Jerry Westlund understands that entertainers and floor staff are in an extremely vulnerable position, which is why he’s gone out of his way to help them with critical financial advice and Walmart gift cards.
Jerry Westlund is a shrewd operator who grasps the fact that his 16 adult nightclubs in nine states would be nothing without his people. Westlund understands the importance of always being kind to his employees and entertainers. And now, when the chips are down, Westlund remains true to his crew. Westlund sees that communication is critical at this crucial time.
“We have a responsibility to educate our people about what they need to get through this time,” observes Westlund. “They are in situations many can’t comprehend.
“I make sure to communicate to our people that you can call and quickly get your car payment, your mortgage and credit card bills put on hold for a few months,” he adds. “Just one phone call for each. One phone call got me a six-month hold on my mortgage. We are not alone in this. Thirty million people are standing with us.
“I don’t want to sound corny, but we have to protect (those who need it most). Our entertainers, who are the strength of our clubs, are now in the weakest, most vulnerable position. I think this will be life-changing for people, because nobody believed the party could ever end.” – Jerry Westlund
Westlund notes, “Unfortunately, the same entertainer who is savvy enough to get every last dime out of a member of one of the federal banking boards is not sophisticated enough to know how to ask for these extensions on their bills and incredibly intimidated by the prospect of asking.
“We’re at the point now where our people have been without money for several weeks,” continues Westlund. “And the bailout money isn’t here yet for those that qualify. The club operators are victims, and it sucks for us and is terribly inconvenient, but ultimately, we’ll be okay. We’ll still have our cars in the driveway and be able to fill them with gas. The true victims in this will be our entertainers and floor staffs. For many of them, this will be devastating.”
Westlund’s commitment goes beyond mere communication to reaching into his pocket to provide a helping hand.
“What I’m doing is giving each of my people Walmart gift cards,” explains Westlund. “I call it ‘dinner.’ I spent half a day at a Walmart buying all of those gift cards. I wish there was enough money to continue to pay everybody, but it’s just not possible. My managers and I will be in the parking lots on a Friday afternoon – six feet from each other – handing out gift cards to any of our people that come by.”
Westlund has approximately 700 entertainers and employees at his 16 clubs.
“It’s not a lot per person, but it’s been very moving to see how folks have responded to the offer,” says Westlund. “I think they appreciate it and realize they’re not forgotten. And that we’re all in this together. I’ve talked to entertainers who were making and spending $1,500 a week who are now trying to figure out where food banks are.
Westlund adds, “I don’t want to sound corny, but we have to protect (those who need it most). Our entertainers, who are the strength of our clubs, are now in the weakest, most vulnerable position.
“I think a lot of our people will be a lot smarter after this. I think this will be life-changing for people because nobody believed the party could ever end.”
Larry Kaplan has, for 19 years, been the Legal Correspondent for ED Publications. Mr. Kaplan is a business broker in the sale and purchase of adult nightclubs and adult stores and the Executive Director of the ACE of Michigan adult nightclub state trade association. Contact Larry Kaplan at 313-815-3311 or email larry@kaplanclubsales.com.
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