• Slide 1

    National Clothesline

    SERVING THE DRYCLEANING INDUSTRY FOR OVER 60 YEARS

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Growing, not going

It began with Dan Rosen, a drycleaning equipment salesman for Vic’s Manufacturing, who wanted to get in his own plant. “When he got back from World War II — shortly thereafter — instead of working for Vic’s, the two partners hired him on as a third. He eventually bought them out,” recalled Derek Engler, Rosen’s grandson who currently owns the family business, Pilgrim Cleaners & Launderers.

EXPO East equipment live show set for early June

In an unprecedented move, the South Eastern Fabricare Association (SEFA), the California Cleaners Association (CCA), the Southwest Drycleaners Association (SDA) and the Pennsylvania and Delaware Cleaners Association (PDCA) will combine their four regional trade shows down to two.

So-Cal cleaners face new regulations on boilers

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) is developing various zero-emission mandates as part of its Air Quality Management Plan adopted in late 2022, and drycleaners within its jurisdiction will soon be facing new hardships regarding regulations..

DLI releases upcoming schedule

After the Drycleaning and Laundry Institute (DLI) announced its new Customer Service Excellence virtual course, it sold out in 13 days – so the association will offer a second installment of the anticipated course, along with many other upcoming educational opportunities.

Celebrating 85 years with hundreds of people

In 1939, Alma and Lou Kroner, Sr., opened Cheviot Cleaners and Tailors in Cheviot, OH. The first day’s volume consisted of a single pair of pants. Fortunately, business grew along with the company’s reputation through three generations of Kroner family ownership. It eventually became known as Kroner Dry Cleaners.

Other factors to consider when comparing Wetcleaning vs Drycleaning costs

by Vic Williams

I read with interest the recent debate regarding wetcleaning versus drycleaning and the author’s conclusion that wetcleaning is a “no brainer” replacement for drycleaning, either wholly or in part. Much of the article focuses on initial start-up costs and the ability to now offer W-D-F (wash-dry-fold) to customers.

Would you choose your own cleaners?

by John Rothrock

John Rothrock

Over the past several months, I have searched for unique and engaging ways to convey my deeply held beliefs about drycleaning and how to serve customers best. Like many in our industry, I am passionate about what we do and how we do it.

Running a drycleaning plant by the numbers

by Don Derosiers

Don Derosiers

TI have spoken, lectured and written many times about running a drycleaning business by the numbers — that is — to set, strive for and attain a certain level of productivity in each department. I like to break it down like this (keep in mind, the goals will not be the same for every plant):

Controlling your boiler water level IV

by Bruce Grossman

Bruce Grossman

I’m using the type of return system used in almost every drycleaning/laundry operation called an open loop return system. There are other types of return systems, but they are seldom, if ever, used for our applications.

How well do you know workplace rules?

by Frank Kollman

Frank Kollman

I have a PowerPoint slide I frequently use in presentations on labor and employment law. The title of the slide is Rules. The body of the slide says: “In the absence of a rule, please apply common sense. In the absence of common sense, please ask someone to draft a rule.”

Seven strategic steps sellers should see

by Kermit Engh

Kermit Engh

Have you thought about your end game for your business? You may be years away from selling your business, but it’s never too early to understand what the process involves. If you have ever promised your child a gift in return for good behavior, you know all about negotiating leverage.

Helpful hints for cleaning vintage clothes

by Dan Eisen

Dan Eisen

There is an increasing interest by consumers to not only collect, but wear the fashions of years past. Amazingly enough, people who kept garments for many years knew something about preservation. I have dealt with many people who brought vintage clothing to me wrapped in tissue paper or a white sheet that had been preserved in pretty good condition for many years.

editorial

Catching up with 203 years of drycleaning

The earth has circled the sun one more time and once again we celebrate National Drycleaning Day on March 3 — designated so because that is the day when Thomas Jennings was awarded a patent for his revolutionary “dry scouring” process for cleaning clothes and removing stains.

Digital Flipbook Version

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industry_news

DLI releases April schedule

The Drycleaning and Laundry Institute (DLI) will continue to offer educational and learning opportunities in April including “Defining Culture: How You View Your Team and Clients” with Dave Coyle of Maverick Drycleaners on April 17 at 1 p.m. EST.

Also coming up is a Member Virtual Reception and Orientation at 3 p.m. EST on April 3 and an installment of the association’s Marketing Lab at 3 p.m. EST on April 17 that will focus on “How do you use social media to effectively communicate with customers?”

AWGS gathers at Dublin Cleaners

Members of the Association of Wedding Gown Specialists (AWGS) met recently in Dublin, OH, to tour Dublin Cleaners, owned and managed by the Butler family, and to listen to a variety of seminars and socialize.

Obituary: Jim Vaudreuil, CEO of Huebsch Services

In early March, Jim Vaudreuil, CEO of Huebsch Service of Eau Claire, WI, passed away at home surrounded by family and loved ones.

In a statement, the Vaudreuil family noted that, “Following a reoccurrence of esophageal cancer, Jim spent his remaining time sharing love, experiences and memories with the many people who have filled his life with adventure, fun, love and purpose. He led a serendipitious life, blessed with good luck, friends, adventure, love and fun. He will be dearly missed by so many.”

Clean Brands names Greenwood VP of franchising for Martinizing

Recently, Clean Brands named Brent Greenwood as vice president of franchising for Martinizing Cleaners. He took on the role in January of this year.

In that role, Greenwood will lead efforts to recruit new Martinizing Cleaners franchise owners in the U.S. and abroad. That initiative includes the acquisition of independent drycleaners to be converted to Martinizing locations, as well as the development of new plants, satellite locations and delivery territories.

Lapels returns to Louisiana

Longtime business owners Michael and Kelli Lausen recently inked an agreement to bring Lapels Cleaners back to Louisiana. The Lausens plan to open a drycleaning plant and store in 2024 at a location to be determined.

“My wife Kelli and I had been looking at business opportunities, specifically in the area of coin-operated laundromats,” noted Michael Lausen. “That’s how we found Lapels. The more we learned about Lapels, particularly the environmentally friendly cleaning methods the brand employs, the more we liked the idea of bringing a first-class cleaner to Houma.”

Tuchman Rothmann announces retirement from Tuchman Advisory Group

After more than a decade of dedicated service and leadership, Ellen Tuchman Rothmann has announced her retirement as president of Tuchman Advisory Group (TAG).

Reflecting on her journey, Rothmann stated, “One of the great joys of my life has been my involvement in the drycleaning industry. My father, the legendary Sid Tuchman, owned Tuchman Cleaners which operated 35 plants and drop stores in Indianapolis, IN. Following the sale of his business in 1986, my dad established a consulting business, and it was my honor and pleasure to step in and continue growing his good work through TAG.”

Sid Tuchman received the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute’s Diamond Achievement Award in 2011 and was recently inducted into their Hall of Fame for his invaluable achievements and lasting impact to the industry.

ABC joins ACT in support of circular fashion

America’s Best Cleaners (ABC) continues to pave the way for sustainable practices within the garment industry by joining the American Circular Textiles (ACT) group in support of the Americas Trade and Investment Act (Americas Act) to spearhead the Circular Fashion movement.

ABC’s role within ACT underscores its commitment to advocating for a circular economy via this groundbreaking bi-partisan bill aimed at revitalizing the garment infrastructure and creating jobs nationwide. Introduced to Congress on March 6, 2024, the Americas Act represents a historic milestone in incorporating circular textiles into federal legislation.

Lapels opens new Bloomfield location

Lapels Cleaners, recently announced the opening of a new satellite location in West Bloomfield, MI, at 5538 Drake Rd.

“Lapels Cleaners is thrilled to be back in Michigan with the opening of this new satellite location,” said David Grippi, Lapels Cleaners’ chief operating officer. “At Lapels, we use a sustainable, non-toxic method for drycleaning clothes. Subsequently, clothes feel better when you wear them and last longer while doing no harm to the environment.”

Xplor plans user conference in SLC

Spot recently announced its 2024 Spring User Conference that will take place from May 2 to 4 at The Marriott City Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The conference is designed to help laundry and drycleaning businesses discover new strategies for automating their operations and maximizing overall profitability. Attendees will uncover actionable insights on how to improve key areas of their business: hiring, operations, sales, financials, and future growth plans.

White shares insights at CTDA Designer Forum

America’s Best Cleaners (ABC) Executive Director Chris White participated as a keynote speaker at the recent Custom Tailors and Designers Association (CTDA) Designer Forum event held in January in New York City. This gathering showcased a dynamic panel of industry experts who captivated a packed audience of clothiers, fabric makers, CMT specialists, fashion media, and related professionals.

New owner takes over Martinizing Cleaners of Hudson, OH

Clean Brands recently announced that John Cale is the new owner of Martinizing Cleaners of Hudson, OH. The drycleaning plant and store, located at 118 West Streetsboro Street, had been owned by Hudson resident Craig Hons.

Hons purchased his Martinizing Cleaners location back in 1996 after spending 21 years in the car rental industry. After 28 amazing years -- all as a Martinizing franchise owner -- he’s ready to transition to the next chapter.

Sanitone announces addition of Mastrola, Northeast Regional Director of Sales

Fabritec International, maker of Sanitone, Fabritec and Stamford products, announced the addition of Paul Mastrola to the Sales and Technical team as northeast regional director of sales. Mastrola joins the team as a fifteen-year veteran of the industry as a drycleaning owner/operator.

“Paul’s experience as a plant owner and operator gives him a unique view of the supplier relationship that we feel will resonate well with our customers, present and future. We are very excited about this addition to our team,” said Jeff Jordan, vice president.

New laundry advisory firm launches

After 32 successful years in the laundry business, Rudi Moors believes it is time for him to give back to the industry he has made his career. An executive with a unique skill base and an excellent understanding of a laundry operation, he has created Beyond Washing, LLC. The strategic services consultancy is designed to inspire, challenge and assist vendors by offering meaningful solutions, as well as help operators further improve their bottom line with specific recommendations.

ABC and Dress for Success Pittsburgh to expand Empower wear partnership

America’s Best Cleaners (ABC) is excited to announce the extension of its impactful partnership with Dress for Success Pittsburgh into the year 2024, marked by the continued success of the EmpowerWear program. EmpowerWear, a collaborative initiative focused on empowering women, supporting local communities, and promoting environmental sustainability, has witnessed significant achievements since its launch.

Finding success with laundry lockers

The laundry and drycleaning sector faces a critical juncture in an industry traditionally marked by face-to-face interactions and manual processes. Rising staff costs and escalating competition are pressuring businesses to seek innovative solutions to provide a more convenient service, keep costs down and find more customers. At the forefront of this transformative wave is a simple yet revolutionary concept: laundry lockers.

Ben Levine joins Sigma Plastics Group

The Sigma Plastics Group is happy to announce that Ben Levine has joined the company working in their Sigma Garment Films division. Ben had been working in software sales after graduating from Florida State University in 2017 before his hire with Sigma in August 2023.

AWGS launches new website

The Association of Wedding Gown Specialists (AWGS), a not-for-profit trade association of cleaners in eight countries who focus on caring for specialty gowns and luxury garments, recently launched an all-new website. Designed not only to appeal to wedding couples but also to provide AWGS members with a seamless and enriching experience, the new website includes a members’ only section featuring information and resources.

MfM hosts Success 2023 in Chicago

Methods for Management (MfM) recently celebrated its 70th anniversary in style. Members, guests, and industry experts gathered at The Hilton Chicago Magnificent Mile Suites from Oct. 26 to 28 to celebrate the consulting firm’s longevity with Success 2023.

NCA appoints Hargrove-Avery as interim director

The board of directors for the National Cleaners Association (NCA) recently announced the appointment of Dawn Hargrove-Avery who will serve as its interim executive director.

She will take over the role that was left open following the recent passing of the association’s longtime Executive Director Nora Nealis late last year.

CINET plans two January events for Global Best Practices awards

In January, the International Committee of Textile Care (CINET) will host two events – one on each coast – to give drycleaners the opportunity to be a part of this year’s Global Best Practices awards.

In Memoriam - Nora Nealis

Nora Nealis, the longtime executive director of the National Cleaners Association (NCA) and an indefatigable defender of the drycleaning industry, passed away on Nov. 12 at the age of 70.

Xplor Spot announces new innovative feature

Recently, Xplor Spot announced an innovative feature for its business management software called virtual Assistant. This new feature can handle basic inquiries, enhancing efficiency for both businesses and customers as well as delivering a seamless customer experience.