We recently had the chance to catch up with Sam Dubin, the fourth and youngest generation working at his family's local dry-cleaning company. A staple in the community since the 1940s, the business has continued to thrive by combining old-fashioned customer care with the most modern amenities. Read on to discover the rich family history, unique laundry services (for everything from designer fashion to household items!) and Sam's favorite local picks.

{SS}: Congratulations on being in business for more than 65 years! Can you tell us a bit about the history of Dubin Cleaners?
family

{Sam Dubin}: Thank you! The Dubin name in dry cleaning has a rich history in Metro Detroit. My grandpa and great grandpa started the original Dubin Cleaners in the Rosedale Park district of Detroit in 1946. My dad grew up around the business all of his life and realized it was what he wanted to do as well. My parents, Andy and Sandy, sold the Detroit location in 1991 and retained/grew the pick-up and delivery service. In 2006, my parents opened up a storefront in Farmington Hills, and in 2010, we moved across the street, doubling our square footage and adding a laundry division (tablecloths, bed linens, etc). We're proud to offer pick-up and delivery service at no additional cost for dry cleaning. We’re in many areas through Metro Detroit including Farmington Hills, West Bloomfield, Bloomfield Hills, Orchard Lake and Franklin. It’s rare in society to combine quality and convenience, but with this service, that's exactly what our customers receive!

{SS}: You're the fourth generation, which is pretty amazing. What do you think is the key to your family's success?

{Sam Dubin}: Sticking to our core business values — quality, integrity and reliability. These concepts are running through our minds throughout the day, and they're what keep our customers coming back. Our production personnel each have at least 25 years of experience in the industry. We combine our almost-70 years of experience with new and innovative ideas to get the best possible results for our customers. 

Sandy educates event-goers at the JCC Health Fair on the pick-up and delivery service JCC members and staff can enjoy.{SS}: What unique services does Dubin Cleaners offer that sets it apart from the competition?

{Sam Dubin}: Along with our strictly quality dry cleaning service, we provide many additional services as well. One of those services is our flatwork division. We are the only dry cleaners in the area with a flatwork ironer. This allows us to beautifully accommodate bed/table linens and other household goods. If you’ve never slept on freshly pressed bed linens, you’re missing out!

{SS}: The company has been around for a long time. How has the business evolved throughout the years?

{Sam Dubin}: Our business has evolved tremendously and continues to evolve in ways that make our customers' lives easier. We’re extremely environmentally conscious and take great pride in the purity of our dry-cleaning solvents and the ethical manner in which they're disposed. Many dry cleaners have the reputation of clothes having that “dry- cleaning smell” or colors not staying vibrant. Because our solvents are completely pure, colors stay vibrant and there's no odor. It’s part of the Dubin Difference. We pride ourselves on old-fashioned customer service. And now with our computer system, customers can appreciate the convenience of e-receipts and notifications right when their clothes are ready. In our fast-paced and busy world, our customers appreciate this amenity tremendously.           

Now, on to your lifestyle…

{SS}: Do you have a favorite blog?

{Sam Dubin}: I’m very into business and politics, so anything that catches my eye, I’ll check it out.

{SS}: What app do you currently use most often?

{Sam Dubin}: Yelp! I absolutely love Yelp for looking up new and exciting restaurants. And with the resurgence of Detroit, Yelp is a great catalyst in helping people discover new and innovative places to dine, shop and play.

Coach Insignia{SS}: What's your favorite local restaurant?

{Sam Dubin}: For an occasion, I love Coach Insignia on top of the Ren Cen. In the suburbs, I frequent Stage Deli, Uptown Grille, Uptown Parthenon, Sunrise Café, Tomatoes APIZZA… the list goes on!

{SS}: Do you partner with local Boutiques?

{Sam Dubin}: We have a great relationship with Hersh’s Boutique on the Boardwalk. Their boutique is very versatile and has something for many different age ranges and styles.           

{SS}: What are you currently listening to?

{Sam Dubin}: The Jack Johnson station has been playing quite frequently on Pandora. My music tastes are wide-ranging, so it differs from week to week.

{SS}: What are your words to live by?

"If you really look closely, most overnight successes took a long time."   -Steve Jobs

Dubin

Dubin Cleaners is offering a $10 credit for all Styleshack readers! For more information, call 248-539-3244, email sam@dubincleaners.com or visit the website!