AMERICAN CLEANERS & LAUNDERERS

American Cleaners and Launderers is a professional laundry and drycleaner located in downtown Alexandria. Since 1928, it has been a familiar site on Broadway Street. Additionally, it has a satellite store in Sauk Center and partner sites in Brandon and Elbow Lake.

QAs the current owners, why was it important to you to keep the family business going?

AI went to business school at Colorado State University, graduating in 1995. After college, my wife and I were still living in Colorado when we had our first child but wanted to raise our family in Alexandria where we both grew up. Working in the family business as a child, we gave it a shot to move back and take over the family business.

Q

Who are the current owners and how long have they been in business?

A

Nathan Hansen has been the owner since 1998.

QWho started the business and what year did it begin?

AThe business began in 1928, but it is unknown who started it.

QWho are all the previous owners of the business and what are the relationships between the owners?

APaul and Joyce Hansen bought it in 1979. They are my grandparents. I bought it from them.

QHow has the business changed over the years? Any new locations, etc.?

ABusiness has its challenges, but we have been fortunate to keep up with new technologies thus far. But with the change to casual to work from home, the level of dress code has continued to decline. To offset that decline we have diversified into alterations, commercial laundry and disaster restoration.

QWhat impact, do you feel, a generational business has on our community?

AI would like to think it creates loyalty. Both the business with its community and the community with their businesses.

QWhat are the biggest challenges/ rewards of owning a generational business?

AI think small business is becoming a dinosaur. In referring to my industry, many communities have lost their dry cleaners, like Fergus Falls in 2020. I would like to think that Alexandria will continue to have one. The biggest reward for me is my employees. Going through life with them, through the good and the bad times. Also, the relationships I’ve had over the years with my regular customers. The best part of my day is my conversations with them at the front counter and at the drive thru.