In 1929, Dale and Helen Kimmel bought Whetstone Cleaners in Marion. In 1931, the business relocated to a new location in Upper Sandusky under a new name: Kimmel Cleaners. Dale built a new building in 1944 laying all the bricks with his own hands. More than 90 years later, Kimmel Corporation is going strong with Dale’s great-great grandsons at the helm.
“Our company is built on family values of pride, value, honesty and integrity. We focus on our employees and our customers,” Brian Kimmel said. “We have been in business for 94 years and have successfully transitioned to the fourth generation of ownership, which only 3% of U.S companies on average have done.”
Generations Follow in Founders’ Footsteps
Dale’s son, Tom Kimmel, joined the business in 1953. Tom became president of Kimmel Corp. in 1969. He was also a former president and chairman of IFI, an international organization promoting the dry cleaning industry. Tom expanded the building Dale built adding hospital laundering services.
The third generation of the Kimmels, Kurt and Mark, acquired five other companies to expand the dry cleaning service. There was dry cleaning store on Columbia Avenue in Marion, along with 10 other regional locations. The brothers took ownership of Kimmel Corporation in 1994.
As the times changed and freshly-pressed suits gave way to business casual, the brothers continued to invest in uniform and mat rental services for industry, manufacturing, auto mechanics shops as well as restaurant linens.
“Kimmel Corporation is known throughout this part of Ohio as a dry cleaner, but we no longer provide those services. Our growth on the rental of table linens and towels for restaurants, uniforms for industry, floor mats, restroom services, and branded company apparel has us servicing close to 50% of Ohio,” Brian says.
Current Leaders Grew Up at Kimmel Corp.
Brian remembers growing up in the business with his brother Greg. They went to work with their dad on Saturday mornings to watch cartoons on a tiny TV at the controller’s desk. The plant had huge rail systems making it a fun area to play.
“We hung around the factory like monkeys, but we tried to stay out of trouble,” Brian recalls.
As teenagers, they worked during the summers until they graduated from Upper Sandusky High School. Brian studied business at the University of Toledo while Greg graduated from The Ohio State University. They were required to work in other companies before coming home. They had to earn their positions.
“We are grateful for the opportunity our uncle and father have provided to work our way up in the organization,” Brian says.
Focus on Tech and Customer Service
The Kimmel brothers are growing the company by focusing on a culture of exceptional customer service. They have about 60 employees. Many have stayed for decades. Multiple generations of families have worked at Kimmel.
“We focus on new technology to increase efficiency and providing the best customer experience in the market. In business, there is a wide variety of mergers and acquisitions where big companies are eating up the little guys. We have no intention of letting that happen,” Brian said. “We focus on full transparency, competitive pricing, and same-day response.”
Customer Testimonial
One of his Marion customers appreciates Kimmel’s service.
“Brian and his team at the Kimmel Corporation have been wonderful to deal with. We are a family-owned company ourselves and we enjoy dealing with another family-owned company. Their uniform service that we use is top-notch,” said Spencer Mathews, general manager of Mathews Ford Lincoln of Marion.
Kimmels Value Marion
Kimmel’s values the support of the Marion community.
“Marion is an essential foundation where we originally grew our business and to this day is a great market for us. We appreciate the patronage of our customers we’ve had for many years and for the new ones that have come on board. We hope we are servicing them appropriately and are thankful for that partnership!” Brian exclaims.
The Kimmels also take pride in supporting youth activities and nonprofits.
“Investing in the locally community is important to us!” Brian said.
Fifth Generation On the Doorstep
Brian and Greg each have two children who have the opportunity be the fifth generation leading Kimmel Corporation.
“If that’s something they are interested in, we will have that ready for them. Passing on the family legacy has been important for the previous generations and is something that both Greg and I are focused on,” Brian said.
MarionMade! is a program of Marion Technical College.
