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Based on my experience and recommendations we decided to close the business during the busiest time of year --- Christmas.  Plans were made; action steps implemented.  Then the bottom dropped out:  the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression.

I've gone through several economic downturns in my career.  In fact, by the very nature of my profession, I experience economic downturns all the time.  That's why my Clients need me.  At first,  I believed the rhetoric to be exaggerated by the heat of presidential politics.  With a cavalier attitude, I presumed my system to be recession proof and infallible.  However, in my lifetime, I had never experienced a downturn so pervasive and severe.  As the last 5 months have demonstrated, indeed, things are really tough out there.

As Leah describes in her following endorsement, we achieved extraordinary results.  In the midst of great uncertainty, we exceeded our goals and the Family and staff were able to close their business with dignity and grace.  Over 20,000 customers participated in an event that went so far beyond the theme that we all were able to escape the realities of the real world.  If only for a moment.

The folks of South Central Los Angeles lost an icon in their community that had served them well for over 55 years.  In spite of double digit unemployment and great fear, they responded enthusiastically to our raucous sale event.  This was THEIR store.  A day didn't go by that I didn't hear someone say, "I can't believe it!  I'm been shopping here ALL my life!" or some other variation.

We said, "Goodbye, Thank You, We'll miss you!"  They said, "GOODBYE, THANK YOU, WE'LL MISS YOU!"

How does one begin to thank you for what you did for us?  You literally moved in and 'became a member of the family' for nearly three months.  To express our gratitude in words on a piece of paper will only be a small way of thanking you from the bottom of hearts for the unbelievable job that you did helping us with our Going Out of Business Sale.  As you know, the store was in existence for over 55 years, so emotions were high and it was bittersweet when we ended the business --- not because of economics, but rather because my husband Neil was of retirement age.

From the first day that you were at the store till the final day that you were there, you gave 110% of yourself.  Your enthusiasm, creativity and professionalism permeated the entire campaign.  On day one when you met with all our employees and explained to them what we would be doing for the next few months, you immediately gained their respect.  You worked 10 hour days for the first month ad led by example.  EVERYONE was amazed by your fortitude and ability to get all factions to work together.

Your ideas for the Going Out of Business sale were both unique and creative.  Who would have thought that we would have hundreds of people coming in for the opportunity to win coconuts for a trip to Hawaii??  Well, as you know, we certainly did.  In fact, the last few days the top twenty or so contestants came in on a daily basis and were conscious of their contest standing.  The party that you threw at the end to announce the winners and give out the prizes was very much appreciated by all.

On a personal note, I was absolutely amazed by how "right on" you were with all of your suggestions and projections.  I was the liaison from Bell Sales to work with you on a daily basis to move merchandise around, to reduce prices and the advertising.  What a pleasure it was to work with you.  Whenever we had a "differing opinion", we talked it through and came to the best solution for the store.  It always worked out!!!!  When we opted to extend our lease by one month, you graciously accepted our request to assist us for two additional weeks.   However, when I was "by myself" the last month, EVERY move that I made or thought of making, I would first think..."Would Al do it this way?" or "Gosh, I wish Al could see what I did!"  You did continue to monitor our progress on a daily basis every after you left so that you were still part of the operation.  As you know, we were able to sell a vast majority of the merchandise and the remainder was donated to charities.  Even through these tough economic times, you were able to help us merchandise our goods and definitely get the most for them.

In closing, I speak for Neil and Steve as well when I once again want to thank you from the bottom my heart for all that you did for us in helping us with closing our business.  Whenever you are in the Los Angeles area, remember my kitchen table and there is always bagel and lox waiting for you."

---Leah K., Vice-President, Bell Sales Company, Los Angeles, California

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