Mount Kisco Business Spotlight: Arco Cleaning

MOUNT KISCO, NY — Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well. Today, meet Arco Cleaning, celebrating 70 years in the community.

According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, only a third of small businesses last beyond 10 years, a statistic that illustrates how challenging it is for small businesses to remain open. Despite the economic times faced over the years, Arco Cleaning is still standing and thriving, and the owners consider that a true testament to their quality services .

“70 years, wow, I can’t believe it’s been 70 years,” George Arco, President of Arco Cleaning said. “I’ve learned to surround myself with true professionals from my staff, vendors, business professionals, i.e., accountants, attorneys, insurance agents, who take their jobs and professions seriously.”

• How did you come up with the name? Arco Cleaning was started in 1946 by George and Jean Arco as a part time family business, starting with one small waxing machine.

• Why start a business in this town? George and Jean Arco were residents of Mount Kisco and started Arco Cleaning initially as a part time family business to earn some extra money.

• What business are you in? Today, 70 years later, Arco Cleaning has 125 employees and 17 vehicles serving commercial and residential customers throughout Westchester and Putnam Counties. Arco Cleaning is a multi service cleaning and maintenance provider for office buildings, small businesses, and homes. The services provided include office cleaning, area rug carpet cleaning, floor maintenance, upholstery cleaning, window cleaning, house cleaning, debris clean up, and cleanup from damages caused by smoke, fire, and water. For more information about Arco Cleaning, please visit the website or call George Arco, President at (914) 666-7229.

• What’s the most difficult challenge you’ve faced as a business owner? Finding experienced employees that can help the business to grow and continue to succeed. Arco says, "We have an employee named Joe Amodio who has been with us for 62 years, and we are truly thankful to him for his commitment to our customers and his professionalism. I truly believe, surrounding myself with true professionals is one of the reasons I’ve been successful for all of these years."

• What’s been your proudest achievement since opening? The proudest achievement of Arco Cleaning is their continued top notch service and commitment to their customers. As the business has grown, the high quality of customer service has remained. In the early 80’s, George Arco took over the business from his father and continued the growth of the family business. Arco began to expand the services beyond than just floor waxing and started to include more commercial office cleaning in addition to the residential cleaning that was already being provided. Under Arco’s leadership, Arco Cleaning has expanded from just serving primarily Mount Kisco customers, to now serving commercial and residential customers throughout Westchester County, Putnam County and a few Fairfield County, CT customers too.

• How does your business give back to the community? Arco Cleaning is a member of the Mount Kisco Chamber of Commerce, where owner George Arco is on the Board of Directors. George Arco is also involved with the Mount Kisco Beautification Committee as well as the Mount Kisco Fire Department.

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email lanning.taliaferro@patch.com

PHOTOS/ Arco Cleaning