SECOND QUARTER 2026  23
NO. 102
B U L L E T I N
By David Coyle, Maverick Drycleaners
There’s a lot of noise right now about 
AI replacing people.
Smarter systems.
Faster automation.
Less human involvement.
But here’s what won’t change:
Humanity will always be greater than 
anything humans create.
AI can process information.
It can schedule.
It can optimize.
It can automate communication.
But it cannot make someone feel 
appreciated.
And in business, that’s everything.
Everyone Wants the Same 
Three Things
At their core, people want:
•  To feel appreciated
•  To feel important
•  To feel included
Your clients want this.
Your team wants this.
An automated text confirms an order.
A personal call says, “You matter.”
A system tracks preferences.
A human remembering them 
builds trust.
Efficiency creates convenience.
Humanity creates connection.
The Risk of Over-Automation
Using AI isn’t the problem.
Losing the human touch is.
If every interaction feels templated…
If every message sounds robotic…
If no one feels personally seen…
You don’t have a relationship.
You have a transaction.
And transactions are replaceable.
In service businesses, your real advantage 
isn’t price.
It isn’t speed.
It’s how people feel when they interact 
with you.
Inject Humanity on Purpose
Automate what should be automated.
Then deliberately add humanity back in.
Teach your team to:
•  Greet people by name
•  Say thank you often
•  Notice the details
•  Celebrate milestones
•  Recognize effort
Because when people feel valued, 
they stay.
When team members feel included, 
they contribute.
When clients feel important, 
they don’t leave.
The Bottom Line
Technology will keep evolving.
But the businesses that win won’t be 
the most automated.
They’ll be the most human.
AI can make you faster.
Only humanity will make you 
unforgettable.
Note: All in-print DLI bulletins, including this one, are available on DLI’s Drycleaning Encyclopedia accessible in the Members Only section of 
DLIonline.org. This resource is available to Standard, Gold, Premier, and International Members.
AI Can Automate the Task
But Only Humans Create Loyalty

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