What specialized rug class(s) or workshops have you taken or recommend?* Here are the ones I know of. Feel free to mention any other. Or if you are self taught. I left out the Dan Kennedy Rug Cleaning Demystified cd's on purpose because I don't consider it of any value imho. Rob * This is just a poll. I understand there exists political or competitive rivalries.* *LINK--> http://www.truckmountforums.com/lisa-the-rug-chick-chatter/11362-rug-cleaning-de-mystified.html
I have just taken the IICRC clan on oriental rug cleaning. I didnt even know these other classes were out there. I sure would like to take a refresher course tho. There are a lot of things about these rugs that most people take for granted. Tks for the poll Rob!
Rob, you left out my 1/2 day BAsics of Oriental Rug Cleaning class. Everyone from Flroida would be clicking that choice. Or maybe you just wanted to include classes still being taught. I also attended Lisa's recent rug cleaning class. I forgot to check that choice. Lisa should have 1 more vote.
Rob, I have to disagree with you on the "Rug cleaing de-mystified" DVD program. I introduced this one to a lot of my clients and friends around the world and got a LOT of praise back about its value. I gotta tell you I was fairly sceptic as to how good this on-line recorded class could be but I was pleasantly surprized. The only critisism I was made aware of was that some folks found it above their heads. Bottom line, great program, but you should already have "some" experience cleaning fine rugs, and this most certainly does not replace hands-on, boots-on rug cleaning classes. Here is a link to all the upcoming rug classes that I am aware of this fall: http://therughub.com/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl? (just look for the yellow highlighted classes and scroll down past the WoolSafe on-line) btw, there is a great workshop listed for Seattle that we are donating a RugBadger Pro to be used as a door prize!
Wasn't quite clear if your goal was to find out which (in the pollster's opinions) was the best to attend, or just listing which ones we've attended... I did the latter. There's just too much rug ID in most entry level courses... the focus should be more on inspection, cleaning science, what NOT to do and knowing when to walk away. Lisa touches on this in the latest Cleanfax article she and Jim P. co-wrote, and I couldn't agree more.
The best class is the next one you can get to and learn from. Since we have opened our rug cleaning shop I have been surprised to discover how many carpet cleaners in our area appear to know nothing about oriental rug cleaning in the eyes of their prospect. Folks won't give their precious area rugs to just anyone. I definitely recommend the class with Jeff and Ruth as the two of them make a great team and I felt like we got a lot accomplished in the class.
That is my beef too. I don't believe cleaning is rocket science and most class's on cleaning and restoration drag yo through unnecessary information and time. That is why I developed my ride a long. A true pro can take you from being a newbie to pro in a much shorter time imo.
It's kind of a weird question, because I don't teach the rug cleaning multi-day class - have not for almost 5 years now. I've just done a few workshops through Piranha, private ones. But I will be starting up some in the coming months to "fill in the gaps" that are not being met right now, based on the feedback I've gotten for two years now through my Rug Chick blog, and the education I give there, and here, and through Cleanfax. It's really cool to get testimonials about problems fixed, and money made, from WRITTEN education - that always makes me feel awesome, that I can effectively teach through print in a way that creates results. There is an incredible shortage of specialists in the field right now... and instead of focusing on memorizing things for a test, I want to teach people how to literally DO the work, and how to get that work in the door. So we will see if it's a big success...or if it's not...but I plan to have fun either way. =) Lisa
