Testimonials
I can not say enough about how the Trade Exchange has helped our business at Catfish Charlie’s over the last two years. There are many reasons that I will always be a member of the trade exchange, but I will list just a few of the top reasons below.
Being a member of the exchange increased my business coming in the door from day one! I soon found that not only was the exchange bringing me new customers by way of their members eating with me, but I also realized that their members were bringing other guest to try my restaurant out as well. This is business that I would have not had otherwise and it is business that will return to pay in cash!
I love the fact that I can use the trade dollars as an incentive to my employee’s. My management team looks forward to earning trade dollars each month based on their performance. Likewise my crew will work their tales off for a chance at some trade! This allows me to retain better employees without the expense of using cash as an incentive. They love it!
One of the best benefits is that so many things I need are on trade and I can justify the expenses much more easily now. This goes for both the restaurant and personally! No matter if it is for a plumbing problem in the restaurant or for a new deck at my home, we are very thankful every day for Roger and the trade exchange. Please feel free to come by and see me to talk more about the many benefits of being a member!
Doug Wood
Owner, Catfish Charlie’s
Roger,
I just wanted to take a minute to thank you for introducing me to the trade exchange and to let you know what a tremendous benefit it has been to me both personally and to the restaurant. The obvious benefit to my business is being able to trade for things that I was paying cash out of the business for. I use trade for lawn care, electrical work, plumbing, heat and a/c work, and some construction work. I have had signs made for the business, business cards and other print jobs done all on trade. My wife backed into her sisters car and we were able to have both vehicles repaired on trade without ever involving our insurance company. In addition, my wife now gets flowers EVERY week which I can assure you would not happen if I were paying out of pocket!
The biggest unexpected benefit for me has been an increase in cash business that comes with the trade business. Either trade members steer parties here (with their cash paying friends attending) or they come in and buy lunch or dinner for their friends, family, and co-workers. Many times these family and friends are new customers who come back on their own and are new regular cash customers for me. This happens every week and may be of more benefit than the money I save by trading for goods and services.
Again, thanks for helping me make my business more profitable and keeping my cash flow readily available.
Vic Hendricks
Cypress Inn on the Bayou
I just wanted to say how much I appreciate the opportunity to be in the trade exchange. It has been invaluable to my wife and I in our business here at Ole South Diner. For us, it acts almost as a savings account, in which we can draw off for various expenses we incur. We rarely have too much in the account, as we always find things to spend our money on, which benefits the diner greatly. It has helped us out so much, especially in those emergency times in which cash is tight. Some of what we have used trade on, but not all, include: Electrical work/maintenence, A/C work/maintenence, Plumbing work, Fire system work/maintenence, Hood vent motors, appliance repair, bottle water service, mats aprons and towels, advertising, promotional signs and banners, carpentry and painting, landscaping, parking lot grading, and so much more....I can't say enough how much I have benefited from the Trade Exchange. I will say I am definitely accepting it at our second location as well!!!!! Thank you to all the trade members for all you do!!!
Wayne and Lori Pitts
Owners, Ole South Diner
I have been a member of the trade exchange for almost a decade now. At first I held on to my trade dollars, like it was a savings account. Then I needed a big home repair, and wow, did the trade exchange ever save the day. Now I spend my trade dollars as fast as I make them. It is a blessing, I have made friends with many business owners that I never would have otherwise found. It has been a good source of income from people who would have not found my business had it not been for the networking of the trade exchange. All that being said, the best part is every year I do not have to worry about getting my TSO tickets, as the concert sells out fast and this used to be stressful. But I know not only am I getting my tickets for my family's TSO Christmas tradition, but I will always have good seats. Thank you Roger for being a constant added bonus to my business and my life.
Dr. Kimberli Ridgeway, DNH
Doctor of Natural Health
"To whom it may concern,
I am Iris Savell, I own Choices Boutique 7913 Desiard st. Monroe LA.
343-2542
I would recommend the North Louisiana Trade Exchange to any business owner. I Love It!
I go and eat and do things around town on trade and its great, I only pay cash when I tip at the restaurants.
If you want new customers in your business you should become a member of the trade exchange. It generates even their family members to come and shop.
You are missing out if you aren't a member!"
Thanks , Iris Savell
"I just wanted you to know that I visited “Choices” Friday evening. I am so impressed by Ms. Iris and her selection! My daughters went in with me to purchase Christmas gifts for friends and their teachers. We were there for about an hour because they were so excited about all the “girly stuff”. Ms. Iris and her staff were so helpful and even treated my girls to a Christmas gift – their “choice” of kid Christmas jewelry. I’ve already told several friends about the store. It was such a positive experience for us that I wanted to share it and encourage members to visit Choices and invite their non-trade friends to go too!"Thank you Ms. Iris!
Andrea Steffins
" I think the North Louisiana Trade Exchange has greatly benefited my business...Every day someone comes to one of the snowball stands and buys from us on trade.
It has been very good in advertising for us, as well as when we have special events we work...The customers on the trade exchange show up there also...Even out of town events!!!
I believe any business will benefit from this."
Debbie's Snowballs: Deborah Callaway
" I've been a member of the trade exchange since it's first year, and I have to say it's been worth every penny. I get business that would not otherwise come my way, and I can use the trade dollars toward my overhead, or to invest in my other ventures. It provides great flexibility. On the very, very rare occasions when I 've had concerns, Roger has come to my rescue and bent over backwards to be fair. I tell everyone I know about the trade exchange."
CJ Sartor with Sartor & Associates, public relations
"I recently planned a business trip to Ohio, but before leaving I decided to call the trade exchange to see if Roger could help with some accommodations, he called me back in a few days and lined up a rental car and nice apartment to stay in. I spent $60.00 in cash for a week out of town, now that's what I call the power of trade."
Submitted by Matthew Miller, owner of Stanley Steemer carpet cleaners.
Hey Roger,
" I can't think of one experience that was better than another. Everything we have done in the exchange has been very simple, clean and rewarding. We trade +/- $500.00 per month, that is we sell and spend that amount each month and it is like "found money".
"
I hope this helps.
Roy
Submitted by Roy Stapp, owner of Stapp Printing. Also, Roy was the person that started this exchange back in the early ‘90’s. Thanks to him for his vision.
" My wife and I own 3 moving companies in the area. We looked at the trade exchange several times wondering what the benefits would be to our business. After a few months of thinking we made the jump. We have seen an increase in our business of approx 14%. We also have made numerous friends in the community who are also members of the exchange. This is the one and only association of it's kind in this area, and we at M&W Transfer, are proud to be affiliated w/ Roger and the members of the Trade" .
Thank's Roger,
David and Melinda Vaughan-M&W Transfer,LLC., an Award winning agent for Arpin Van Lines, Allied Van Lines, and Wheaton Van Lines.
" The Trade Exchange has helped me manage cash flow on my investment properties. I leverage work I do in my main business for trade exchange members to maintain and improve my real estate. That conserves cash to pay taxes, insurance, and other necessities."
CJ Sartor
Sartor & Associates
" Roger, here is my testimonial.... At first I was very skeptical, I really did not have the extra cash, however, since I have been in the trade I have enjoyed this tremendously.
I have gained new customers, repeat customers, & have used several trade members for food, for parties, like my wedding, chiropractic , etc. I plan to use some of my trade in the near future because my husband & I have purchased a house and we need things for our home. This is a great way for people like me to buy things and not have too pay out actual cash."
Thanks Roger...KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!!!!
Buff Barnard--Owner-- A Dream Come True Flowers & Gifts
388-2346
Roger,
"I had a wonderful time using my trade dollars yesterday, and I wanted to say THANKS so much for all the work that you do for the Trade Exchange. If you had "I love the Trade Exchange" bumper stickers, I'd take one! (haha!)"
Thanks a million!
Jackie Lewis
(The Minute Magazine)
Please send your personal testomonials to: