Three Minutes Across the Counter with Vivek Anand

Vivek Anand and his family have run a green dry cleaning business for more than 40 years in Massapequa.Vivek has taken the business further by creating an app, The Dhobi, which allows Nassau County residents to schedule the pick-up and delivery of their dry cleaning and specialty items, within an hour window, from their smart phone. Read more about the app here.

“Three Minutes Across the Counter” is a new feature on Patch in which we chat with local business owners. If you would like to be featured, email heather.doyle@patch.com with the name of your business.

How did you get your first start in business?

I have been involved in business my whole life. My parents are small business owners and I’ve been helping run their business for as long as I can remember. The Dhobi as a brainchild came to me while I was working at Amazon and observing the ever evolving technological landscape. It was clear that consumers (like myself) craved a faster and more seamless checkout experience in all aspects of their lives. I became passionate about digitizing the dry cleaning industry.

Did your parents influence you as a business owner? How?

They inspired me with their unflagging work ethic (they worked 12 hours a day, six days a week my entire life). I was shown from an early age that there is no substitute for honest, hard work and treating everyone as you treat your best customer. My family has been operating Fiesta Cleaners in Massapequa Park for over 40 years, placing me in the fortunate position of gaining invaluable first-hand insight and knowledge which has translated into a seamless and efficient operation of The Dhobi.

How long have you lived or done business here?

As a Long Island native (born and raised in Massapequa), I am in the unique position of best understanding the specific needs of our customers. In addition, spending so many years in the dry cleaning industry provides me with a unique perspective to deliver the best possible service and quality; our aim is to create a customer-centric business that makes your life easier.

What’s your favorite part about being a business in Massapequa? What makes the area special?

Besides the fact that I grew up here and have countless memories, the residents of Massapequa make it special. Whether I am grabbing a quick bite from All American or eating a long pasta dinner at Ciao Baby, the sense of community, family and home pervades.

Did you ever make a business mistake and later on were glad you made it?

It is impossible to launch a business without hitting some snags, especially with technology being an integral part of our operation, but each of those have been invaluable learning experiences which have made The Dhobi even stronger as a business. You live and you learn, right?

Tell us something about yourself that people may not know.

One of my favorite hobbies is to study Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Practicing these arts fosters an essential balance to an otherwise hectic lifestyle.

What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?

A quote by Larry Page, “Always deliver more than expected.”

What advice would you give to a business owner just starting out?

Regardless of how scary or daunting it seems at inception, if you truly believe in yourself and your product, success will ultimately follow.

What do you look for when you hire new employees?

Given the very favorable response we have received from the local community, The Dhobi is currently in the lucky position of adding to our team; new partner dry cleaners and drivers all over Long Island. At every level, we look for passionate, hardworking, entrepreneurial individuals who are looking to join us in our mission to be the preeminent dry cleaning service on Long Island.

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