The Cleaner Spot Carries On in Late Owner's Vision

WILMINGTON, MA — The Cleaner Spot on Main Street continues to operate on a daily basis, despite the loss of a man who was not only its heart and soul, but also a man who meant so much to many in the community.

The June 21 death of Carmon Cunnigham, 62, stunned the community and those who worked with him. The Cleaner Spot General Manager Cindy Wurdeman told Patch that her and her staff were able to persevere because they were "doing it for Carmon."

“I could not be more proud of the students and everyone who works here,” Wurdeman said. “Every day they walked in here and said ‘I’m doing this for Carmon.’”

Prior to Carmon’s passing, Wurdeman had left the day-to-day operations at The Cleaner Spot to focus on another end of the business. When Carmon ultimately passed away, she knew she didn’t want the business to skip a beat, and returned as GM.

She said The Cleaner Spot had seen a significant dip in business during the first two months after Carmon’s passing.

“We came to realize as people started coming in again, they were in tears.” Wurdeman said, fighting back emotion herself. “The thought of walking through these doors and not seeing his smiling face was very difficult for the lives that he affected.”

Wurdeman stated that once Cunningham started The Cleaner Spot in 2009, he immediately searched for ways that he could integrate himself into the community. He joined the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, serving as the chamber’s president for two terms in 2013 and 2014.

Cunningham also gave back to the community through his business. He donated a portion of tuxedo rentals to Wilmington High School’s safe prom program, as well as employing and mentoring several high school students in the business. The Cleaner Spot also served as a collection location for We’re One Wilmington’s many events.

Carmon was also heavily involved in numerous charitable endeavors, and would lend a hand and resources to anyone who needed it.

“When I say that every day someone comes in and says how much they miss this man, I’m not kidding,” said Wurdeman. “Every single day.”

Wurdeman added that Carmon's family hopes to maintain the business going forward, but that there are many things to consider still.

For Small Business Saturday, Nov. 26, The Cleaner Spot will be offering coffee other refreshments to their customers. There will also be a flash sale of 20 percent off dry cleaning. In addition, the business will be continuing a tradition that Carmon began by being a collection point for toys for tots.

“We’re making sure that it’s continuing the way he would have wanted it to,” she said. “Everybody has stepped up.”

Images of Carmon Cunningham via Cindy Wurdeman