Smile N Dance is a shopping
and nighttime entertainment
complex, opened in the late 1970s by Dan Smile, father of
the current President and CEO, Dana Smile. Dan had envisioned a
simple, clean, family place where people would come to unwind, relax
and have fun. He considered his employees and customers as part of
his family and, at times, would personally go out of his way in
ensuring their satisfaction. Smile N Dance has carried this image since its
inception. The complex has been extremely popular and profitable
from its opening day till early 2000.
Dana took over from her father to run the family business in
1998. She has tried to maintain the image her father had created.
However, competition from fancy shopping complexes and ritzier night
clubs has lowered the profits and the number of visitors to the
complex. Dana would like to introduce changes that will bring back
the support Smile N Dance enjoyed in its heydays.
Smile N Dance has around 100 employees. About 80% of the
staff interacts with the customers and works part time. Around 20
employees work in the back office on finance, marketing and
corporate services. Turnover rate is high in the industry especially in
employees who work part time, however Dan through his personal efforts
had been able to keep the turnover rate below industry standards. He
had ensured that all staff including part time employees had access to
benefits like health care, child care, flex work schedules and career
development plans to ensure their loyalty and hard work. |
