Tough Times for a Family Business
His dry-cleaning operation was rocked by the pandemic, but he is staying optimistic.
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Newsletter sign up Newsletter

Profile
Who: Richard Atack, age 51
What: Manager, Barry-Regent Dry Cleaners
Where: Chicago

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
How long have you been in business? I manage the business for my father-in-law, the owner, who is now retired. His mother started the business in 1950. I’ve been working here for 29 years.
How did the pandemic affect you? Typically, we have customers in the thousands monthly. In late March and early April of last year, we were down 75%, working at 25% capacity. We’re now approaching about 60% to 65% of where we should be. There are definitely some customers, especially professionals who worked in an office who started working from home, who didn’t have any need for their business attire and just stopped coming in, while others carried on with reduced loads.
Who are your customers? We have customers from all backgrounds and professions. Just being able to talk to customers who are doctors, lawyers, educators, restaurateurs and others about their experiences has been very helpful. And last year, even before the masks were mandated, I was able to pay my seamstresses to make masks as a goodwill gesture to our customers.
How did you reduce expenses? Dry cleaning is a very labor-intensive industry; payroll is by far our biggest expense. We have a pretty low turnover of employees and keep them for years, if we can. We have employees who have been here longer than I have. So it was very difficult to juggle who to keep and who to cut hours for. We used to have between 25 and 30 employees. We currently have about 20.
Did you get payroll protection support? Yes. The PPP money really helped to keep people on—although once we had the money, the rules kept changing for how you keep track of your expenses in order to qualify for forgiveness. It was time-consuming for a small business. We don’t have a payroll or HR department; it’s all down to me to figure things out. With a little help from the bank and from the dry-cleaning association, talking to other cleaners, finding out what they’ve done, we got it worked out. And then for the second round of PPP money, it seemed a little easier.
Are you optimistic about the future of your business? It’s very hard to know how close to normal we will get back to. People’s work habits and travel habits have changed. On the flip side, a lot of cleaners went out of business, so maybe there’s not as much competition. And the industry is always changing, with fashions and what type of clothes people are wearing. There are technical changes, such as new solvents and cleaning methods that are more environmentally friendly. I don’t see it as a growth industry, but I also see it as an industry where if you’re providing quality service, there’s no reason not to be optimistic and have confidence in the future. Knowing that the Chicago community is in this together, and supportive of each other, has been one positive of the whole situation.
Emma Patch joined Kiplinger in 2020. She previously interned for Kiplinger's Retirement Report and before that, for a boutique investment firm in New York City. She served as editor-at-large and features editor for Middlebury College's student newspaper, The Campus. She specializes in travel, student debt and a number of other personal finance topics. Born in London, Emma grew up in Connecticut and now lives in Washington, D.C.
-
-
New Home Surge in 10 Surprising Metros Offers Relief to Frustrated Home Buyers
New home data from Realtor.com shows an unconventional blend of cities leads the U.S. in home construction permits, promising ample future supply.
By Ben Demers • Published
-
If You'd Put $1,000 Into Amazon Stock 20 Years Ago, Here's What You'd Have Today
Amazon AMZN stock has lost almost $900 billion in value since its all-time high, but bulls say it's only a matter of time before it reclaims its heights.
By Dan Burrows • Published
-
Best Foreclosure Sites for Finding Properties
Making Your Money Last Wondering how to find foreclosed homes for sale for your next residence or to flip for a profit? These websites will guide you to foreclosures and real estate owned properties to buy.
By Bob Niedt • Last updated
-
Is Relief from Shipping Woes Finally in Sight?
business After years of supply chain snags, freight shipping is finally returning to something more like normal.
By David Payne • Published
-
Economic Pain at a Food Pantry
personal finance The manager of this Boston-area nonprofit has had to scramble to find affordable food.
By Emma Patch • Published
-
The Golden Age of Cinema Endures
small business About as old as talkies, the Music Box Theater has had to find new ways to attract movie lovers.
By Emma Patch • Published
-
Pricey Gas Derails This Uber Driver
small business With rising gas prices, one Uber driver struggles to maintain his livelihood.
By Emma Patch • Published
-
Smart Strategies for Couples Who Run a Business Together
Financial Planning Starting an enterprise with a spouse requires balancing two partnerships: the marriage and the business. And the stakes are never higher.
By Alina Tugend • Published
-
Fair Deals in a Tough Market
small business When you live and work in a small town, it’s not all about profit.
By Emma Patch • Published
-
Extending Financial Planning’s Reach
Financial Advisers The challenge is to attract more women and minorities as professionals—and clients.
By Sandra Block • Published