SPRING, Texas — Clean Brands, the franchisor for Martinizing Cleaners, recently announced an agreement with Sergio and Tanya Said to open a new location in Spring, Texas in 2024. The Saids, originally from Mexico, represent Clean Brands first Martinizing Cleaners franchise owners via the E2 visa program.

The E-2 visa program is a non-immigrant visa option for foreign nationals who wish to invest a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business and develop and manage it. The E2 allows individuals from certain treaty countries like Mexico to enter and work in the U.S. to oversee their investment and actively participate in the business operations.

The Saids were longtime business owners in Mexico and recently sold a textile business they owned and operated for the past 37 years. Sergio, 66, and Tanya, 64, worked with GB Global International, an integral consulting firm for legal, immigration and business solutions, and the Martinizing Cleaners leadership team to negotiate a deal and find a location for the store.

“We’re delighted to announce Sergio and Tanya as new Martinizing Cleaners owners,” says John Powers, vice president of franchise development for Martinizing Cleaners. “Their experience as business owners and their enthusiasm to start a business in their new home in America is truly inspirational. It shows that the American dream is still alive and well.”

Powers thanks GB Global International for bringing the Saids to Martinizing. He specifically cites the work of Oscar Garduno, operations and franchise director for GB Global International. 

“When we work with a client, we look at the entire picture,” says Garduno. “That starts with getting everything in order for their immigration first and foremost. Then it becomes a matter of finding a business opportunity that’s a fit. For the Saids, it was a matter of identifying their strengths and what might work. With Tanya’s passion for this new venture, Sergio’s management experience and the business model provided by Martinizing Cleaners, this opportunity seemed like a perfect match.”

“Many Martinizing Cleaners franchise owners have no experience as cleaners,” says Powers. “What they do possess are certain characteristics that make them teachable. Those characteristics are not limited to people in the U.S. The Saids are a great example of that. We look forward to working with them and future E2 visa applicants.”