helped me add synergy to our sales team by teaching me how to communicate regularly, openly, and fairly with my team.  By implementing the changes Mike suggested, I now have a better overall sales team; one which is more motivated, better informed, more confident, and focused on their individual goals and mission of our company.  I would highly recommend JRM to any organization (except my competition) who wants to maximize their overall performance and promote a better place to work.

Lucas Stritsman

Sales Manger, Best Fire Hearth & Patio

 

We engaged JRM Sales and Management over five years ago. They helped us to bring our organization to the forefront of the furniture retail/wholesale in Russia. We have restructured our 500+ employee organization, we have implemented the sales system in all 7 of our stores, we follow their recommendations in merchandising and marketing and we continue to exploit their expertise in all corners of our business. Times are very tough here in Russia, the traffic is 50% down, but we are making money. Thanks JRM!

Naum Alper

Torgovij Tsentr Don

Rostov-on-Don, Russia

JRM taught us how to develop our operating budget as a tool to help us manage our business proactively.  We now know where we are going and also what to do to help us get there.  Working with JRM and Jim Grandillo has been a real eye-opener for us!

Mary Osborne

Rifes TV& Appliance

 

Jim Grandillo and JRM have taught me how to hold myself and my staff accountable for results.  We have grown and prospered these past two years in spite of a weak economy, and we are a better and stronger company because of our association with them.

Russell Imhoff

Imhoff's Hometown Appliance Center

 

We immediately connected with our account executive, Mike Luciani and respect his advice. We are so pleased that Milton Dortch had the patience to stick with us during the decision process so that we finally took the steps to seek JRM’s assistance.  The light at the end of the tunnel is there just knowing that we are being proactive about our business.  Since we are a second generation family business we finally feel like Scotty’s is our business and not like we are just replacements with no right of passage.

Kim and Cyndee Scott

Scotty's Audio and Video

 

We engaged JRM Sales and Management over a year ago. They have been a great help to us over that time.  It is like having another set of eyes on the company.  I find myself comfortable enough to call my account executive whenever I need advice or just a sounding board.  JRM is there for my company and continues to play a key role in our organization.

Bill Pelfrey, Jr.

World Hi Fi Home Store

 

Our experience with JRM Sales & Management has been a very profitable and enjoyable experience.  We are a family run business that is in the process of trying to evolve into a business that is run by policy, procedures, and accountability.  While it has been a lot of hard work, my wife and I are convinced we made the right choice in investing in our business even at a time that the economy is not at it's best.  We have been able to hold our figures even though sales all around us are down dramatically.  Mike Luciani has been fantastic in helping in any area that we have asked and encouraging us in all facets of the business.  JRM has been nothing but professional.  We've signed up for another term!

Charles Puckett

Town and Country

 

Joe, I just wanted to write and thank you for the excellent sales training program administered by JRM Sales & Management.  Your trainers, David Fass and Michael Luciani, were first rate.  Our 90 sales associates and 14 managers thoroughly enjoyed it and received great take-away lessons and materials.  Even one of our most hardened and experienced sales associates said he got some wonderful tips.  He said "it is refreshing to be trained by professional people with tons of retail experience."

I would whole-heartedly recommend Joe Milevsky's JRM organization to any retailer looking to measure and improve sales performance.

Tom Olinde, President

Olinde's Furniture

 

We began with a furniture store filled with products and accessories but without any real plans or structures to succeed - except for the will to survive.  JRM brought to us systems, perspectives, and connections that are truly relevant to the industry and were able to bring systematic approaches to our business, helping us dissect our business into a manageable science that gave us measurable symptoms which we could interpret and proactively address to move things forward.  Hindsight is 20/20 but it would have been extremely beneficial if we had JRM with us when we first started the business.

Wendy Chu

The Great Room

 

JRM did an excellent job evaluating our business and laying out a step-by-step plan to help us reach our goals. They empowered us to intentionally shift from an Owner-centered business to a Mission-centered business.  We are thankful for their team approach, their competence, their ability to listen and their integrity.  We are glad we chose JRM to help us grow and develop.  At the end of the day, we felt like JRM cared about Creative Interiors and Design, had excellent tools and most importantly exceptional people operating them.

Ryan Townsend

Creative Interiors and Design

 

You don’t have to partake in the economic downturn.  Like everyone else I imagine, I knew the economy was going in the wrong direction and if I continued to run the business as I always did, the results would mirror the economy.  When JRM Sales & Management did a 2 day analysis of my business last year and told me that I could increase my profits by investing in my business and spending even more money I was skeptical.  Using my own financial data, they showed me how and why letting them help me would be a wise investment.  We signed up for an 8 month engagement and extended the engagement because of the results.

When comparing the first quarter of 2009 against the same quarter 2008, our expenses increased by 15.2% and we changed our sales compensation plan from a base pay to a plan that paid based upon performance.  Sales increased by over 20% and profits by 71.3%.

Was it easy and take no effort…no it wasn’t.  Was it worth the effort…absolutely!  Ask yourself what you did last year to effect change instead of just complaining about how bad everything is.

Steve Lynch

Lynch’s Furniture & Appliance

 

Since engaging JRM Sales and Management, our Hearth Products business has changed for the better.  We now have a business-specific chart of accounts allowing us to be proactive and flexible in our yearly budget as well as monthly financials. We can quickly create budget scenarios altering accounts, then evaluating our business’s health.  For the first time, just two weeks after our year end date we know our tax status.  JRM’s scope goes well beyond the financials and deep into team building embraced by our entire staff.  Our team is now guided by job descriptions and reviews and are much better able to cope with the daily demands of the hearth industry.  The sales team is more focused on  relationship building and putting our clients needs first, satisfying the Enchanted Fireside mission.

We continue to rely on JRM Sales and Management as a mentor as we strive to improve and prosper from our business.

Rocco & Karen DiVerdi

Enchanted Fireside

 

JRM has provided insight and knowledge to me and my staff that, when we implement them, will ensure profitability and job security for everyone. My experience with JRM Sales has energized me and my staff to affect positive change that will help me manage our business for the future. Everyone at JRM has a genuine concern for my business success.

Doug Samuels

Young's Appliances

 

I am getting ready for a three-week vacation to Paris and Istanbul at a time when Peters Family Living is on track for the best year of our 65 year history (in spite of our economy). When I leave town, I will not be calling the store to check on things. I will not be on call in case of emergency. I will not lie awake at night worrying or wondering about the store. I will have peace of mind knowing that I have a management team and a staff of 17 employees who are all on the same page as to our operational systems, our mission, our values, and our focus on customer service. I owe all of the above to JRM Sales & Management. Thank you Joe Milevsky! I would never have been able to make these statements if we still operated like we did before you came along 10 years ago. We still use the methods you taught us, and they still work! Hopefully other businesses will allow you to help them so they can have the same successes and peace of mind that I now enjoy.

Bill Peters

Peters Family Living

 

Speaking of helping out our fellow retailers, I know you are familiar with JRM and the fine work they do in the industry.  Bob Moorman from JRM has a few slots that have recently opened up and is willing to take on a few new clients that are looking for help.  I give JRM and Bob in particular an A+ in the help department.  I can say unequivocally that without his 2 days a month of focused intense work, we would not be having the profitable year in ’08 that we will be. Even though I know everything I need to do without him, somehow, he guides our team through the land mines of this economy to get everyone focused on the big picture so that we are better equipped to handle this economic mess.  It starts with the P&L and ends with a profit.

I would appreciate it if you would give JRM a call at 678-574 0937 to explore how they can best help FMG members.

Ray Ruby

Ruby-Gordon

 

Simply put, JRM knows the furniture business.  The combination of Floyd Veal and Mike Luciani were a great combination for getting us back to the fundamentals.  Trying to exist in a very small market always presents very specific challenges, which they recognized.  The biggest take away; make a profit with the business you have, not necessarily the business you think you have.

Jeff Lindsley

Lindsley's

 

Mike, I would like to personally thank you for taking time to make our work environment more "Enchanted".  Your professionalism and knowledge of the hearth industry, as well as, your positive "how-to approach" on client service is something I will adapt and aspire to in my professional and personal life.

Lauren,Administration Specialist

Enchanted Fyreside

 

As a husband/wife start up, we found ourselves buried in the day-to-day operations and unfortunately too much crises management. With JRM and Mike Luciani’s help we were forced to stop and “work on the business” instead of “working in the business”.  We were able to take a step back, look at the whole picture, get a handle on what was really happening and then take necessary steps to point our business in the right direction.  The Goal Performance System has proven to be an excellent tool to measure the effectiveness of our sales team, which has resulted in better training, bigger tickets and a higher close ratio.   Mike helped us create budgets and get our advertising budget in line, among many other financial areas.  The advice, encouragement and friendship Mike provided for us through a very difficult and challenging period helped us navigate ourselves to the answers we needed.  This experience has been priceless!

Eddie and Carol Kennedy

Great Deals on Furniture 

 

 

"JRM taught us to how to analyze different sales performance indicators with our design team.  This has enabled us to better coach them in areas where we needed the most improvement.  As a result, the efficiency of our design team has improved dramatically."

Todd Grand
President
Ethan Allen Interiors

 

“JRM helped us take control of our business. By implementing their programs we reduced our inventory, increased our bottom line and my wife and I actually get a day off once in awhile!”

Marty Cramer

Cramer's Home Furnishings

 

 

"When I first approached JRM to look at our business, I asked them not to tell me what’s wrong with my business, but give me solutions to the problems I knew already existed.  I also wanted to ensure the solutions they suggested were simple and easy to implement.  JRM has done that and much more.  They have helped us improve our organizational structure, enlighten our financial picture, manage the processes better, and continue to provide fresh ideas to improve our business.  Paula and I are pleased to have JRM as part of our team at Home Collections."

Wes Holt

Home Collections

 

"On behalf of myself and our 13 employees, we would like to thank you and your company for the training and organizational assistance you provided for our Company.   After implementing your recommendations in late 2006 we just reached our 50th Anniversary. 

Your program is something we should have done many years ago.   It has allowed us to clearly define the individual responsibilities and expectations of each employee working toward  a common goal.  It focuses the team toward increased customer service and sales. 

Setting goals, setting expectations and changing old habits is not an immediate result.  Progress is slow but after a year and a half we can only look back and realize how much better organized we are.  Ultimately we expect to achieve our goals."

Fito Yturralde

Yturralde Interiors

 

"We are a rapidly growing furniture store attempting to transition the management of the day-to-day operations to the third generation and JRM has become our lighthouse.  Bob Moorman and Floyd Veal have shed a wealth of knowledge regarding the strengths and weaknesses related to our organizational development and sales process, and it's exciting to see the areas in which our business can be made better and more efficient. The professionalism and experience of these men have made the initial phases of the process more than pleasurable, and I am anticipating with excitement the positive changes that will evolve as a result of their recommendations."

Casey Evans

Pedigo Furniture, Inc.

 

"Discovering JRM Sales & Management tucked away on the 12th floor of the old wing of the IHFC building in High Point, was a real turning point for our family business.  We were quickly growing beyond a Mom & Pop family business but could not see our way.  Mom & Pop were wanting to slow down but working harder with more stress  than ever before.  We needed help so we bit the bullet and enlisted JRM.  Years later we are so much better off having been helped in a different direction.  We've spent more money than we ever thought we would but haven't regretted a penny.  The real story behind the success (and the willingness to spend the money) is our JRM consultant.  He has been a God send - a divine appointment.  His values and character line up so well with ours that we've never been at odds with where he was taking us.  Through some very difficult times, his expertise has been invaluable.  His leadership has been superb.  JRM has a superior individual in him.  Thanks to JRM our success for years to come is certain."

Anthony Owens

Eller and Owens Fine Furniture

 

"In 2006, we expanded our business from a 4500 sq. ft. showroom to 26,200 sq. ft. and more than doubled the number of employees from under 20 to over 40.  For over 20 years we had been running a small closely knit operation and then almost over night we had grown tremendously and felt the organization to be out of our control.  We then had the good sense and good fortune to be referred to JRM Sales and Management. 

Our Account Executive started out by coming in and listening.  He did not come in with a “standardized program offered to all”, but designed a program to fit our needs based on his extensive knowledge and experience in the retail business.  He taught us organizational skills, teamwork, issue identification and prioritizing.  He kept us working on short term goals as well as long term planning.  When we got caught up in the day-to-day problems, he re-focused us onto the bigger issues.  When we slipped into old habits, he would remind us of the basics he taught us and push us back on track.  He worked with us one on one and also provided group training where needed, such as with our sales staff.  His suggestions were particularly significant in Sales Training and Management development. 

He was always flexible, caring, attentive to our needs and extremely easy to work with.  After working with him for about a year and a half, he is not just an advisor but a friend."

Pat Atkins

Friedman's Appliance Center

 

"We just finished our last session of the year with Jim Grandillo, and I wanted to thank you for all the help JRM has been to our company over the last year.  With your help, our company is in a strong position to have a profitable 2008.  We could not have come this far without your company's help.  I will tell you that the dollars we have spent, as well as the dollars we have elected to spend next year with your company is the best spent money in our business.  We could not ask for a more professional and committed company to help us fine tune our business."

Mike and Jeanne Strickland

The Cabin Company

 

"I could go on and on but I will end with this. I am extremely satisfied with the JRM method of training. We have a long way to go as we will never stop trying to improve (I hope).  The process is hard work and it doesn't stop when he is done but is well worth the effort.  I cannot say everything is beautiful in our business but I have high hopes for the future.  I cannot imagine doing business any other way now even though we still have so far to go." (to view entire letter)

Don Idler

Idler's Appliance

 

"After spending time with Bob Moorman and Mike Luciani of JRM, I had a new understanding of the business end of my furniture store.  I especially appreciated the extensive time spent on helping me to establish a detailed budget as I opened my second store location.  I also appreciated the level of professionalism exhibited by these gentlemen, without any stuffiness.  We had many good times, laughs, and honest exchanges as we worked hard together over the months.  My staff enjoyed Mike's interaction with each of them, and his help in sales training during one of his visits.  One can be assured that, collectively, JRM  has many years of hands-on experience in the furniture industry which I appreciated gleaning from."

Susan Walter
Sofa Table Chair

 

“The greatest benefit that I got from my work with JRM was that they helped me understand exactly what I had to do to be profitable and gave me the tools, techniques, and tracking systems to understand how to get there.”

Carl Allen

Hulsey's Appliance

 

"JRM has helped our business identify profit centers that were non-existent or not fully developed within our assortment offerings.  This discovery grew the average ticket by 60% and increased our close rate by 20%.

Annual marketing plans implemented under the direction of JRM gave Everton Mattress and Furniture the opportunity to ensure proper traffic flows necessary to support store sales. 

Through the implementation of JRM processes and methods; measurements and benchmarking have been clearly defined in merchandising, marketing, selling, and financial strategies.   This has helped EMF have a better understanding in making decisions that are crucial to the company’s success.

Proper goal development did not exist within our selling strategies or sales management.  JRM established processes, procedures and methods that installed accountably on the selling floor which in turn raised the average ticket, close rate and add-on sales opportunities."

Chris Sanders

Everton Mattress and Furniture

 

"Finding JRM Sales and Management might have been by chance, luck or even fate; what I have learned from the process couldn't be any further away.  It was Engineered! Our Account Executive and JRM's tools have changed us.  We have learned how to be planned, proactive and intentional in everything that we do!  We control our fate!  We are in the driver seat of our "baby", DAVE'S WORLD INC.  I now live and work by our value system that we have created.  Not only has the service helped me in my business life, but also in my personal life."

Matthew Scott

Dave's World, Inc.

 

“JRM has a wealth of experience at all levels of the retail furniture industry. The JRM team knows your problems and offers real solutions. Because of their many years working in furniture retail, the JRM team knows how to talk your language to get the job done.”

Randy Shindle

Furniture Country

 

"With business conditions less than ideal, every competitive advantage is helpful.  My staff is more professional and our follow-up is the best it has ever been.  I would recommend this process to any retailer and I, along with my staff, have nothing but praise for Mike Luciani’s knowledge and professionalism."   (to view entire letter)

Ed Smith, President

Chariho Furniture

 

“With the help of Floyd Veal and JRM, our company has experienced double digit increases in sales and profit. Floyd has taught our sales people how to turn customers into clients and the results have been outstanding. I cannot thank Floyd enough for what he has done for our company.”

Justin Obermark

Kettle River Furniture

 

"Our relationship with JRM Sales & Management improved our business in many ways.  We became a more professional company in managing our employees and understanding our sales processes under their guidance.  We were able to track our strengths and focus on our weaknesses in a whole new way. 

Joe and his staff were very easy to work with.  They were always understanding of our ways.  They listened to our needs and worked out a program that was easy for us to implement. 

I would recommend JRM and their services to any retailer interested in making their company more professional."

David Marks, CEO

FindersKeepers

 

"It was unbelievable how much we didn’t know about running a successful furniture store. Of all the things that JRM taught us, the most important one was learning how to define any roadblocks that we had in our business and how to remove those roadblocks as a team."

Steven Weinstein

Rialto Furniture

 

"JRM taught me the nuts and bolts of running my business and as time goes by, I realize more and more what a good investment JRM was for me and my business.”

Sonny Graugnard

Graugnard's

 

“It paid off, I got my money’s worth, I wouldn’t ask for my money back.  It was a lot of work, but I learned a lot.  It taught us how to be profitable instead of hoping to be profitable”.

Tom Bull

Tom Bull's

 

“After many successful years in manufacturing I am enjoying a second career in retail. My association with JRM has afforded me a tremendous insight into retail helping me to translate my previous career into that of furniture retail…”

Lillian Fisher

The Sleep Store

 

Our association with JRM has changed the course of our business. We have much more control over our buying program and budget, we continually improve our selling skills, and we have systems in place that help to effectively manage the organization.  Each member of the staff has a better understanding of the importance of their role.  I wish we had worked with JRM before we opened the doors."

John Hays

Port Madison Home

 

“JRM has become a part of the family. At a point when our company was growing faster than we could imagine, the JRM team took us to a professionally run organization. The results have been tremendous and like a big brother we can depend on JRM to keep us on the mark. We truly appreciate what JRM has done for our company…”

Brian Aaron

Woodstock Furniture Outlet

 

"JRM Sales & Management is the single comprehensive solution for directing our home furnishings business toward increased profitability while giving our people a pathway to success in accomplishing  their personal goals.  The JRM expertise covers our needs in financial budgeting, organizational development built around meaningful job descriptions and accountability for every employee.  A professional selling program begins with thorough training, then giving our sales manager the tools and guidance needed to lead and coach each sales associate toward success.  Finally, the JRM merchandising plan gives us the tools to stock the winners while constantly improving gross margin return on investment."

 David Fass is the perfect fit for the challenges facing our furniture and appliance business.  He constantly prompts me to focus on the most critical projects which will bring success.  He keeps a plan of action in place not only for me but also for other key team members. This plan changes constantly, depending upon our company’s most critical needs.  His methods have taught me to keep every individual employee accountable for specific results, which allows me to worry less about detail and more about leadership."

Bo Carey

Greer's

 

"Shore has used JRM’s services since September of  2006.  I have found their program to be exactly what we needed.  First, it has given me a completely different insight to what my employees expect from me as their employer.  Second, it has provided a training platform as I prepare my two sons to take over the business in future years by giving them an outline that can be tracked and verified for essential business making statistics.  They are able to see a completely designed sales and management system and have learned how even the smallest change in sales, margins or expenses impact the total bottom line.

Finally, as we continue, we will use the program to fine tune the business to maximize the ROI so the boys will have a strong, well-balanced business with a proven track record that will help them establish critical vendor and financial relationships when I retire.

They have become part of our management team and offer the outside vision our company needed."

Gary W. Larmore

Shore Appliance Connection Inc., President

 

“The analysis alone was extremely beneficial and well worth the money. We had always done things one way forever, and never realized that there were other and better ways to do things."

Stan King

King Furniture & Appliance

 

"The sales management systems we have implemented are working great.  I now know what is happening and, more importantly, what is not happening on my sales floor...I can assure you that the money I have spent on this has been the best money I have ever spent."

Lee Skinner   - see video

Morris Appliance

 

"About 6 months ago, we sought assistance from JRM Sales and Management. JRM performed an objective and confidential on-site evaluation of all aspects of our business. This evaluation opened our eyes as to the potential of our business as well as the roadblocks preventing our further growth and profitability. 

JRM provided solutions that we could put into practice. These solutions addressed every area of our business such as financial controls, budgeting, sales, sales management, merchandising, organizational development and effective personnel management. 

The recommended changes were not easy, but after implementing them, the positive impact has already been felt.

We have observed increased sales, profitability and cash flow all the while decreasing unproductive inventory and operating loans. 

I would highly recommend JRM to any retailer who desires to increase and enhance their business and take it to the next level. 

I anticipate our continued relationship with JRM to be a long and rewarding one! 

I would invite anyone to call us if they have any questions or concerns regarding JRM."

Lee and Dica Chipperfield

Chipperfields Home Store

 

"My plea to you is don't wait too long for help!  We nearly lost our business because I was too proud or too afraid to ask for help.  We are lucky we survived, you might not be that lucky.  Don't wait too long!" 

Thelma Decker

T&M Appliance/Electronics

 

"...I can only say good things about Joe Milevsky as a person as well as the management and sales training he provides.  I highly recommend him to furniture and appliance dealers who want to improve their business.  If Joe looks at your business and tells you he can help you, you will get results!..."     

Bill Peters

Peters Family Living

 

"I would like to take this opportunity to strongly endorse JRM Sales and Management.

Last summer, we contacted JRM Sales and Management and one of the JRM business analysts performed an unbiased, confidential on-site assessment of our business. This analysis showed us several areas we could improve upon to make for a more profitable business.

JRM offered real world answers. These solutions tackled such areas as financials, budgets, sales training, sales management and coaching, advertising, merchandising, organizational development and personnel management.

These changes did not take hold overnight nor were they easy, but after applying them, many encouraging results have already been realized.

I would highly recommend JRM to any company that desires to advance their business, reduce stress and take it to the next level. 

I encourage anyone to call me if they have any questions or concerns regarding JRM."

Thomas Nix

Nix Home Center

 

"Where do I start? What do I write? How can I even try to express the appreciation that I feel for JRM and obviously for David Fass in particular, within the limitations allotted by a pen and a few sheets of paper?  Although there is much left to do, we have accomplished worlds beyond what I would ever have thought possible, not merely because I did not know that we could do it, I was not even aware that these worlds existed!"

Nachman Fried

Frankel's Furniture

 

“Our experience with JRM taught us to look at our business strategically, to take a long view of important issues.  Before our time with JRM, we just reacted – now we are trying to be proactive!” 

John Graves

Downtown Appliance

 

"...its very emotional for any one to come in and mess with their baby.   For an owner this is all their company is.  We birth them, grow them, and educate them. We watch them grow and become teenagers. Now we are bringing in the college of JRM Sales & Management with hopes of training them to be better and smarter than before. Letting go is a hard but a necessary process of child/ business development. "

Brad Barker

Appliance Enterprise

 

Contact JRM

 

Copyright © 2009 JRM Sales & Management, Inc., All rights reserved.

1301 Shiloh Rd NW, Suite 1630

Kennesaw, Georgia   30144

Phone: (678) 574-0937 - Email: info@jrmsales-mgmt.com

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