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Family-Owned Max I. Walker Cleaners Turns 100

June party and commemorative book to help celebrate centennial

OMAHA, Neb. — Max I. Walker Cleaners this year is celebrating the company’s 100th year as a family-owned and -operated business, the firm reports. Max I. Walker founded the company on March 17, 1917.

The company plans to have a celebration for all employees on June 25, and has released a commemorative book this spring titled Right and Ready for 100 Years.

The dry cleaner and launderer began as an inherited press shop as a means of settling a debt to the company’s namesake, Max I. Walker, the business notes.

Walker's entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to customer service has been passed through five generations of Walkers who have been part of the business’ growth and adaptation.

Lisa Walker Sekundiak, company vice president, says, “Our ‘family’ reaches far beyond those that have a Walker surname. Our family is all the past, present, and future employees that work for us. We are proud and appreciative of you all, thank you for your loyalty.”

After its small beginnings, Max I. Walker Cleaners has grown over the years, expanding to 23 locations throughout Omaha, and added uniform rental to its array of services, the company says.

And the company promises a written guarantee: The customer can expect their items will be ready, right, and to their satisfaction when they come to pick them up.

Max I. Walker considers itself a “21st Century Cleaner,” because of the cutting-edge technology and new perspectives of the younger generation that keeps the business relevant as it enters another century of service.

The company thanks the community that has supported it through the last century and encourages its members to join in celebrating the company’s innovations, accomplishments, and employees.

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A Max I. Walker route driver, post-World War II. (Photos: Max I. Walker Cleaners)

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Robert Walker Sr. (second man from right), and others, inspect the company’s garment-handling processes.

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This Max I. Walker Cleaners location began advertising one-hour cleaning “in emergencies,” the company notes.

Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Dave Davis at [email protected].