10 Questions With Mitchell Nallin Of Mitchell's Cleaners

Mitchell Nallin’s father opened up a dry cleaner in Newtown back in 1989, 11 years before Mitchell and his sister would take over the business in 2000, shortly before selling the location in 2007. He packed his things and relocated to the west coast, catering to a variety of Los Angeles figures — actors, singers and other artists — while raising a family.

Now, back in the Philly ‘burbs, Mitchell is making a name for himself after opening his own dry-cleaning business two streets from the property that once occupied his father’s old business.

Mitchell highlights this and more in a conversation with Patch.

Patch: How long have you been doing business in town?

Nallin: Since 1989, but 2007 to 2016, I was in Los Angeles. This is a new location with a new name.

Patch: What attracted you to the business you’re in, and how did you get started?

Nallin: My father was a dry cleaner. I always liked hanging out in my dad's store when I was a kid.

Patch: What are the core values of your business?

Nallin: My dad always said that if you do a good product at a fair price with a smile, things will work out.

Patch: What’s the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you’ve faced in your job?

Nallin: We opened the Hills Cleaners on Oct. 1, 2008. You might remember, that was a tough time to open a business. Los Angeles Times said that 87 percent of the business that opened in California, during the quarter we opened, went out of business within two years. We were in the 13 percent that made it.

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?

Nallin: I like talking to people when they come in and getting to know them and their families.

Patch: You’re not the only person in this business. How do you distinguish yourself from the others?

Nallin: I care about your clothes as much as you do.

Patch: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given when it comes to success?

Nallin: “Don’t act like you care — actually care.”

Patch: What would you say are a few secrets to your success?

Nallin: Being friendly goes very far.

Patch: What is your favorite thing about the Patch?

Nallin: Getting all the local events.

Patch: Tell us about a recent Patch story in your community that caught your eye.

Nallin: I found out on the Patch that Daniel Tiger was coming to a local park. My daughter, Sydney, loves Daniel Tiger. So, when I read that on the Patch and told my daughter, she was very excited. We went on June 3.

Patch: Patch readers care about their communities and the people who work and live within them. How can they reach out to you for more information about your business and the work that you do?

Nallin: Website or Facebook page. Call or stop by. And if you're an old customer from our old store, just stop by and say “hi!”

Don't feel like ya gotta bring in some clothes. It's nice to see people that I've known for years but haven't seen for years. As I wrote on the website, we not only want to see old familiar faces but meet new friends as well.

Image via Mitchell's Cleaners, taken during site buildout