Jay Hong announced CleanAir won’t sell supply items any more
CleanAir Supply, the pillar of cleaning community in NY/NJ, has announced it will be curtailing its scope of business last March. In short, it won’t be selling supply items any more except chemicals. For a company that started with supplies, it does not take a leap of imagination to understand that it was not an easy decision. We talked to Jay Hong, CEO of CleanAir.
What was behind this surprising decision?
I started CleanAir 40 years ago. At that time, I treated my customers as if they were my older brothers. These days, I feel like I am their older brother. I guess time and tide wait for no one. I intend to work as long as my health allows. Call it my preparation for a “soft” retirement.
Some customers mistook your decision as business closure. Did you anticipate that?
I guess some people cannot imagine CleanAir without supply business. I will put more emphasis on equipment and parts as well as chemical lines. For any supply company, chemical lines are their pride. I still remember vividly the excitement on the day I became the first Korean R.R. Street distributor.
Will you maintain your delivery routes?
Since I am stopping my supply business, I will be stopping deliveries, too. I am considering delivery for parts and chemicals but that is not firm yet.
Your Spring and Fall Open House Exhibitions are legendary. Wil there be any changes to these exhibits?
If any, they will be even better in the future. Of course, they will be equipment shows. I also plant to do new equipment show cases as well as various educational seminars. Since my business is being streamlined, the preparation for these exhibits can only get better.
If there are flood of requests, would you be entertaining a reversal of this decision?
I did entertain various proposals and different options before this decision. I wouldn’t announce this kind of decision unless I have. In other words, this decision is not likely to be reversed.
The industry you have served for the last 40 years is facing unclear future. What is your assessment of the situation?
The COVID brought about some positive changes like reduced competition, price increase, more positive outlook on the work and life balance and so forth. People talk about dramatic changes AI will bring on but I don’t think AI can replace cleaners. I firmly believe the cleaning business will keep its place in our daily lives.
When do you expect the business to improve?
With Trump’s erratic trade policy, it’s not easy to hazard a guess. As long as the economy is doing well, cleaning business will do well, too. But I really think there are certain things that come before the economy: Improve productivity with better equipment and work management; clean work environment; learning new methods and ideas and etc. You won’t be able to grab new possibilities until you drop “been-there-done-that” attitude.
If you would add your final thoughts?
I received so many thank-you and encouragement calls since my decision letters were sent out. Those kind words felt like a confirmation that my 40-years in this business were well spent. I will always stand by my customers. I wish only happiness for everyone.
For any questions, please call (201) 461-9766.
