Episode 15 | Wichita Chamber Business Accelerator

Expanding a business just mere weeks before a pandemic sets in? That’s exactly what happened to Sherrie Hill when she expanded her dry cleaning business in March of 2020. Joining co-hosts Don Sherman and Ebony Clemons-Ajibolade, they explore Sherrie’s positive outlook and how she has found opportunities in the midst of struggle. Martinizing Dry Cleaning is dedicated to making your buying experience seamless and their number one priority. Their goal is to make your life easier by delivering quality garment care along with keeping up with new technologies. They are proud to serve our community and our first-rate customer service will earn your trust. Your local Martinizing dry cleaners provide dry cleaning, shirt laundry, alterations, wash & fold, bulk laundry, leather cleaning, wedding gown cleaning and wedding gown preservation in addition to many bulky household items such as comforters. They are proud to say that they DO NOT use toxic products to clean and disinfect items!

Martinizing Dry Cleaning
525 North Edgemoor Street
Wichita, KS 67208
(316) 252-8588
7724 East 37th Street North, Suite 200
Wichita, KS 67226
(316) 558-8008
Like on Facebook
Follow on Instagram
Number of employees: 10
Chamber member since 2020

On this episode we discuss:

• Buying the Martinizing Dry Cleaning business and where the term “Martinizing” comes from.
• Buying the franchise right before COVID hits and the shock of everything
• Focusing on quality and customer service to drive word-of-mouth
• Growing a purchased business
• Always striving and challenging yourself to grow
• Using the pandemic as an opportunity to slow down
• The key of staying positive as an entrepreneur
• Obtaining certification with the government and opportunities to expand
• Implementing new technology in the business
• Being rooted deeply in community and volunteering
• Being a role-model for others as a black, female-owned business
• The influence of family values on Sherrie’s business approach
• Strong competition in the Wichita area
• The struggle to keep from being a workaholic
• Being available for your employees and customers when they need you

Learn more about Martinizing Dry Cleaning on their website and like them on Facebook and follow them on Instagram. Check out the link below to learn more about Sherrie and her business:

ICT Cleaners Expanding

Listen on popular podcast directories and aggregators, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Pandora, and ICT Podcast Network or using the player above. Send feedback on this show and/or suggestions for future guests or topics by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or emailing communications@wichitachamber.org.

Preview:

Wichita Chamber Business Accelerator is a weekly podcast devoted to supporting and learning from area business owners. Released every Wednesday, it's produced by Forge Podcast Co, managed by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Evergy.

Learn more about this podcast series by visiting our January 7 blog post.