Many businesses strive to be personal and to provide friendly customer service that is to the customers’ satisfaction. For lifelong resident and proprietor of North Haven Cleaners on Broadway, Julius “Jay” Garbero, taking care of his customers has been a long time commitment for 63 years.

“I was born in North Haven on January 15, 1917 and I am proud to admit that I am 94 years old,” said a smiling Garbero. “North Haven is a fine town and I have lived here all my life, except when I was away at college and serving in the army during World War II. I believe that a successful business is the one that provides friendly customer service to all its customers and lends a helping hand to its community.”

Garbero recalled that, at one time, North Haven had a population of 6,000 people. Dirt roads outnumbered side roads, there were many farms and orchards, some people used horse and buggy for transportation and many North Haveners worked at the Stiles Brickyard in town.

“I remember Mr. Stiles, who owned and operated Stiles Brickyard and his wife Mrs. Stiles drove an electric car that had no steering wheel but a handle instead. North Haven has changed a great deal since I was born, because the dirt roads have become paved side streets and the farms and orchards have given way to industry, plazas and neighborhoods,” said Garbero. “Through the decades, the town transformed from an agricultural community to a thriving industrial town.”

Garbero’s path to owning a North Haven business led first through Massachusetts, War and Meriden.

“After attending Bay Path College in Springfield, Massachusetts, I served in the army during World War II. After returning home from the war, I worked as a secretary/accountant for a gentleman named Mr. Howard who owned an ammunition factory in Meriden. In 1948 the factory closed but with Mr. Howard’s connections, I was able to start my own dry cleaning business in North Haven and my wife Bernice was my support system,” Garbero explained.

“I opened my first store on the corner of Church Street, where Mary’s Helpers is currently located,” he added. “In 1950 I moved to the present location that is on Broadway where I own the building and property and has been here ever since.”

Garbero’s business specializes in dry cleaning all types of clothing, shirt pressing, clothing repairs and alterations, and providing customer satisfaction in a friendly atmosphere. Upon entering the front door, customers are greeted by a smiling Garbero and his son Jay, who has been working by his father’s side for 34 years.

In the corner of the store, there is a chair with a table covered with magazines and a daily newspaper, a clock and mirror on the wall, and a flag and flowerpot nearby. The set up is to provide the customers with a homebound environment.

“When you operate your own business, all the responsibilities are on the owner to pay the bills, meet payroll, do the repairs, work long hours, complete all tasks, and provide customer service with a happy face every day,” said Garbero. “You must be flexible, well-organized, dedicated, professional, and attentive to the needs of all your customers.”

“I’ve been working in the dry cleaning business for 34 years and dealing with the public has its stories but most of the time it is good,” stated Garbero’s son Jay. “You have to keep things going and take the good with the bad and always have a sense of humor.”

Besides being customer friendly and professional, Garbero and his son believe in reaching out to the community. Upon the recommendation of Garbero’s daughter Jill, who lives in Miami, they put a sign in the store’s front window that reads: “Unemployed. Do you have an interview? Get your suit dry cleaned for free.”

“My sister Jill saw a similar sign in a business in Miami and told us about it,” said Jay. “Since we placed the sign in the window, we have had a good response. These are difficult times with many people looking for jobs so we are happy to help out in our own special way.”

“We believe in giving back to the community that has been patronizing us for over 63 years and it’s been a pleasure,” he added

Several loyal customers enjoy doing business at North Haven Cleaners and particularly are fond of the service they receive.

“I enjoy doing business at North Haven Cleaners,” stated Janice Bruce, longtime resident and customer. “Jay and his son Jay Joseph are wonderful and I always receive professional and great service. They offer to carry a customer’s bundle to the car, which I think adds a special touch and shows customer appreciation.”

Stated Pat Nuzzolillo, resident and fire commission chairman, “It’s a pleasure to have a dedicated family business, North Haven Cleaners, in our town. When I drive by the store and see the sign in the window, I am reminded that the Garberos care about other people.”

“Good service and putting customers first are special qualities that all successful businesses need,” she added.

Striving for quality, personal service, dedication and commitment have made North Haven Cleaners a successful business in North Haven, but also it is the owners who have remained committed to serving their community that they are proud to live and work in.

“We all need to work together, stay positive, and have determination,” said Garbero. “But most of all, you have to like what you are doing, keep smiling, and practice clean living, and the rest you can take to the cleaners.”

For store hours or more information, please call 203-239-1715.