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Northeast Arkansas Business Today: Volume 2, Number 18
The “Downtown Dish” with Shawna Barr: Len Pipkin
NEABT: I have always heard that Massanelli’s is the best at what it does? What makes that so, Len?
LP: Without question, it is the employees we have at the cleaners. Ownership means nothing, quite frankly, without having a knowledgeable, competent staff. This is not a business where just anyone can walk in off the street possessing the skills necessary to work here. We feel so very lucky to have real craftsmen here at Massanelli’s.
NEABT: I have a relative by marriage, Rebekah McDaniel, who happens to work in your business office; I know I am putting you on the spot, however, what kind of job is she doing for you?
LP: She is our Quickbooks/accounting guru; I honestly can’t imagine functioning without her. She and her husband recently vacationed in Spain, and did I ever feel her absence over those ten days. Administratively, the cleaners ground to a halt while she was away.
NEABT: What is behind the quality of service you provide for your customers?
LP: Our equipment and facilities are technologically sound. Again, though, it is our staff and their attention to detail, their process, if you will, that has kept Massanelli’s viable for the past 58 years.
NEABT: Wedding gown and fine dress preservation is a valued service that you provide. What other unique services do you perform that you feel those in the community may be unaware of?
LP: Our pick-up and delivery service is outstanding.
NEABT: What a benefit to those busy professionals who are always on the go.
LP: We also clean leathers and furs; textiles, draperies and bed spreads; designer, vintage and couture garments, as well as having a tremendous alteration and repair department. Interestingly, our seamstress, Dorothy Massanelli, has been with the company almost 40 years.
NEABT: That is phenomenal. Isn’t it true that you also have a restoration service?
LP: Yes, we do. We have been in the restoration business for decades. Customers may contact us directly whenever their garments have suffered either water or smoke/fire damage. Usually, though, restoration vendors contact us on behalf of their clientele. Massanelli’s never fails to meet what is expected of us not only by the insured but restoration vendors and insurance professionals as well.
NEABT: If anyone would like to do some further reading about you and your business, where would they go?
LP: Our web address is www.massanelliscleaners.com
NEABT: Thank you, Len. It was a pleasure meeting with you today. Congratulations to you and your wife, Sandie, on acquiring Massanelli’s and welcome to the area.
LP: The pleasure was mine. We are thrilled to be here.
