LAWRENCEBURG, Ind. — Linda and Barry Mitchell opened the doors to their drycleaning business, Trinity Dry Cleaners, here in March through the help of the Southeast Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC), the organization reports.
Prior to becoming entrepreneurs, the Mitchells both held “executive-level jobs” at a multi-national distribution company headquartered in Cincinnati, according to the ISBDC. They explored several different business opportunities before deciding on dry cleaning.
After 18 months of research and development, it took the couple nine months to open Trinity, the ISBDC says, and the business is reported to have “grown well beyond Dearborn County.” The Mitchells hired two additional employees within 30 days of opening, have built a client base of more than 1,600 customers; and have started free-home-delivery routes. They intend to expand into Ohio and Kentucky.
“The ISBDC consolidates many areas of expertise in one accessible local office,” say the Mitchells, who have been ISBDC clients since October 2012. “Having access to qualified advisers is an invaluable resource for any entrepreneur looking to start their own business.”
As part of their eco-friendly business model, the Mitchells have implemented the use of GreenEarth solvent, becoming its only affiliate in Southeastern Indiana, according to the ISBDC. The couple has also installed bar-code technology on all garments, providing customers “complete traceability.”
Finding the right business partners—accountant, insurance agent and attorney, among others—that “understood the progressive nature of their business plan” was the “most challenging aspect” of establishing Trinity Dry Cleaners, the ISBDC reports.
“I first met Barry and Linda with Trinity Dry Cleaners at our Entrepreneur Day in Lawrenceburg, Ind.,” says Southeast ISBDC Regional Director Blayr Barnard. “While they are well-versed in business, they spent the entire day making sure they soaked up every piece of advice and information available.”
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