NAPLES, Fla. — Clean Brands LLC, the parent of Martinizing® Cleaners, Lapels Cleaners, 1-800-DryClean, Pressed4Time, & Dry Cleaning Station, recently hired Joseph Hebeka as the brand’s new vice president of franchise redevelopment. Hebeka brings more than 27 years of industry experience to the Clean Brands leadership team, the company says, which he will leverage to help the franchisor and its subsidiaries pursue future growth opportunities.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Joe to our team and tap into the business-building knowledge he’s accumulated throughout his career,” says Kevin DuBois, CEO of Clean Brands LLC. “As Joe can attest, many potential business owners are interested in the prospect of taking over a business with a proven cash flow, without going through the hassle of getting the business off the ground. This is why we’ve introduced our Clean Exit program, which will provide unaffiliated dry cleaning and laundromat owners with an exit strategy, while also providing new potential owners with a simplified onboarding process. Knowing Joe’s background in business management and his history of overseeing multiple successful acquisitions, we knew he was the right person to bring in to manage these efforts.”
Hebeka began his drycleaning career at the counter of Belding Cleaners in Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan, in 1997 before eventually purchasing the business in 2007. Once in charge, the company says, Hebeka implemented new equipment, new technology and new methods of business to continue improving efficiency, while also acquiring nearby competitors and growing his single Belding Cleaners location to the Belding Group, consisting of three stores and multiple delivery routes.
In his new position, Hebeka will assist Clean Brands in its efforts to acquire existing unaffiliated companies and match their ownership to new franchisees. He will oversee the onboarding process of introducing franchise-backed systems and technology to these locations while assisting in the transition of management staff.
“I’m fortunate to have been on the ground floor of many successful growth efforts in the dry cleaning industry,” says Hebeka. “I’ve witnessed companies grow from start-ups to staples of their community, and I’ve been able to develop an understanding from both a potential seller’s point of view, as well as a potential buyer’s point of view. The value of having a safe exit plan is very real and it plays a large role in an owner’s decision to stay or leave their business. I believe I have the know-how to evaluate the needs of a business in transition and improve upon the areas that can allow for a smooth exit, and smooth onboarding, for both parties involved.”
Clean Brands LLC currently has more than 400 affiliated companies operating in 40 states and seven countries around the world. With several hundred entrepreneurs working under the brand’s umbrella, the company says Hebeka is poised to make an immediate impact.
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