NAPLES, Fla. — Clean Brands LLC, the parent of Martinizing Cleaners, Lapels Cleaners, 1-800-DryClean, Pressed4Time and Dry Cleaning Station, recently launched its new “Clean Exit” program, designed to provide existing, unaffiliated drycleaning and laundromat owners with an exit strategy.
Clean Brands, which currently has more than 400 affiliated companies operating in 40 states and seven countries worldwide, says it plans to acquire existing companies, provide branding and appropriate systems and technology, utilize existing management and ultimately match ownership to a new franchisee.
The program will also target landlords who have a dry cleaner with an expiring lease or have a space they would like to fill.
“We are building this new division with the goal of offering a business with an already established cash flow to an incoming franchise owner with the operations and marketing support of a franchise system that has been around for 75 years. It’s really the best of both worlds for an aspiring owner,” says Kevin DuBois, CEO of Clean Brands. “We speak to many people that are looking to exit corporate America and take their financial future into their own hands but don’t want to endure the ramp-up phase. With this new initiative, we can provide exactly that!”
Joe Hebeka, recently hired as vice president of franchise re-development for Clean Brands LLC, will head the “Clean Exit” program. He entered the drycleaning industry in 1997 and eventually became the owner/operator of Belding Cleaners in Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan. Hebeka grew his Belding Group to three stores and multiple delivery routes through several acquisitions, which included the implementation of new equipment, technology, point-of-sale systems, marketing and branding efforts.
“I’ve been in this industry for a long time. I love it, and I believe in it,” Hebeka says. “As an operator, I understand what so many are going through as they look for an exit plan. I’ve been on both sides and have empathy for potential sellers. I also have experience in evaluating stores, acquiring them, seeing what needs to be done and improved upon, and working with the existing management team or hiring new staff altogether. That’s innate to me. I’m looking forward to speaking with other industry veterans who are looking forward to the next phase of their lives.”
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