Kona Cleaners has been the best dry cleaner in Costa Mesa since its doors first opened in 1950. Today, as the company celebrates its 70th anniversary, it just may be the premiere cleaner in all of Southern California. But to hear Bobby Patel, who has owned the business since 1995 and is responsible for the brand’s expansion from one to 17 locations across Orange County and the Inland Empire tell it, the credit for the longevity and prosperity of Kona Cleaners belongs to many.
Patel, a well-known figure in the national dry cleaning industry, was feeling nostalgic as his company approached the 70 year mark. “Kona Cleaners was established generations ago in Costa Mesa.
Through hard work, dedication, and consistency, it became known as a dry cleaner of repute. In turn, this built up a loyal customer base and established a brand trust the company enjoys to this day.” said Patel.
He continued. “I entered the picture when my family bought Kona Cleaners in 1995, after I graduated from California State University in Long Beach. My main philosophy as owner was to ensure every element of the Kona Cleaners experience was 100% customer focused, meaning I insisted (and still insist) on putting myself in the shoes of the customer in every conceivable situation. We went all out for every client, as we do to this day, every time they walk through the door or use our pick up and delivery service. That’s a key ingredient in the continued success of Kona Cleaners.”
Patel entered storytelling mode as he continued tracing the history and philosophies of Kona Cleaners. “I also, thanks to my engineering education, was able to invest and reinvest in the most cutting-edge dry cleaning technology, to improve our processes and to provide a better customer experience. I truly believe we have the best dry cleaning tech in existence.”
“As a result of all these things, our client base grew exponentially, and we were able to expand to more and more locations. We now have 17 Kona locations all over SoCal and plan to continue expanding, without sacrificing service, of course.”
Patel paused before continuing. “I mentioned our customer experience and service philosophies being key ingredients to our success. The other aspects are just as integral. Consider our staff. We’re fortunate to have some of the most experienced, caring team members in the entire dry cleaning industry, on a national as well as global level. We continuously train and nurture them, and their expertise keeps our customer experience running at an elite level. They are as responsible for the longevity of Kona as anyone. I have immense gratitude for all the essential workers at Kona Cleaners. They have been rock solid, especially in these modern, trying times.”
Patel grew wistful as he continued to reflect on the legacy of Kona Cleaners. “The other ingredient in our 70 years of prosperity is our customers themselves. To call them loyal is a severe understatement. Through thick and thin, through feast and famine, through times of peace and times of struggle, even during this pandemic, they have lifted us up and supported us without fail. Without our amazing customers, there is no Kona Cleaners.” he said.
“On this, the 70th anniversary of Kona Cleaners, I’d like to thank every passionate, hard workers member of the Kona Cleaners team, and each and every person who has ever used our dry cleaning services. Thank you.” Patel ended.
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