Unger, Kilts, Nigerians & Some Losers

Just like meeting Dave in real life!

Unger appoints Rogers to European role: Professional cleaning systems specialist Unger has appointed its UK general manager - Dave Rogers - to the new role of European sales manager. Rogers will now be responsible for increasing revenues across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia - managing Unger's sales force and building customer relationships. Commenting on the move Torsten Deutzmann, general manager of Unger's European headquarters in Germany said: "We are delighted to welcome Dave to our European team. His relentless energy and drive coupled with an extensive knowledge of the industry will further strengthen our position in the marketplace." Rogers added: "Having worked with Unger for well over a decade I am looking forward to rising to the challenges this new role will present. The idea of pioneering new markets particularly appeals to me."

The New Year Brings New Heights for Canadian Window Cleaning Franchise. Men In Kilts announces major expansion into Canadian and U.S. markets (Vancouver): Men In Kilts, a window and exterior cleaning company, has announced today they'll be opening four more franchises in three months, adding to three franchises currently in operation. Alberta and Oregon are next on the list, with B.C. and Washington already in business. The company was founded in 2002, with the first Vancouver franchise opening its doors in 2010. Since then, the franchise model has taken off.

"We've been deliberate about our growth," says CEO Tressa Wood. "We needed to test the franchise model before opening up the market. The addition of these latest franchises will make us Canada's largest window and exterior cleaning company. Our goal is to be in every major metro in North America by 2017." Wood, a franchising expert who helped build companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK? from $15 million to over $130 million in revenue, comments on the Men In Kilts' advantage, "The kilts are fun and they help differentiate us, but we're delivering a professional experience and building a national brand.

That's what separates us from the competition; and what generates the buzz and growth we've experienced." Men In Kilts' commercial and residential services include: Window cleaning Gutter cleaning Pressure washing Exterior building cleaning Snow removal services will be available in colder markets later this year Men In Kilts plans for fast expansion into all major cities across North America, including Toronto, San Francisco, LA, and Denver. The company projects a 300 percent increase in system-wide revenue in 2012.

"We've had a lot of great feedback on our brand. It's unique, cheeky, and stands out; which isn't easy to do these days," laughs Wood. Men In Kilts was started in 2002 by Nicholas Brand with $500, a squeegee and a hand-sewn kilt. The first franchise was opened in 2010 in Vancouver, B.C., with Fraser Valley, B.C., and Seattle, Wash., soon to follow. Scheduled to open in the first half of 2012 are Victoria, B.C., Portland, Ore., Edmonton, Alta. and Calgary, Alta.

For many Nigerians, starting a small business is their dream. Owning a business can be an exciting and rewarding experience and offers some advantages, like being one’s boss. There are several businesses, which offer opportunities to earn good profits. They fit every interest and budget and provide a platform for entrepreneurship. They can be done full-time or part time. One can start from home to test the waters. One can use spare bedrooms, garages, dining rooms and even the kitchen table. Determine the fees or costs for your service or product by analysing what your particular market should be. Cleaning Services: You can make money providing cleaning services to households. For a start, you just invest in the cleaning equipment. Offer services such as window cleaning, vacuuming, yard cleaning, parking cleaning to households. Once you start getting more work or want to enter into commercial cleaning, hire a few more people to take up assignments on your company’s behalf.

Single dad jailed for dealing cocaine: A single parent was jailed despite saying he had turned his back on drugs after an arrest for dealing cocaine. Iain MacDonald had given up dealing following his December 2010 arrest, when police found £1,400 worth of cocaine in a raid on his Barton home, a judge was told. When police raided the 27-year-old’s Bayswater Road home they found 35.7g of cocaine, deal bags, scales and a ‘tick list’ of customers’ orders. A separate amount of cocaine, weighing 184 milligrammes, was also found.

Nigel Daly, defending at Oxford Crown Court, said his client was a “devoted father” who is the sole carer of his seven-year-old son. He said MacDonald’s drug use ended after his arrest, adding: “He set up his own business as a window cleaner. “It doesn’t bring in much money but it fits in with his duties as a single parent. He has done everything he can to put this behind him.” He was sentenced on Friday having earlier admitted possessing a Class A drug with intent to supply on the basis he was only dealing to acquaintances, and possessing a Class A drug.

Police said the case took so long to come to court due to ongoing investigations into other dealers in the area. Prosecutor Jane Malcolm said officers searched the defendant’s home on December 7, 2010, and found the items in kitchen cupboards and his bedroom. She said the larger amount of cocaine was 10 per cent pure and the smaller stash had a purity of 15 per cent. Cash totalling £3,420 in £10 and £20 notes was also found, but MacDonald said these were savings payments made by his girlfriend. Whether that cash can be seized or not is to be the subject of a hearing at the magistrates’ court, Miss Malcolm said.

She said the street value of the bulk of the cocaine was £1,440. Judge Mary Jane Mowat jailed MacDonald for 30 months and said: “I’m acutely aware of the fact you have been looking after your son since he was four and he’s now seven, and you are described as a very good father, but that boy does have a mother who can take him on in your absence.”

Jail for window-cleaner carrying knife: A Southampton window-cleaner has been jailed for carrying a knife when he went in search of a mystery man following an argument, a court heard. Lee Wookey, 34, had been smoking outside his house when neighbours saw him arguing with a stranger. Wookey went back inside and the man, who has never been traced, tried to follow him, breaking a pane of glass in Wookey’s door. Later, Wookey was seen walking down the road with a bread knife. Prosecutor Simon Privett told Southampton Crown Court that Wookey’s neighbours persuaded him to come back to his house, but he then turned on the couple. He threatened to pour petrol through their door if they did not tell him the other man’s address – despite the couple not knowing who the stranger was.

In mitigation, defence barrister Daniel Riley said Wookey had originally been trying to walk away from the argument, which happened in September last year. The court also heard that, despite 21 previous convictions, Wookey had stayed out of trouble between 2001 and 2008 and set up a window-cleaning business. Wookey, of Ludlow Road, had pleaded guilty to possessing a bladed article in December. He was jailed for eight months, to run consecutively with a 13-month sentence he was already serving.