5 minute read
Around the Industry
Greybull Stewardship Acquires GreenEarth Cleaning
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Greybull Stewardship, L.P. recently announced that it has acquired GreenEarth Cleaning. The Kansas City, Missouri-based company is the world’s largest brand of environmentally friendly dry-cleaning solvent, offering the industry’s only non-toxic cleaning alternative.
This acquisition marks the latest expansion into the garment care space for Greybull. In recent years, the Jackson, Wyoming-based equity firm has invested in several cleaning franchises under their Clean Brands company, including both Lapels Cleaners and Martinizing Cleaners, collectively becoming the largest dry cleaning franchisor in the world.
“For those in the professional garment care industry, there is full acknowledgment that the industry embraces the evolving realities of environmental regulation as well as both landlord and consumer demand for environmentally friendly solutions. No brand in the industry has a better reputation for environmental stewardship than GreenEarth,” says Mason Myers, founder and CEO of Greybull. “This acquisition is a natural extension of our commitment to the garment care space, and we’re excited to partner with GreenEarth as they expand their presence in the industry.”
Under Greybull’s ownership, GreenEarth’s current management team, led by President Tim Maxwell, states that it plans to build upon the company’s track record of revenue growth with a continued emphasis on customer service, product innovation, and geographic expansion.
“This entire acquisition process has confirmed to me that ownership of the GreenEarth Brand is moving from multiple pairs of guiding hands that founded the company more than two decades ago to a group that understands the potential opportunities available through so many avenues in the professional fabric care space,” says Maxwell. “The entire team here at GreenEarth is excited for the opportunity to continue to bring environmentally non-toxic cleaning to our affiliates around the globe.”
Maxwell notes that customers should not be concerned that this acquision will change the mission of GreenEarth.
“The most important thing to note about this acquisition for our customers and affiliates is that GreenEarth will continue to be GreenEarth,” Maxwell says. “The ownership may be different, but the direction and vision of the company and commitment to our business partners remains the same.”
Tide Cleaners Listed as Nation’s Top Drycleaning Franchise
Brand continues to grow, offering 188 locations across United States
CINCINNATI — Tide Cleaners, a national drycleaning and laundry service franchise, recently announced that it was celebrating a major accomplishment in its growth: It was the No. 1 drycleaning franchise brand in the United States.
The announcement, coming just before the textileindustry Clean Show event, noted that, as year-end 2021 figures were released in franchise disclosure documents, Tide Cleaners took the top spot in drycleaning brand units. Tide’s 188 locations across the U.S., the company states, have continued to grow the brand into one that has garnered multiple franchising awards and recognitions.
“The credit for becoming the No. 1 brand in dry cleaning goes to our franchisees,” says Tide Cleaners President and CEO Andy Gibson. “The Tide Cleaners brand is powerful in the hearts and minds of our guest, and our franchisees in partnership with our franchisor team bring this brand to life every day.”
The company also reported that it has garnered recognition as the drycleaning category’s top ranking in the latest Entrepreneur Franchise 500 and earned the title as the most-trusted brand in dry cleaning. Ranked No. 76 in
this year’s overall list among all franchises, the company states that owners’ response and resilience during COVID has been key to building trust and loyalty among its customers.
MfM Meets to Share Clean Show Experiences
Consulting bureau hears from industry experts while catching up with peers
OMAHA, Neb. — Methods for Management (MfM), a coaching and consulting bureau focusing on the drycleaning industry, hosted its Clean Show Review Breakfast during the recent Clean Show exposition. There were 50 members and industry professionals who attended the meeting, held on Aug. 1. Nations represented at the meeting included the US, Canada, Australia, Mexico, and Germany.
Speakers included Francis Flair with Flair Consulting Group, who discussed the importance of improving the customer experience. Sandra Haralson of Sandra Haralson Dry Cleaning Consulting, held a short discussion on the importance of equipment and plant maintenance with productivity. Josh Nye from SMRT Systems offered an update on the current market and owner must-dos.
Members also heard updates from industry-leading vendors and breakfast sponsors. These speakers included Toran Brown with SPOT POS management, discussing their progress with integration with MfMBI financial platform, Sally Conant of The Association of Bridal Gown Specialists discussed membership, Diane Rue of EZ Products International, and Kurt Wickiser with Seitz.
“It was fantastic getting back together, being able to shake hands and hug old friends, and was a great reminder of the value of industry organizations like Methods for Management,” says MfM Managing Partner Kermit Engh.
Following the speaker presentations, Engh took the stage, sharing highlights from the Clean Show floor, and concluded with an open discussion by members and guests about their discoveries during the Clean Show.
“It appeared that many vendors were extremely busy with cleaners who have survived and are now thriving in the dry cleaning and laundry industry,” says Engh.
Hot-Topic Trio: Continuing Education, Customer Experiences and Trade Shows
The Benefi ts of Continuing Education
Brian Johnson of the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI) examines the value of taking part in virtual and in-person continuing educational opportunities.
Pleasantly Surprising Customers
Kyle Matthews of Detroit’s Janet Davis Cleaners offers ideas and outlooks for boosting the customer experience in your store, making you the only cleaner your clients consider.
Making the Most of a Trade Show
Messe Frankfurt’s Greg Jira joins us to discuss the benefi ts of attending industry trade shows, including ways to prepare prior to the event to get the most out of your time there.
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