American Drycleaner - January 2020

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January 2020

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®

■ VISION 2020 ■ THE SEER

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drycleaner drycleaner A M E R I C A N

®

January 2020

Vol. 86, No. 9

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

(Photo: Hohenstein Institute

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Publisher’s Impact Award For all he gave to fabricare during his life and career, Dr. Manfred Wentz is the recipient of the first ever American Drycleaner Publisher’s Impact Award! In this feature article, Looking Ever Forward, his achievements and his vision for the industry, and indeed the world, are highlighted. Listen to colleagues, friends and family talk about why he was so vital to the garment care world he loved. He meant so much to the people around him, and he asked all to look beyond, to a better world.

Tim Burke, Editor Vision 2020 Do you dream the dream, then put it into action?

That’s what two drycleaning owners, one in Pacific Palisades, California, and the other in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, will tell you they have done to start the new year. One expanded by buying out a competitor, something that is happening frequently in the market these days. The other is expanding his brand in new and different ways. Read how they turned hopes into plans, then plans into realities.

Tim Burke, Editor

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American Drycleaner, January 2020

Pre-Inspection The Now Of It

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Management Strategies The Seer, Diana Vollmer

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Special Feature Protecting Public Health

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Off The Cuff Get to Know ... John Buni

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Yarns Spun Here Mods

41

Spotting Tips More About Bleach!, Martin Young

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Around the Industry

44

Classified Ads / Ad Index

46-47

Wrinkle in Time What’s Ahead in Modernized Stores?

48

NEED HELP FINDING THE HIDDEN HANGER? Scan this QR Code for help in finding the hidden hanger on this month’s cover.

Good luck!

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P RE - I N SP E CT I O N

The Now Of It Welcome to a new year and a chance to make a fresh set of goals….

“Wait, wait wait,” you’re thinking, “Not one of those tired old, ‘new year, new challenges,’ blah-blah-blah things!”

No, this isn’t one of those.

A drycleaning owner recently said to me: “It’s not about the change of calendar, it’s about our continual efforts to serve our clients now, today.”

Think about your own drycleaning operation. How happy are your clients today? Where is your business at financially at the moment? And how are your own dreams coming along right now? Your dreams don’t follow a calendar, they follow opportunity. It’s really all about getting a win today, isn’t it?

In Vision 2020, two drycleaning owners discuss turning their dreams into realities. One in California grew by buying out a competitor, the other in Pittsburgh is expanding his brand.

Tim Burke Speaking of dreams — now and future — on the front cover is a special feature highlighting the career of scientist, educator, speaker, family man and visionary, the late Dr. Manfred Wentz, who gave so much to fabricare during his brilliant career and lifetime. Starting on page 6, Looking Ever Forward, honors his vision of ‘sustainability,’ with our first-ever American Drycleaner Publisher’s Impact Award.

Columnist Diana Vollmer asks you to update perceptions in The Seer. Martin Young explains More About Bleach. In, Protecting Public Health, Eric Wade reminds you of the Federal ban on co-located residential perc machines coming Dec. 21, 2020; there’s a new Off The Cuff; and more. Also we welcome three new editorial advisory board members: Jan Barlow, Kyle Nesbit, and Wesley Nelson, and we say a big thank you to Steven Dubinski, Herron Rowland and Ellen Tuchman Rothmann for their service.

So maybe I’ve got you thinking a little bit more about The Now (about how your business and your dreams are doing — today). Living in the now is what we all do, sure; and keeping your clients looking great, always, is what you do!

ADC American Drycleaner (ISSN 0002-8258) is published monthly except Nov/Dec combined. Subscription prices, payment in advance: U.S., 1 year $46.00; 2 years $92.00. Foreign, 1 year $109.00; 2 years $218.00. Single copies $9.00 for U.S., $18.00 for all other countries. Published

by American Trade Magazines LLC, 650 West Lake Street, Suite 320, Chicago, IL 60661. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, IL and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER, Send changes of address and form 3579 to American Drycleaner, Subscription Dept., 440 Quadrangle Drive, Suite E, Bolingbrook, IL 60440. Volume 86, number 9. Editorial, executive and advertising offices are at 650 West Lake Street, Suite 320, Chicago, IL 60661.

Charles Thompson, President and Publisher. American Drycleaner is distributed selectively to: qualified dry cleaning plants and distributors in the United States. The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertising for any reason. © Copyright AMERICAN TRADE MAGAZINES LLC, 2020. Printed in U.S.A. No part of this publication may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publisher or his representative. American Drycleaner does not endorse, recommend or guarantee any article, product, service or information found within. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of American Drycleaner or its staff. While precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of the magazine’s contents at time of publication, neither the editors, publishers nor its agents can accept responsibility for damages or injury which may arise therefrom.

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American Drycleaner, January 2020

Publisher Charles Thompson 312-361-1680 cthompson@ATMags.com

Associate Publisher/ National Sales Director Donald Feinstein 312-361-1682 dfeinstein@ATMags.com

Editorial Director Bruce Beggs 312-361-1683 bbeggs@ATMags.com

Editor Tim Burke 312-361-1684 tburke@ATMags.com

Digital Media Director Nathan Frerichs 312-361-1681 nfrerichs@ATMags.com

Production Manager Roger Napiwocki Advisory Board Jan Barlow Mike Bleier John-Claude Hallak Wesley Nelson Kyle Nesbit Mike Nesbit Fred Schwarzmann Beth Shader Contributing Editors Dan Miller Diana Vollmer Martin Young Office Information Main: 312-361-1700 Subscriptions 630-739-0900 x100 www.american drycleaner.com

www.americandrycleaner.com

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Dr. Manfred Wentz is the recipient of the very first ever American Drycleaner Publisher’s Impact Award, now presented this January, 2020. Wentz was the director of the Hohenstein Institutes of the U.S. and head of the OEKO-TEX® Certification Body. He was also VP of Research & Development and Environmental Affairs at R.R. Street & Co., Inc., located in Naperville, Ill., among his many other titles. (Photo: Hohenstein Institute)

By Tim Burke, Editor He gave fabricare a reason to believe it could be better than it was. He asked all to look beyond, to a better world. He believed in people first — always. He brought scientists, lawmakers, companies, and drycleaning professionals together to make a healthier, safer garment care world, and to better understand their own responsibility. He sought this not only for the environment, and the fabricare industry’s health, but for all future generations. For all these reasons and more, American Drycleaner hereby recognizes Dr. Manfred Wentz with its inaugural Publisher’s Impact Award—for everything he gave to the world today.

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American Drycleaner, January 2020

W

hen people think of Dr. Manfred Wentz, they think of all he gave to the future of the fabricare industry, and the world.

He was a scientist, educator, speaker, and a voice of hope for the future.

That is why Wentz is being recognized with the American Drycleaner Publisher’s Impact Award for all he has meant to garment care, dry cleaning, and the overall betterment of our planet.

“When I think of Dr. Manfred Wentz, a single word immediately comes to my mind: sustainability,” notes Martin Young Jr., well-known drycleaning industry consultant, popular American Drycleaner Spotting Tips columnist, and owner of Young Cleaners in (continued) www.americandrycleaner.com

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Concord, N.C. “Dr. Wentz forced many of us to face the future, and embrace the need for change.”

Young nominated Wentz for this award, which is being presented for the first time ever.

Wentz had many key stops along his textile career path, beginning at Bardusch Industrial Laundry in 1959-62 where he worked as a plant manager. He then went to work for Hohenstein Textile Research Institute in Germany, in 1962-65, as manager of its laundry research division. He came to the United States to work at the National Institute of Drycleaning (NID) / International Fabricare Institute (IFI), first as a research chemist in 1965-69, then as director of research in 1972-74.

Wentz was a professor at the University of Wisconsin in 1974-85, then at North Carolina State University in 198588. He worked for R.R. Street & Co. in 1988-98 as vice president of research & development and environmental affairs. He finished his great career at Hohenstein Institutes USA as director, and also served as head of the textile label and standards body OEKO-TEX® Certification USA in 1999-2009. Wentz retired in 2009, and died in 2016.

BEGINNINGS Wentz was born May 6, 1939, in Germany, a son of Christof and Emilie Hermann Wentz. He married Gisela Rosch on July 13, 1962.

He graduated from the College of Textile Chemistry and Engineering in Hohenstein, Germany, in 1959. Later he earned from North Carolina State University a Ph.D. in polymer science in 1973.

Wentz, on left, gets a visit at the International Fabricare Institute (IFI) from his former colleague Klaus Beutel from Germany.

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Dr. Wentz, on right, shown conferring with Prof. Dr. Stefan Mecheels, third generation family owner and CEO of the Hohenstein Institute. Wentz came to work for Hohenstein, located in Germany, in 1962, as manager of its laundry research division. Upon Wentz’s retirement in 2009 Mecheels had said, “The shoes we have to fill, namely yours — Manfred Wentz — are big. We will make every effort to continue the work you have been pursuing.”

Wentz came from Germany to work at the NID, which later became the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI) of today.

“I first met Dr. Wentz in the late 1990s,” Young recalls.

“I had read several of his contributions to trade publications, many times challenged by his scholarly approach to garment care.

“The State of North Carolina had mandated a study of the predominant drycleaning solvents at the time. I was recruited to offer insight to the day-to-day operation in the newer isoparaffin petroleum/hydrocarbon plants. I had no idea that the vision of Dr. Wentz went beyond the room and into the future.”

That vision Young speaks of was always on display throughout fabricare. A Technical Bulletin from 2000 pointed out that the IFI joined a study on setting standards for wet cleaning and petroleum dry cleaning. It noted how research would play a key role in evaluating those methods and Wentz was shown prominently in an accompanying photo.

Bill Fisher, CEO of DLI from 1995 to 2011, relates this about Wentz: “I think Manfred is best remembered and celebrated for his work while at N.C. State, essentially showing that ‘not’ drycleaning garments was (continued) www.americandrycleaner.com

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Dr. Wentz, on left, having fun with Bill Fisher, CEO of DLI from 1995 to 2011, during an Australian convention. Fisher started at the National Institute of Drycleaning (NID) working for Dr. Wentz in 1965. Recollections from Fisher: “I was Manfred’s lab technician from 1965 to 1969, and a research engineer under him from 1972 to 1976. Manfred was an excellent teacher. He helped instill in me an ethic that I think helped me as I became director of research after him.” (Photos courtesy of the Dr. Manfred Wentz family: wife Gisela, daughter Sabina and son Chris.)

more harmful than dry cleaning. Keep in mind that this was in an era where many consumer advocates stated that dry cleaning ‘wore out clothes,’ because of the deleterious effects of dirt particles abrading and damaging fibers.”

Fisher worked for Wentz. “I was Manfred’s lab technician from 1965 to 1969, and a research engineer under him from 1972 to 1976. Manfred was an excellent teacher. He helped instill in me an ethic that I think helped me as I became director of research after him.”

Fisher recalls that Wentz’s work at the NID was related to research on drycleaning chemistry.

“He spent a lot of time on aspects of primary, secondary, and tertiary solubulization. That’s where the solvent dissolves the detergent and the detergent will carry and dissolve small amounts of water in itself,” he explains.

“We also worked extensively on the water-carrying abilities of commercial drycleaning detergents.”

Fisher remembers Wentz as a warm, genuinely caring person who was devoted to his family.

“We had a good working relationship. I admired him greatly.”

HONORS, AWARDS Worldwide textile research group the Hohenstein Institute notes that Wentz held many leadership positions in textile industry organizations, such as the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC), and the International Organization for Standardization 10

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(ISO) among others.

“Also, he was an active member of the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) where he was integral in the development of the Restricted Substances List used industrywide today,” it notes.

He served as a delegate and expert at ISO meetings that develops safety standards on textile and apparel performance. He collaborated with Nike, Walmart, Target and LLBean, among many other Fortune 500 companies on many levels.

Wentz was widely published, with more than 100 articles in both domestic and international trade journals, including American Drycleaner. He also gave more than 100 presentations or keynote addresses at U.S. and international trade shows, conferences or business meetings.

“He had the credentials to meet with leaders in fabric manufacturing, garment manufacturing, and most importantly the government bureaucracy,” says Young.

“Dr. Wentz knew, long before many in the garment care industry, that our immersion solutions were going to need modification.” (continued)

Wentz shown receiving a George M. Shepherd Award given by the International Drycleaners Congress (IDC) to strengthen international understanding and goodwill in the fabricare industry. “The award is being presented by Bill Pulley to Dr. Manfred Wentz on May 6, 1998, at the IDC convention in Munich. It is in recognition of many years of service to the drycleaning industry and IDC,” notes Chris Wentz.

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environmentally Young explains friendly method of that, “Each time we handling textiles.” talked, in a group or one on one, he would THE R.R. STREET touch on the subject & CO. YEARS of sustainability of our David Dawson, industry. Dr. Wentz retired president of wanted to do his part R.R. Street & Co. to ensure the future Inc., reflects on good health of the Bill Fisher, at left, and Dr. Wentz standing next to their Wentz: “He served garment care industry younger versions in the photo behind them. This photo was as vice president of for the foreseeable taken at the grand opening of DLI’s new building in Laurel, Md., in 2004.

In the old photo on the wall, Wentz is on the research & developfuture.” far right and Fisher is on the far left. ment and environThe strong voice mental affairs at and vision were on Street for about 10 display when Wentz years before retiring with serious health issues. However, talked about the role people played in getting things done. he continued to be involved in many aspects of textile He was quoted as saying: “If you treat problems holistiscience.” cally, you can solve them in the long run with solutions that Wentz was a true scientist, Dawson says. “His intelare economically and technically feasible. But that requires lectual curiosity and thirst for information was insatiable, a constructive approach and less self-interest.” and he immersed himself in the work of textile research Wentz wanted the industry to look ahead. He once and standards-setting organizations around the globe.” related in an article in American Drycleaner, “If I have Wentz’s son Chris describes his father as always one criticism of the fabricare industry, it is that it is reaccurious to learn. tive, rather than proactive.”

“This included developing meaningful relationships with Young says he came to understand that though they were the people that shared the same interests. He knew those pursuing the same goal, their perspectives were different. relationships formed the foundation for the great things he “I quickly learned to listen closely when he spoke, his and his colleagues accomplished.” words were on point, and his baritone voice and accent Gene Damaso was director of new product development commanded respect. Dr. Wentz forced many of us to em(continued) at R.R. Street in 1995-2010. “Manfred, bebrace the need for change, and to keep looking for a more

Bill Fisher, former DLI CEO, regales us by sharing two brief stories about his friend and colleague Dr. Manfred Wentz.

“Fond memories include driving a U-Haul truck to move Manfred and family to North Carolina — Chris and Sabrina in the VW, with Manfred and his wife Gisela, their cat Whiskey, and me in the U-Haul for eight hours! Whiskey was decidedly unhappy with the arrangements!

“Then there’s the time we did work for a large fabric company who needed a finish removed from a fabric, and the only way to do that was in a drycleaning machine loaded to the gills with chloroform. Unfortunately, the machine we had leaked vapors like a sieve so we had to close-off that end of the building and wear oxygen tanks!”

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In photo from left: Dr. Manfred Wentz, Mack Davis, David Dawson, and Sto Fox.

ing a college professor, knew the value of R&D and let me explore totally new concepts. This proved important since the R&D we did provided new concepts for dry cleaning and in the end was profitable. Manfred was a very kind and gentle man who supported his people.”

Chris reflects that his father’s life was a beautiful mosaic of overcoming challenges.

“From being a young man in Germany that loved to read and study in a setting that made it extremely challenging to do so, to coming to America with his wife and daughter to study in a foreign land during a post-war time frame.”

Wentz battled healthcare issues and took the challenge of

A young Wentz, on left, with his boss Al Martin, at an R.R. Street & Co. function.

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cancer with grace, never seeing himself as a victim, Chris says. He understood his condition, what needed to be done, and fought it for 19 years.

Wentz told his son he was grateful for the leaders of R.R. Street & Company, such as Ross Beard, Dawson and others. Chris related how they continued to support his father’s healthcare efforts and issues even after he left the company.

Tim Racette, who worked for Wentz at Street’s from 1988 to 1993, notes that Wentz was a great mentor, always giving of his time and willing to entertain virtually any question, but he was steadfast in his technical rigor, even in the most seemingly casual conversation.

“He was quick to pose technical questions and challenges that, more often than not, required digging deep to find the answers. In the process, I developed a more thorough understanding of the subject matter and became a more critical thinker,” Racette says.

Today, Racette is the chief technology officer at Green Arrows Laboratories LLC, a specialty chemical manufacturer of environmentally friendly solutions.

What did Wentz meant to the fabricare industry?

“Dr. Wentz was a significant contributor to the drycleaning industry in multiple capacities,” he says. “His ability to distill complex processes and principles down to easy to understand terms, and his enthusiasm and willingness to share his knowledge, made him a particularly effective educator and highly-sought-after public speaker.”

Wentz was a strong industry advocate in regulatory matters, working collaboratively with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the textile cleaning industry, and the textile manufacturing industry, on a range of issues, according to Racette. (continued) www.americandrycleaner.com

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At Hohenstein, from left: Deena Dunn, Prof. Dr. Stephan Mecheels, American Drycleaner Publisher’s Impact Award inaugural 2020 recipient Dr. Wentz in center, Lutz Sieffert, and Sam Moore.

While others choose to take an antagonistic approach to addressing regulatory matters, Dr. Wentz was always a proponent of addressing issues objectively with a focus on facts instead of emotion, he points out.

“This approach earned him the respect and ear of the EPA and industry officials. It also enabled him to build important bridges across seemingly wide divides that led to more constructive dialogue amongst all parties.”

As a scientist, Wentz contributed to a better understanding of textile cleaning processes and their effects on textiles.

He was active in industry trade groups that addressed

a range of important issues, not the least of which included care labeling standards, and garment and textile testing standards, Racette says. “Much of his work had immediate practical benefits for those working in the textile care industry.”

HOHENSTEIN AND OEKO-TEX Wentz served for more than 25 years as the U.S. delegate and expert to the International Standards Organization that develops international consensus standards on textile and apparel performance, according to a biogra- (continued)

Left: Dr. Wentz and one of his graduate students, Lynne Olson, look at results of their new infrared spectrophotometer. Wentz also used this tool to get results on pre-Colombian textiles like the Tianako tapestry, the family notes.

Chris Wentz notes that, “Our dad treasured this special certificate from the Circus World Museum for his work with them.”

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phy written by Hohenstein.

The Institute notes that Wentz was an active stakeholder in the U.S. EPA’s Design for the Environment, Garment and Textile Care program, among others.

At Wentz’s retirement from Hohenstein in 2009, Prof. Dr. Stefan Mecheels, third-generation owner and CEO of the Institute related: “We pay homage to what you, Manfred Wentz, have done for the textile industry in such an outstanding way. During all the years, you’ve always been there rendering many different services and setting decisive initiatives for the Wentz and Josef Kurtz share stories and smiles over dinner. market. For that, I would like to personally express my gratitude. You have earned our unstinting respect for your life’s achievements.”

Prof. Josef Kurz, associate director of the industry leaders, a grassroots group called the Fabricare Hohenstein Institute who has worked there 62 years says: Legislation and Regulatory Education Association, or “Manfred Wentz was a strong supporter of environmenFLARE, to bridge the gap between drycleaning owners and tal protection in the drycleaning industry and made a politicians over environmental concerns. significant contribution to the implementation of higher From even earlier days, Wentz was quoted in a U.S. standards in the handling of organic solvents, which Department of Labor bulletin about job safety called OSHA contributed to a significant reduction in emissions. These and Small Business. He was quoted about solvent hazards successes have also been acknowledged throughout the in drycleaning plants saying a “more serious hazard inworld.” volves something we’re just now in the process of learning more about — cleaning solvent vapors.”

LOOKING EVER FORWARD He went on to say that perc vapors can get in the air, In the early 1990s when there was concern about the giving off what he described as a “faintly sweet ether-like drycleaning industry’s role in pollution contamination smell at 50 parts per million of air. issues cited by the EPA, Wentz was called upon to be a “I’ve personally been overcome twice,” Wentz was steadying voice of reason, one who could talk from expequoted in that same 1974 article. “You feel as if you are rience to all sides. enormously drunk and can’t stand up straight and don’t In those days, Wentz also helped create, along with other really care too much about it either!” (continued)

Group photo of FLARE, the Fabricare Legislation and Regulatory Education Association. From top: Ross Beard, Bill Fisher, Chris Edwards, Bill Seitz, Dr. Manfred Wentz, Steve Fazit, Frank Kean, Brooksher Banks, Ken Adamson, Ellen Gorny, and Insoo Hwang. FLARE was a volunteer organization created in the early 1990s to develop mutual understanding between drycleaning owners and politicians during the beginnings of SuperFund cleanup of the environment in the U.S.

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Wentz left an enormous legacy. He had a great scientific mind and a gentle way connecting with people, reaching out to others to share his curiosity of the world.

He also gave fabricare a lifetime of achievement in creating awareness to raise up textile standards and certification systems, while always looking to help make our world a better place.

On Sunday, June 12, 2016, while residing at Rex Healthcare in Raleigh, N.C., Wentz died.

Young provides some lasting thoughts about this inaugural Publisher’s Impact Award recipient: “My fondest memory is a time when we finished a group lunch at a restaurant, after a morning meeting.

“I had asked for his insight to solving an industrywide problem. The stripes were coming out of laundered shirts.

He stayed behind at the table, after everyone else had left the restaurant. We talked about time, temperature, and pH. He cared enough to give me the benefit of his

knowledge and experience.”

The problem turned out to be the strength of the sour being used in the laundry. The sour, otherwise known as the acid neutralizer, reacted with the wear points in the shirt, and the colored threads were being loosened and flushed away. “But to listen as he broke down the possibility of ‘thermal cracking’ was something special for me,” Young says.

Wentz cared enough to share the wealth of his knowledge and insight to a single cleaner, as well as government and business leaders around the world, Young says. “He was focused on the health of garment care for the future.”

It can be said that, in his life’s work, he truly cared deeply about the people he met, the fabricare industry, and about the health of our world. That’s why Dr. Manfred Wentz is our first-ever recipient of the 2020 American Drycleaner Publisher’s Impact Award.

ADC (continued)

Boat ride during an IDC convention in France. Dr. Wentz and his wife Gisela are on the far right.

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D E D I CA T ED F A MIL Y MA N Besides his work in garment care, Dr. Manfred Wentz was first a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, as his son Chris, daughter Sabina, and wife Gisela reflect.

Speaking by phone recently with American Drycleaner, Chris and Sabina shared thoughts about their dad and his home life and his work relationships.

“His life, business and personal decisions were shaped by his devotion to the family and how it would enhance our lives,” says Chris.

His son relates that their father was never one to shy away from doing what was right both in his personal life and his business life. Relative to the businesses of dry cleaning, garments and textiles, he understood the major impact these services and industries had on the environment and, more notably, how they affected people. “And we know that’s pretty much everyone. He knew that. It was a guiding tenet to the way he approached his work,” The Wentz family, from left: son Chris Wentz, daughter relates Chris.

Sabina Akins, wife Gisela and Dr. Manfred Wentz.

“Traveling with him was always fun and interesting,” Chris continues, relating how the family could always count on their dad telling them that he “gave a talk there,” when they went by a famous hotel, university, or institute. “It became a game to find a place in which he didn’t give a talk.”

Sabina provides these closing words about their dad: “My dad was Chris’ soccer coach and had a big impact on all of the players on his teams through the years. They were consistently one of the top teams in Wisconsin and won a state championship as well.

“Also, he orchestrated trips for all of us when we lived scattered across the country. Dad was all about family.”

Surely the legacy of Dr. Wentz, devoted family man and famous fabricare scientist, is that he reminded us all, always, to keep looking ever forward to a better and brighter new day!

ADC

Wentz, on right, with colleague Sam Moore and his wife in Sam’s orchard enjoying a picnic. Moore, “picked up after dad retired from Hohenstein/Oeko-Tex,” relates Chris Wentz.

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By Tim Burke

Two owners reveal their dreams, hopes, and realities for this year.

New Year, New Store!

Tommy Goulla is the owner of Ogden’s Cleaners in Pacific Palisades, Calif., and now owns a new store The Cleaning Baron, in Marina Del Rey, Calif.

“Getting a new store had been a plan of mine for some time,” Goulla says.

“I was just waiting for the right timing and to find the perfect location.” (Photo by Tommy Goulla)

TOMMY GOUILLA

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A NEW HOPE

eet Tommy Goulla, owner of Ogden’s Cleaners in Pacific Palisades, Calif., and now The Cleaning Baron in Marina Del Rey, Calif.

Q. “We’re in a new year and a new decade, what’s new for your drycleaning operation?”

A. “I have just acquired a new dry cleaners in Marina Del Rey called The Cleaning Baron which emwww.americandrycleaner.com

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phasizes high-end drycleaning, laundry and tailoring services, open seven days a week,” Goulla says.

“The acquisition took about six months to complete.

I am very excited to bring to Marina Del Rey what I have been providing in Pacific Palisades,” relates Goulla.

“There’s been lots of changes in the last decade in our industry. Some areas have (continued) American Drycleaner, January 2020

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seen a significant drop in sales due to the fact that more and more clothing manufacturers are making washable garments,” he notes. “Fortunately,” he continues, “We are located in a high-end area and this has not affected us as much.

“Another big change is the cost of labor here in Los Angeles and finding good employees,” Goulla says. “I have put more focus on quality control and customer service so I can better justify my increases in pricing.”

Q. “How long have you been planning to expand?”

A. “Getting a new store had been a plan of mine for

some time,” he explains. “I was just waiting for the right timing and to find the perfect location. The Cleaning Baron was a perfect candidate due to its location and size, as Marina Del Rey is growing at a very fast pace.”

Q. “One way to measure the health of a business is

growth of a brand; how healthy will your brand be in Year 2020?”

A. “Our brand, I can say, has been growing in

M

healthy levels because I have put lots of emphasis on customer service and quality.

“In my opinion the dry cleaners who sell themselves on price-only will eventually fail as our industry needs more than just price as a selling point. I also believe that to be healthy you must take steps to be environmentally friendly,” Goulla points out.

Q. “Can you share a tip with other owners about how to make time to dream, plan, and launch that vital growth in the Year 2020?”

A. “My advice to other owners is find out who their clientele is and what they want and build based upon that,” he suggests, and adds: “Every store has been built on a different foundation and in my opinion finding out what your customers want and trying your best to providing that is key to every store.”

Goulla shares this final thought: “The best ideas pop up in my head when I am driving. Later I try to make notes to see what that idea can do for me. Believe it or not lots of amazing ideas were made into reality that way!”

A FRESH START

eet Joe Ferrante, owner, Duro Cleaners in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Q. “We’re in a new year and a

new decade, what’s new at your dry cleaners?”

A. “A new year, indeed! Wow, I never really thought of it as a new decade prior to reading this question. That’s some ‘take a deep breath,’ kind of news,” Ferrante says.

“We are looking to expand Duro’s home delivery division. We do currently operate several routes in the Pittsburgh area however we’re ready to take it to the next level.”

Q. “Are any of your new plans already implemented or are you somewhere along in the process?”

A. “We are always in the process! Last year we purchased a new point of sale system which has been huge. It provides us with ‘20/20 vision’ of how and what the business is doing daily,” relates Ferrante. (continued) 28

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JOE FERRANTE www.americandrycleaner.com

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“With any new point of sale, there is a learning curve and we feel that we are finally over the hump and are able and ready to fully optimize all it has to offer. With its real time reporting, integrated messaging system, and route management software, we feel that it is the one tool that will allow us to stand out from others in the business,” he notes.

“Last year we also purchased a new delivery van that will allow us to build upon our image. We didn’t want to come to the market with a cracker jack approach and throw just any vehicle on the road.

“It was important for us to establish that we are serious about the line of work we are in and let that reflect from the vehicle that we put on the road all the way down to the uniform our drivers will wear.”

Q. “Did any of these Year 2020 plans start out as dreams on your wish list?”

A. “The whole thing started out as a dream,” Ferrante relates. “I always knew that I would own my own business but after working years in my family’s cleaners I realized I only had a 10-year ‘Ph.D.’ in one thing, and that was dry cleaning!

“Wth the support of my family, I was able to purchase my own cleaners and start implementing all the things that I personally thought would help move the needle,” he adds.

Q. “One way to measure the health of a business is growth of a brand; how healthy will your brand be in year 2020?”

A. “Once you get past the fact that your dry cleaners is no longer just that, you start to realize that in this day and age, you need to establish a brand,” Ferrante says.

He indicates that, “If you look at what some of the bigger players in our industry are doing, they focus maybe 75% on their brand and 25% on their production.

“Being a smaller drycleaning operator, it’s easy to lose focus on this; however, after spending some time at the Clean Show and listening to Jason Loeb, I then understood that its not the size of the operation, rather it’s the size of the brand.”

and lack of an online presence.” But he says that with, “Just some old school customer service, we were able to generate good reviews organically over time.”

Right now he relates that his business is currently “trending upward.”

However, Ferrante says, when it comes to brand, “There is never a time to relax and think that we’ve done enough. We will always be working toward establishing a brand. This year will give us a fresh start on getting our message out there: Personal, Professional Service.”

Q. “Can you share a tip with other owners about how to make time to dream, plan, and launch that vital growth in the Year 2020?”

A. “First, I’d say, take some time to reflect on why you wanted to enter this business in the first place,” Ferrante relates. “A lot of us got into it because we had family ties or tons of experience.

“Drycleaning owners are not the type of people that take the easy way out of anything. If we did, we wouldn’t be in this industry.

“So when you think back five or ten years, you may think of something that you wanted to do and didn’t.

This year is a fresh start. A fresh decade. Take that thought and capitalize on it,” he says.

“Secondly,” Ferrante notes, “Build your team and trust them. It is so hard to give the keys away to your business but if you really want to accomplish anything, you must surround yourself with a team that you can trust not only with your operation, but also with your brand.”

Q. “Anything else you’d like to add about your vision and growth for 2020?”

A. “Like any year, 2020 is a fresh start to build upon history. It’s a leap year, Olympic year, and an election year. We will see the completion of the new world trade center,” he says. “The world will keep building and so should your business!”

Ferrante concludes with this: “In our business, we will answer every phone call; respond to every text and email; and greet every customer with a smile. With this core of established values, it will allow us to move our business forward with whatever we decide in 2020, and 2021, and beyond!

2020 Q. You’ve mentioned that your business has had to

overcome things from the past, what things?

A. “For example,” he points out, “We struggled with negative reviews left over from previous ownership

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So you heard from two drycleaning owners expanding this year. Take your own ideas, hopes, and dreams and make them into realities. Follow ADC your vision. It’s really the year of you!

www.americandrycleaner.com

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M A N A G E M E N T ST RAT E G I ES

The Seer Notice trends, update perceptions, and develop your keen insight in 2020

T

his year is momentous, in part due to the end of one decade and the beginning of a new one.

Preparing for this significant new era can give you a handle on the near future and make your company a leader that overcomes the ever-increasing challenges that face business in general and the fabricare industry specifically.

As we know from Monday Morning Quarterback discussions over coffee, hindsight is much clearer than foresight. So, let’s do what the Las Vegas bookies do to set their odds in the betting world: Do the homework!

Gather all available information and synthesize current and historical Diana Vollmer data in conjunction with future indicators to gain the best insight and knowledge possible.

Examine the relevant issues from all available angles to reveal the most significant factors that will impact your business and the appropriate related strategies and

tactics to apply through your management.

Then prepare a formalized winning strategy to apply to this year and beyond. What past, present and predicted trends influence the way you do business today and how your model must change in the future to keep your organization moving forward at the head of the pack?

Consider past and current projections and trends in: 1. The Economy; 2. Retail Consumer Sector; 3. Commercial Sector; 4. Fabricare Trends; 5. Your Status.

Caution: Relying on the past alone is unwise and can be dangerous. The same is true for future predictions.

Even agreement by experts is not a sure bet. Note the example of recent Federal Funds rate predictions and actual numbers: Despite the 2018 consensus of economists predicting interest rate hikes through 2019, the actual comparison of Sept. 2018 to July 2019 was flat at 2.25%. (https://www.thebalance.com/when-will-the-fed-raiserates-3306131) (continued)

(Image licensed by Ingram Publishing)

To find past Management Strategies columns or share this month’s with your friends, visit AmericanDrycleaner.com.

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M A N A G E M E N T ST RAT E G I ES

particularly clothing and accessories. The disappearance of shoppers from stores is at least in part due to this influential trend.

There may be a small positive upside to the resulting organization of the remaining wardrobe in that it becomes more apparent when wardrobe items need care.

The anti-Amazon attack from traditional retailers may provide more opportunities for your business as consumTHE ECONOMY er-attracting events are scheduled to repopulate empty The economy is multi-faceted and differs dramatically shopping malls. Brainstorm what you can contribute to by geographic location from the micro-market around the activities to interact with customers and prospects. your specific locations (that hopefully have a population Retail rents are also being impacted by the online purinclined to use your services) chase, wardrobe rentals, to the global economy that and curated shopping affects general consumer trends, such as StichFix. spending and your pricing on com, TrunkClub.com and Success equipment and supplies. their proliferating comis a direct result Local town, county, state petition. and national economic facThese companies and of providing what tors also vary dramatically their curators can be huge customers want.... and affect your achievable customers for you if you results. can provide the service Examples that are beyond they need within the ....And providing it your control, but need to be schedule and locations when, where and how factored into your plans are: required.

Changing neighborhoods, Use the retail store they want it. unemployment rates, quality vacancies in your market of education, relocating corto negotiate the best rents porations, displacement of possible in the locations employees, housing affordwhere you want to have ability, access to capital, commercial and retail rents, physical stores and/or plants. Don’t wait for your lease population density, traffic patterns and interruptions. expiration to renegotiate.

Rent The Runway, which operates three of the largRETAIL SECTOR est drycleaning plants in the world, proclaims that: “The Changing lifestyles and shopping habits of consumers renting revolution is here.” It says it provides: “Fashion can work in your favor or against your business. freedom; total wardrobe flexibility; smarter closet; and a A very positive influence is consumers’ desire for smaller clothing footprint. more time to do non fabricare-related activities, whether “Clothes end up in the back of closets or landfills. work, play, socialize or just getting some much-needed Power the sharing economy and rent instead.” sleep.

They are a force in both the sustainability movement The more you do for time-starved customers and prosand the sharing economy trend. pects, the more your sales and profit will grow. Remind Thredup, a thriving consignment resale company, is them of all the services you provide so they don’t just also leading the sustainability trend and joining with a slot you into the “wardrobe cleaning” role. range of partners from Amazon to Macy’s and JC The declutter trend lead by Marie Condo is a conPenney where physical Thredup pop-up stores are being tributing factor to owning fewer things in general and installed. (continued) Justification for more research and information gathering on various trends from several sources is that no single source of information is sufficient to rely on, and your business is affected by many influences.

Some of those components are reliably predictable but most are not. The more you can factor into your preparation, the closer to 20/20 your vision can be.

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(https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/ news/2019/08/22/thredup-with-macys-penney-secondhand-retailers.html) Would you have predicted that Macy’s would support selling used clothing? Leap on this trend to do the cleaning for resale consignment customers and shops both online and in store.

COMMERCIAL SECTOR The service economy is strong, growing and competitive. According to vault.com: “The fastest growing industries in the United States are: #1 Energy #2 Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology #3 Engineering #4 Information Technology #5 Investment Management #6 Private Equity #7 Consulting #8 Social Media #9 Hedge Funds #10 Media and Entertainment #11 Commercial Banking #12 Advertising #13 Accounting #14 Hospitality #15 Wealth Management #16 Insurance #17 Real Estate #18 Public Relations #19 Nonprofit Sector #20 Investment Banking.” (https://www.vault.com/industry-rankings/fastest-growing-industries) Obvious opportunities exist to do business with companies that provide healthcare, hospitality, delivery, facility cleaning, location security, building and grounds maintenance.

As commerce moves online, warehouse and industrial parks are fertile ground for route activity. Explore the ways that you can tap into these service providers as customers for your business.

Example: Hotel occupancy rates are up and many of them need refurbishment after a long stretch of minimizing expenses and delaying much needed maintenance and cleaning projects.

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and seat cushions all need refreshing in addition to the ongoing daily linens, uniforms and guest and manager garment cleaning.

Half of the “fastest growing” list are financial services related, a very active sector, and the managers and their teams must still dress to impress, even if the preferred attire has moved to casual.

Looking professional is even more challenging in casual clothing, so they need your services as much or more than ever.

FABRICARE TRENDS The industry has had much press exposure about the shrinking number of companies reported in the drycleaning and laundry business.

A closer look shows very healthy growth among the competitors that are taking an innovative and proactive approach to expanding their businesses.

Many have acquired profitable volume by buying businesses from owners who want to get out of the business and who are tired of the required management involvement.

Consolidating two or more compatible businesses can result in much higher profit percentages due to the efficiencies and economies of scale gained with the added volume and reduced supporting expenses.

Other successes are represented by diversification of services provided and/or expansion of current services to more prospects through proactive sales and marketing.

Examples include: Electronic and toy cleaning; family laundry; accessory cleaning; expanded household cleaning; recreational vehicle, airplane and boat cleaning.

The key to this strategy is savvy sales and marketing to let them know what you can do for them.

Leapfrog common industry technological approaches to communicate with customers by implementing new ways to interact. One effective component is a creative, informative, and possibly humorous blog.

Two examples: First, McDonald’s did both promotion and damage control for a sauce shortage and hit iTunes top-100 podcast chart. Go to this link: https://io9.gizmodo.com/ mcdonalds-is-bringing-back-rick-and-mortys-belovedszec-1797372297.

Next, Keeping You Organized produced by Smead, a file-folder maker, is one of the longest running brandpodcasts since 2013, as a series of weekly interviews www.americandrycleaner.com

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with a professional organizer focused on specific projects. It informs consumers and sells their products at the same time. Go to this link: https://podcasts.apple.com/ us/podcast/keeping-you-organized/id698985975.

(David Yaffe-Bellany, SFChronicle.com, 8/26/19) If you think professional photography is out of your price range for your electronic and print media, check https://unsplash.com/ for free, high-quality, high-resolution, royalty-free images that have been gifted to the site by their creators.

Success is a direct result of providing what customers want. And providing it when, where and how they want it. Make their lives easier to make your company more profitable.

YOUR STATUS Take a clear-eyed, objective look at your company from top to bottom both past and present. Assess your current status in your market, the strengths that differentiate you from competitors, and the opportunities for growth.

Look at the outside factors that are threats to your organization, such as: Availability and increased costs of quality employees; and changing or new regulations.

Evaluate the areas for improvement that can propel

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you to greater success. Document what is working and the areas that are not, and what to do to improve both.

Take a scientific approach to profiling your best customers and adding more prospects like them.

Disrupt how consumers and businesses think about your business. Move them from default thinking of you as their cleaner for their “best clothes,” to an expanded role as their wardrobe, household, business, vehicle and recreation care and maintenance providers.

Help them change their current habits of usage to new patterns of behavior that make you a trusted provider of more and more services and support for them, their families, their friends, and their associates.

Being complacent about new trends and cultural changes has resulted in many operators closing their doors. Don’t be discouraged by the bad news, but rather use your vision and creativity this year to be a winning ADC survivor instead!

Diana Vollmer is a managing director for Methods for Management, which has served dry cleaners and launderers with affordable management expertise and improved profitability since 1953. For assistance analyzing your market status, the trends that affect your future, and planning for a prosperous 2020, contact her at dvollmer@mfmi.com or call 415-577-6544.

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(Image licensed by Ingram Publishing)

By Tim Burke, Editor

P

erc is a big issue in our drycleaning world.

Anything related to perc gets our attention.

Coming later this year in December, the Fed will ban co-located residential perc machines. Does your business use a perc machine in a location shared with a residence? If so, are you taking steps to make the needed adjustments? I’ve invited Eric Wade, retired chief of the enforcement section of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, to a Q&A session all about this topic, where we can hear his views, expressed as a private citizen, about this coming regulation that concerns public health protection and our fabricare industry.

Let’s join the chat…. Welcome Eric, let’s get started: Tim: “First, tell our readers about your former employer and yourself.”

Eric: “I worked for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for 41 years in the division of air resources. I retired recently as the chief of the enforcement section. As such, I no longer represent the Department and my views are being expressed as a private citizen. Prior to my retirement, I was responsible for revising and updating the drycleaning regulation in addition to my other duties.”

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Tim: “A Federal Regulation stating there can be no more co-located residential perc machines goes into effect on December 21, 2020. How will this affect drycleaning owners across the country?”

Eric: “Nationwide, the operation of any perc drycleaning machine at a co-located residential facility will be prohibited after December 21, 2020. A co-located residential facility is a drycleaning facility that is located in a building with a residence. Any dwelling or housing in which people reside, excluding short-term housing that is occupied by the same person for a period of less than 180 days, such as a hotel room, is considered a residence.

“When the Federal ban was proposed in 2005 and adopted in 2006, it was anticipated that most perc colocated residential drycleaning facilities would switch to an alternative solvent during the 15 year transition period leading up to the 2020 prohibition date. After this date, all affected co-located residential perc drycleaning facilities must switch to an alternative solvent, shut-down, or become a drop shop collecting articles for dry cleaning at another site.”

Tim: “Are drycleaning owners across the country aware of this coming change, and for owners in co-located residential locations, are they taking steps to be in compliance?” (continued) www.americandrycleaner.com

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O F F THE C U F F

Get to Know ...

John Buni

fan and there has never been a more exciting time to say that! I try to get to a game once a month What gets you excited at work?

“Coming up with new features for our system, rolling them out, and seeing Co-founder, CleanCloud how it impacts our customers. Getting positive feedback from our 5,000 users, which changes their stores and how they ell us where you were born, grew up, and do business, is a thrill that I will never reside today? get tired of.”

“I was born and raised in Brighton, on the Lastly, tell us a secret (keep it clean) south coast of England. My co-founder David nobody knows about you?

John Buni and I grew up together there, and it was a great “Until CleanCloud I never thought I place for us to be kids. Then I moved to Lonwould be able to stay focused on one business for more don, where I have been for almost my entire adult life.” than a couple of years at a time. I was too impatient to get Hobbies (that you’ll admit to)? going on the next idea! But with this business going from “Whenever I get a chance I like to read the latest busistrength to strength, for the first time in my life, I don’t ness books. I prefer a crazy story to a bland leadership ADC feel like I’m standing still.” manual. Lately I’ve been reading Billion Dollar Whale: The Man Who Fooled Wall Street, Hollywood, and the (Do you want to take part in an Off the Cuff, or know World. I’m a big sports fan too. I’m a lifelong Tottenham someone who does? Email tburke@atmags.com.)

T

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automatic sprinkler systems where alternative solvent machines are equipped with integrated fire extinguishing systems and/or safety features that minimize the fire/ explosion risk.

Eric: “All co-located residential perc drycleaning facility owners should be aware of the 2020 prohibition date that was discussed in EPA’s 2005, 2006 and 2008 rulemaking documents. Individual states have also provided outreach to affected facilities as most have been delegated the authority to enforce the provisions of the Federal rule.”

Tim: “New York City has the most co-located residential perc machines, how does this coming change in perc regulation affect drycleaning owners there?”

Eric Wade is retired chief of the enforcement section of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, where he worked for 41 years in the Division of Air Resources.

“As such, I no longer represent the Department and my views are being expressed as a private citizen,” he notes. “Prior to my retirement, I was responsible for revising and updating the drycleaning regulation in addition to my other duties.”

Eric: “Like all other areas of the country, all co-located residential perc drycleaning facilities in New York City must stop using perc after December 21, 2020. While the 15 year phased-in transitional period has worked well for most parts of the country, it has not worked as well for the New York City area where most of the perc drycleaning facilities are located in co-located residential buildings.

“The transition to an alternative solvent has been slowed or blocked by the local fire and zoning code requirements.

Because of these local fire and zoning code requirements I expect many affected perc drycleaning facilities will shut-down or become drop shops.”

Tim: “Can you explain New York City’s unique situation and how its more restrictive fire codes play a part?”

Eric: “In New York State, 92 percent of all co-located residential perc drycleaning facilities are located in New York City where the local fire code requires the installation of costly automatic sprinkler systems for facilities that switch to an approved class III alternative solvent.

“These sprinkler systems can be very costly and most of these facilities typically have a five-year lease with a five-year option to renew. This required building improvement, payable by the tenant, is not typically seen as a sound long-term investment, especially when compared to the much cheaper option of opening a new shop where the corresponding regulations are less stringent.

“Outside of New York City and under the New York State fire code, dry cleaners are not required to install 40

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“Alternative solvent dry cleaners in New York City are also affected by the local zoning code requirements for most commercial districts which limit facility size to 2,000 square feet of floor area and the total aggregate machine capacity to 60 pounds. Both of these requirements indirectly effect the transition to alternative solvents by limiting future expansion and allowing only one drycleaning machine per facility.”

Tim: “Is December 21, 2020, a firm date, or is there a possibility of it being changed, and when do you think that might be announced?”

Eric: “It is my belief that the 2020 ban date will not be changed because it was first proposed and adopted following an in depth study almost 15 years ago in EPA’s 2005 and 2006 revisions to the National Perchloroethylene Air Emission Standards for Dry Cleaning Facilities, 40 CFR Part 63, Subpart M. This view is shared by the National Cleaners Association and the Halogenated Solvents Industry Alliance.”

Tim: “Can you share a tip with drycleaning owners about how to find out more information about this coming regulation?”

Eric: “Information and a summary of the new regulatory requirements of New York State’s recently revised and adopted drycleaning regulation (6 NYCRR Part 232) can be found on the department’s webpage at: https://www. dec.ny.gov/chemical/8567.html/.”

Tim: “Anything else you’d like to add about this new national law on co-located residential perc machines coming December 21, 2020?”

Eric: “I support the 2020 Federal ban as I believe it is needed for public health protection.”

Thanks Eric for being with us today and explaining the topic of the coming Dec. 21, 2020, Federal Regulation banning co-located residential perc machines.

ADC www.americandrycleaner.com

12/16/19 8:50 AM

(Photo from Wikimedia Commons)

YARNS SPUN HERE

Mods

By Tim Burke, Editor

T

he Mods are coming!”

Echoes of this phrase might be bouncing around in your brain, calling to you from days past. Or from classic television show reruns. Can you envision those 1960s Mod hipsters?

Wait a second. There’s another “Mod” we’re concerned with here. It’s called Modacrylic.

Modacrylic is described as a fiber often used in fake furs, fleece robes, blankets, stuffed toys, and wigs. It is resilient, soft, and warm, and it resists mildew, sunlight damage, and wrinkling.

A modacrylic is a synthetic copolymer, says Wikipedia. “Modacrylics can be easily dyed, show good press and shape retention, and are quick to dry.”

In American Drycleaner’s Spotting Guide, author Norman Oehlke says it is a group of synthetic fibers used in making many imitation furs. “Heatsensitive, it must be given a short, low-temperature drying cycle, under 120 F. Usually no steam finishing or light buck steam only can be applied; dry thoroughly before touching or moving.”

About Mods, Wikipedia notes: “Mods and rockers were two conflicting British youth subcultures of the early/mid 1960s to early 1970s.” It

also notes that the mod subculture was centered on fashion and music, and many Mods rode scooters and wore suits.

Some Mods may very well have worn fake furs made of synthetic copolymers. But that’s guessing.

Whether they also wore fleece robes is supposition too, but it was probably hard to drive a scooter with a robe flying up over one’s face. And how cool can you look, after all, ridin’ the slab in a bathrobe? I mean really, ADC Mods, really!

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S P OT T I N G T I PS

More About Bleach!

Reducing bleaches go the extra mile to make your clients clothing look great

T

he word BLEACH scares most cleaners. It shouldn’t.

Find joy in its uses. Your bleaches are just another chemical tool to impress your clientele or get yourself out of a jam (claim).

Reducing bleaches, also called “dye strippers,” can give you spectacular results. Any bleach should be a last resort. Reducing bleaches have the potential to offer a greater impact than oxidizing bleaches.

There is a time and place for this more aggressive tool. When you Martin Young are faced with fugitive dye and all other methods fail, there is no better choice than one of these chemical tools.

Sodium Bisulfite is the mildest choice of all the reducing bleaches. It is used on a regular basis in laundry operations to neutralize chlorine bleach. It is the anti-chlor. This is important to you as a cleaner.

If the customer has been doing whites at home using chlorine bleach, double-layered areas may look dull and off-white due to retaining chlorine after the rinse cycle. A quick soak in bisulfite dissolved in water that is body temperature will neutralize the chlorine and restore the whiteness. You are a hero and validate your professionalism.

To use bisulfite at the spotting board dissolve a teaspoon of the white powder into a few ounces of water at around body temperature. It will need to be “made-up” each time you use it.

On larger areas you can apply directly from a spare spotting bottle, while smaller areas my be addressed by using a cotton swab dipped in the bisulfite solution or even a wooden toothpick for pinpoint accuracy.

To use bisulfite in a soak, dissolve a tablespoon of the white powder for each gallon of warm water (95 F to 120 F). You can make it more aggressive by adding just a little acetic acid, no more than ¼ ounce.

There is only minimal additional risk to reducing the 42

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(Image licensed by Ingram Publishing)

water temperature and leaving out the acetic acid, to deal with any fiber and pastel colors. But test first. Bisulfite is my go-to chemical tool for stubborn berry stains, most medicines and wine.

Sodium Hydrosulfite is the more aggressive “cousin” of bisulfite. I often think of it as grabbing a bigger hammer. It has many of the same characteristics, but, with a more aggressive result.

Use the same formula at the spotting board of a teaspoon to four ounces of water, with the water being no warmer than body temperature. When testing on an inside seam, you should add a drop of acetic acid to speed up the reaction. I do not recommend doing this when spotting, since the reaction can “get away” from you quickly and cause a claim.

For greatest effectiveness when spotting, bisulfite and hydrosulfite should be made up only as needed. This chemical is especially effective on the color red; and like bisulfite, it will usually enhance the “whiteness” of a dull white garment. Do not use on or around metallic fibers, the area may take on a charcoal or black appearance.

Hydrosulfite is used in a bath the same way as bisulfite, keeping in mind that your are dealing with a more aggressive tool. You should use one tablespoon of powder for each two gallons of water in the container. I use more hydrosulfite than bisulfite, but each have a place in www.americandrycleaner.com

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the plant. Hydrosulfite is available under various trade names, from various manufacturers; most with slightly different brand specific formulations.

Titanium Sulfate is the strongest of the reducing bleaches. It is a purple liquid rather than a powder.

The best way to apply this chemical tool is with an eye dropper or cotton swab to strictly limit the chemical’s travel after application.

Heat the area with a wisp of steam to accelerate the chemical action. I have found it to be safe for most fabrics, but I limit my use to garments with white or a light pastel background.

When using it in an immersion, begin by using cool tap water, one ounce of titanium to each gallon of water.

Stay with the garment and keep the garment moving.

Gradually heat the solution until you receive the results you want.

Slowly warming the solution will allow you to notice small changes in the fugitive dye and the garments original base color, so you can stop at the first sign of trouble. Titanium Sulfate is easily available from your distributor, under a variety of trade names.

In addition to the dye strippers, there is an old school chemical tool that is seldom mentioned. Potassium Per-

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manganate still has a place for those that wish to go the extra mile. It is a great tool for those operations doing white cotton and white poly/cotton blend garments such as lab jackets and lab coats.

It is intended for the restoration of whites only. An example is a white lab jacket where there was a glob of ink at the bottom corner of the pocket. After you have exhausted all other options and removed most of the ink by normal methods, you have the option of flushing the area with steam, applying potassium permanganate with an eye dropper or cotton swab, waiting two minutes, flushing the area with steam to remove the chemical and then neutralizing with hydrosulfite or rust remover.

Potassium permanganate will get the last traces of color when all else fails. This is a strong, aggressive, chemical. It works and it is an option.

Finally, take this professional care tip with you all throughout the year: Going the extra mile never goes out of ADC style. Superior service includes technical expertise.

Martin L. Young Jr. has been an industry consultant and trainer for 20 years, and a member of various stakeholder groups on environmental issues. He grew up in his parents’ plant in Concord, N.C., Young Cleaners, which he operates today. Phone: 704-786-3011, e-mail: mayoung@ctc.net.

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A R O U N D T H E I N D U S T RY

Hatt joins Canadian distributor Lavanett Lavanett, a full-service laundry and drycleaning distributor based in Lachine, Canada, recently welcomed Brian Hatt, of Toronto, as sales director.

In his new role, Hatt will work to expand market share and sales throughout Ontario, with special focus on Toronto, Brian Hatt according to Lavanett owner Earl Eichen.

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“Brian brings a lot to the table in terms of industry experience and customer relationships,” says Eichen. “He is key to Lavanett’s expansion into the Ontario market, where plans are underway to establish a full-service branch.”

“I am extremely excited to join the Lavanett team as I return to the Canadian drycleaning and laundry industries,” says Hatt. “The Lavanett team is a great fit as we all believe in honesty, integrity and professionalism to provide the best advice on all of our customers’ business needs.”

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Hatt, who has more than 38 years of drycleaning industry experience, got his start as part of the clean up crew at a Toronto-based drycleaning plant, in 1981.

He earned a dry cleaner’s apprenticeship in 1987 and quickly climbed the ranks to manage one of Toronto’s largest drycleaning plants, the firm notes.

In his new role at Lavanett, Hatt plans to use his expertise in wet cleaning and dry cleaning to help owners create more efficient, productive and eco-friendly operations.

“There is pressure on dry clean-

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ers to transition from solvent-based dry cleaning to wet cleaning,” says Hatt. “We are seeing a growing number of landlords refusing to allow the use of perc or alternative solvents.

“The good news is that we have wet cleaning solutions that are now as effective as dry cleaning. My goal is to work closely with customers to create cost-effective solutions that make them more productive and profitable.”

Established in 1996, Lavanett notes, it provides laundry and drycleaning solutions, parts and service to customers throughout Canada.

when he retired,” the firm says.

“For the last 21 years, Matthew has been ‘learning the ropes’ and the Richclean Board of Directors felt that he was ready to step up to the leadership position,” the company indicates.

Vernon Norris, Chairman of the Board says, “I am proud of Matthew’s accomplishments over the years and have full confidence that

he will successfully lead Richclean going forward.”

Norris also states that, “Barry will still be around, fulfilling various roles and offering advice and wisdom when needed.”

Richclean operates from a 20,500 square foot warehouse facility in western Henrico County just outside of Richmond, Va., the company points out.

ADC

Matthew Gilman named president of Richclean The Board of Directors of Richclean announced the promotion of Matthew Gilman to president of the company.

“Matthew succeeds his father, Barry Gilman in this position,” the firm says.

“Barry held the leadership position since Matthew the compaGilman ny began in 1975,” it notes.

Richclean serves the cleaning industry in Virginia, Maryland and D.C. with quality supplies and expertise for dry cleaners, laundries, lodging, healthcare, and coin-ops, the company relates.

“Barry decided that it was time for him to scale back his activities and responsibilities at RichClean and partially retire. There has been a long-time strategy in place for Matthew to step into Barry’s position www.americandrycleaner.com

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A.L. Wilson Chemical Co. . . . . . . . 1 Air World Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Ally Equipment Co. . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Cleaner Business Systems . . . . . . . . 3

Cleaner’s Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Columbia/ILSA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BC

EzProducts International . . . . . . . . 46 Fabricare Systems, LLC. . . . . . . . . . 9 Firbimatic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Garment Management Systems . . . 19

My Shoe Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Newhouse Specialty Co. . . . . . . . . 47 NIE Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Pariser Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Parker Boiler Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . .IBC Poseidon Textile Care Systems . . . 11 Realstar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Sankosha USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 SMRT Systems . . . . . . . . . FC, 23-26

Global Business Systems . . . . . . . . 44

SPOT Business Systems . . . . . . . IFC

ITSUMI USA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Union Drycleaning Products . . . . . 13

Mustang Enterprises. . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Yamamoto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Iowa Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Trevil America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Luetzow Industries. . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

White Conveyors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

www.americandrycleaner.com

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W R I N KL E I N T I M E

What’s Ahead in Modernized Stores?

10 YEARS AGO. The U.S. economy expanded at a 2.8% annual rate in the third quarter, somewhat slower than the predicted 3.5% gain. Consumer spending, which accounts for about 70% of U.S. economic activity, rose 2.9%, with smaller-than-expected gains in household purchases shored up by business spending on equipment and software.

35 YEARS AGO. Color Change Problems Back. IFI’s Textile Analysis Department has seen an increasing number of garments with complaints of color changes after normal drycleaning procedures.

Most of these articles exhibit a change in color from peach or salmon to pink. The color change is usually from darker to lighter shades.

Some garments have changed from tan to green. In most cases, the affected garments are cotton or cotton/ polyester blends. Many of them are labeled washable.

50 YEARS AGO. Magic Carpet. A carpet has been developed by a company in California which may make electrical outlets obsolete. Also television antennas and telephone connections.

The “carpet” is actually a laminated pad which fits under ordinary carpeting, and it’s wired for sound to transmit radio, TV and telephone signals with enough electricity to operate other appliances. All that’s necessary to turn on an appliance the company says, is insert a pronged probe anywhere in the carpet. The carpet may

The front cover of the January 1945 issue of American Drycleaner asks: What’s Ahead For Cleaners In Wages? In Silk Finishing?

In Modernized Stores? And inside the issue, in this two-page spread, the headline asks: What’s Ahead in Modernized Stores?

(Editor’s Note: In our last issue, Nov/Dec 2019, the feature titled Modernize was on our front cover — So what’s changed in 75 years? Certainly not a drycleaning owner’s desire to stay up with the times!)

be “magic,” but wouldn’t it also be miserable to clean?

75 YEARS AGO. What’s Ahead in Modernized Stores? According to the teaser at the top of the two-page spread feature (see photo) in the January 1945 issue of American Drycleaner, “Stores can modernize now or at least soon. This detailed example, an actual case, should provide plenty of ideas.” It goes on to say in the body of the article: “When they look ahead to improving their stores, we believe, clean-

ers are more interested in the kind that they can have now, or at least soon. Not some idealized store of the future. The possibilities of improving a store, even in these times, are almost endless. Especially if a cleaner is willing to wait a while for materials. To get a better idea of some of these possibilities, walk into the real store shown here.

Look at it, first as the designer did when he walked in. Then see just what he did, in detail, to modernize ADC it.”

— Compiled by Tim Burke, Editor

To read more of American Drycleaner’s chronicling of the industry over the years, visit www.americandrycleaner.com.

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A PARKER BOILER SHOULD BE THE LAST BOILER YOU EVER HAVE TO BUY AS

Steam Boilers 101-105 Series

M

E

S or H

We expect 15 to 25 years from our interchangeable tube bundles, and 30 to 40 years of life our more out the boiler.

Indirect Fired Water Heaters 209-211 Series We normally expect 10-25 years out of the copper heat exchanger, 30 to 40 years out of the boiler.

Thermal Liquid Heaters 207 Series We expect 30 to 50 years out of our thermal fluid heater models 103 Series Internal View Shown On all of the above units we have continWe are asked by many new and existing customers on what is our projected life ued to build, and will continue to have expectancy of our products. We are not always the lowest initial price but know we available any part of the pressure vessel, have one of the lowest cost of ownership of any boiler manufactured in North America. burners, cabinet, and controls meaning These facts are based on our 90 plus years of boiler manufacturing, feedback and that for as long as a customer wants, experiences from our end users, service departments, and all of our representatives they will be able to infinitely repair and dealers worldwide. These life spans are based on our boilers being installed their equipment rather than replace the properly, and do receive our minimal recommended care, are applied to the correct equipment. application, and include the proper maintenance and water treatment programs.

Never a Compromise for Quality or Safety

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5930 Bandini Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90040

Tel: (323) 727-9800 Fax: (323) 722-2848

sales@parkerboiler.com www.parkerboiler.com

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What’s stopping you?

(800)446-5634 • In NY (631)293-7571 • www.columbiailsa.com ADC_Full Page.indd 1

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