1-800-DryClean Signs Listening Impaired Franchisee

July 20, 2009 // Franchising.com // Ann Arbor, MI,- Shannon Toler, president of 1-800-DryClean, announced that Michael Shinabarger has joined the leading dry-clean delivery franchise as an owner serving the western suburbs of Orlando, Florida.

"Michael was born listening impaired, but the handicap hasn't hindered his desire to live a full life or diminished his ambition to succeed in the business world," said Toler. "We were able to combine Michael's company knowledge with effective phone technology to create a seamless customer-service process."

Michael is the son of Earl and Maria Shinabarger, owners of 1-800-DryClean of Northwest Detroit. The Shinabargers have been with 1-800-DryClean since 2000, and are based in Livonia, Michigan. During high school, Michael worked in all areas of the family business: customer marketing, driving the pick-up and delivery van, and helping with the tagging procedure.

After graduating with an associate degree in business from the Rochester Institute of Technology, Michael inquired about owning a 1-800-DryClean franchise. With blessings and support from mom and dad, Michael was awarded his Florida territory.

To overcome any communication issues, a phone system was installed that routed Orlando customer-service calls to the senior Shinabarger's Michigan phone number. The caller ID identifies the calls from Florida so the phone can be answered "1-800-DryClean of Western Orlando." Return calls from Michigan ID Michael's local Florida number. Earl and Maria work the phone, which allows Michael to do what he knows best: marketing, driving the van, and tagging the clothes.

"Michael is on his own in Florida. We just support his business as if it were a branch of our Michigan operation," said Earl. "We are extremely proud of what he's been able to accomplish, and we are gratified by the support that we've received from 1-800-DryClean franchise."

"This proves that with a turn-key business model, passionate people, and the right technology, anything is possible," says Toler.

About 1-800-DryClean:

The 1-800-DryClean franchise is a quality dry-cleaning and laundry pick-up and delivery service, serving both the residential and office markets. 1-800-DryClean is the world's largest dry-cleaning delivery service franchise. Entrepreneur magazine has ranked the business opportunity number one in its category and a Top Home-Based Business. The company has franchised since 2000, and currently has more than 130 franchise units across the United States. 1-800-DryClean is a member of the Service Brands International family of brands.

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