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January 14, 2010
Happy New Year to all of our valued clients.
I hope this letter finds everyone well, enjoying our mild winter and looking forward to spring. I’d like to share a few thoughts with you regarding this past season and more importantly, this upcoming year.
I will start by stating the obvious. 2009 was a real tough year for many businesses and especially home related contractors. At Aspen we felt the impact of the down economy along with everyone else. New customers were very hard to find. Over 90% of our business this year was repeat business or from personal referrals from our existing customers. I am very grateful for your loyalty and trust and will try to continually earn your business.
One new customer we worked for this year was the Racine County Veterans Memorial at Pritchard Park. Our crews reset thousands of memorial bricks to bring the plazas up to the standards that our veterans deserve. One of the thoughts that occurred to me as I looked at the names of the thousands of men and women who have served and in many cases died for our country, is how easy it is to take all that we have for granted, and even to the extent of being ungrateful in some cases, especially when compared to the sacrifice of not only our veterans, but also all those people who have gone through much worse times in our history. I made a conscious decision at that point to try to cultivate an attitude of gratitude in my life. So I would like to describe a few of the things that I am grateful for as I pondered 2009. These are in no particular order of importance.
Good health: I take it as a positive sign that my life insurance company will bet on me for another 20 years at a preferred rate. This is one product I will gladly pay for with hopes that I never use it.
Orthodontists: I had 2 children get braces this year for relatively serious problems. My son has structural problems and my 9-year-old daughter had some serious aesthetic issues. In both cases I learned to really appreciate the incredible talents and abilities of these specialists and to not take a child’s smile for granted.
Emergency Veterinary Clinic: Pets aren’t people. But it sure feels that way when a medical crisis develops at 6 am on a Sunday morning. It is good to know that there are dedicated caring people for our furry family members.
Funerals: Yes, I am grateful for funerals. I attended a number of funerals for friends and family this past year. What powerful reminders of how important family and friends really are. It also reminded me to “live my life as if I were planning for my own funeral.”
Grandchildren: I became a grandpa for the second time. It is hard to explain, but when the circle of people that you would truly do anything for is widening, be grateful and count yourself among the blessed.
Our Veterans: All political issues aside, the entire world should be especially grateful for American men and women that put their lives on the line around the world so that others can be safe. Remember to thank them when you meet them.
Customer Loyalty: I truly believe that Aspen Property Care has 400 or so of the nicest customers around. I attribute much of that to your referrals. Nice people know other nice people and our customer base reflects that. It can’t be overstated how much all of us here appreciate the confidence you have in us and what a privilege it is to work for you.
In closing, I would like to say thank you again for allowing us to serve you.
Sincerely,
Steve Martin, Owner, Aspen Property Care LLC