Employee Spotlight – William J. McCann Jr.

From time to time we will be introducing you to some of our Best employees.  To kick it off, we thought why not go back to the beginning and introduce our founder.

William McCann Jr. (pictured above with his wife Esther) began his career in 1946 in Southbridge, Massachusetts, where he and a partner started Like-Nu Cleaners. They rented a garage, purchased a boiler, a press, and two trucks…they were on their way. Since the method of operation at that time was  mainly route sales, they had a wholesaler who “drycleaned only” for them as they had limited capabilities in the garage. By 1948  it was time to expand. They left the garage and a larger space was rented. They were now able to purchase their own dry-cleaning machine – no more outsourcing! Like-Nu Cleaners was growing rapidly as was the growth of the early 50’s which warranted yet another location. With this new location they were able to purchase another necessary piece of dry cleaning equipment, the shirt machine.

The Like-Nu partnership dissolved in 1953 and William was bought out, at which time he began looking for a new location. His search landed him in Middletown, CT, where he purchased Wolf’s Cleaners. He held a contest to change the name. A child came up with the new name, whom he rewarded with a new bicycle. And that is how Best Cleaners was born. New Best  locations were added in 1957 and 1960, and three additional in 1964 and 1966. Best was on it’s way!

An untimely illness struck William in 1967 and he was required to relinquish some control to his sons. With their help, two more locations were added in 1970 and 1971. Best now had six operational locations, having closed their original location.

William J. McCann Jr. passed away in 1974. He was survived by his wife Esther, (who became President of Best Cleaners) and his 6 children, several of whom who were involved in running the business as well.