How I Grew My Martinizing Cleaners Business Using the Hub-and-Spoke Model

Fifteen years ago, I joined the family business my dad started in 2007. Back then, I never imagined just how much the dry cleaning industry – and my role in it – would evolve. What started with two traditional storefronts has grown into a dynamic, hub-and-spoke business model that thrives on flexibility, delivery routes, and customer convenience.

A Shift in Strategy

Originally, we had two plants: one in Huntersville and another in Mooresville. Like many other local businesses, we were hit hard by COVID. The Mooresville plant closed its doors, but instead of seeing that as a setback, we leaned into a new model: a route-based service.

Today, our Mooresville operation has transitioned into a drop store that primarily functions as a distribution center in addition to our route-based service. It’s a spoke in our hub-and-spoke model, with Huntersville serving as the main hub. This structure has allowed us to stay efficient, reduce overhead, and focus more on the growing demand for pickup and delivery.

Growing with Routes

One of the biggest advantages I’ve had is taking over a number of clients from my dad’s business and converting them to pick-up and delivery customers. He built strong relationships with customers over the years and had a real gift for that. I’ve tried to carry on his legacy by building those same connections in a modern way.

Today, pickup and delivery accounts for nearly 50 percent of our total business. It’s not evenly split as Mooresville has higher demand for delivery, while Huntersville relies more on in-person drop off – but that variation keeps our operations balanced and efficient. COVID accelerated this shift. People got used to contactless service, and now they expect it. We listened. I couldn’t do any of this without my amazing staff helping along the way.

Our Biggest Month Since COVID

Last month, we hit a huge milestone by earning $100,000 in revenue across both locations. That’s the highest we’ve seen since the start of the pandemic. It’s a huge win, and it didn’t happen by accident.

We’ve doubled down on convenience, offering wash-and-fold services, expanding our online presence, and using technology like SPOT route tracking to optimize pickups and keep customers in the loop. It’s all part of a bigger goal: to bring Martinizing Cleaners into the future while staying true to the traditional values my dad built this business upon.

Meeting Customers Where They Are

While the industry has changed, so have our customers’ wardrobes. We’re not seeing as many suits and gowns anymore. Most of what comes through our doors are polos and khakis. We’re even seeing more customers bringing in household items as people are working from home more. People want comfort and convenience, and we’ve adapted to meet that need.

Despite the challenges of the past few years, a little more than 75% of our business is back. And with the systems and support from the Martinizing team, we’re not just surviving, we’re growing smarter.

Loving the Work

What keeps me going after 15 years? I love what I do. I love the relationships I get to build, the ability to maintain a healthy work-life balance, and the opportunity to build something that serves people in a meaningful way. My dad taught me a lot about business, about customers, and about showing up with integrity every day. I am proud to grow his business to even bigger heights.

All in all, owning multiple locations and adopting a hub-and-spoke model gave me the flexibility to adjust when the world changed, and come out much stronger.