LAUREL, Md. — The Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI) has inducted four new members to its Hall of Fame for 2025. The honor, DLI says, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the drycleaning and laundry industry.
DLI offered these comments in support of the new class:
Jim Barry
“Jim Barry built Pride Cleaners, sold to Johnson Group in England, formed GreenEarth Cleaning, then helped launch Tide as the first franchise owner in the U.S. in Kansas City. He enhanced the prestige of high-end garment care by founding a network that defined excellence in premium dry cleaning. His marketing acumen, eye for quality and passion for partnership helped many cleaners refine their brand and operations. Through his leadership, he created a sense of community among operators and pushed the industry toward higher standards.”
Dan Eisen
“Dan Eisen is a teacher who taught many hundreds, if not thousands, of students how to clean and spot,” DLI says. “Eisen worked on many issues, like care labeling and developing professional wet cleaning. Eisen has written many columns in industry trade press, as well as manuals and books, and served as long-time chief garment analyst for the National Cleaners Association. Eisen’s contributions often happened out of the spotlight, but they touched nearly every corner of the industry. His legacy is one of practical wisdom and genuine service.”
James Peuster
“James Peuster revolutionized the route side of the drycleaning business by treating it as a true sales and customer service discipline,” says the Institute. “His hands-on training and consulting empowered hundreds of operators to grow their delivery programs with professionalism and efficiency. Peuster brings unmatched energy, enthusiasm and practical insight to every engagement. He has been invited to work at over 300-plus dry cleaners and has spoken over 100-plus times on behalf of garment care associations. His influence can be seen on vans, uniforms and customer doorsteps across the country.”
Jane Zellers
“Jane Zellers spent decades shaping the educational and professional development landscape of the drycleaning industry,” DLI says. “Her behind-the-scenes leadership helped countless operators gain certifications, sharpen their skills and raise the standard of service industrywide and with the Pennsylvania & Delaware Cleaners Association. Known for her integrity, reliability and deep industry knowledge, Zellers made a lasting impact through quiet excellence. She is a model of professionalism and commitment whose influence will be felt for years to come.”
“We are grateful to everyone who nominated an industry legend for this award, be they members of DLI or otherwise,” says CEO Mary Scalco. “We know excellence on this level can be found in all corners of our industry. Our goal is to spotlight those professionals whose contributions stand to inspire others and help make our industry stronger.”
DLI’s Board of Directors will present the awards to this year’s Hall of Fame inductees before the opening education session of their choosing at The Clean Show.
Details for the 2026 Hall of Fame nomination period are to be released early next year.
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