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| Sometimes we meet people who seem to have just the right sense and perspective about living and giving within a community. One such standout to me is Lisa Sekundiak, Max I. Walker owner and vice president. As an integral part of a fifth-generation family company, Lisa emphasizes its fortunate position of being able to give back to the community. This is a philosophy that has stayed with the company since it started with her great-grandfather in 1917. One of the most exciting ways that Max I. Walker is investing in the people of Omaha is with the fifth annual Ultra Chic Prom Boutique. Instead of stuffing old homecoming, prom, or wedding dresses in the back of your closet, consider donating them to Max I. Walker for a huge sale event that will benefit the Omaha Lydia House. Donations can be made at any location before the sale on February 25th. Over 1,300 new and used formal dresses will be cleaned and sold for just $25 each. You can even enter for a chance to win a year’s worth of tanning at Ashley Lynn’s Tanning and a catered party from Qdoba just for donating. The event will be held at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Convention Center on 72nd and Grover Streets from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lisa explains that it is a great way to get rid of old dresses for the right reason, and it is so much fun. “It is everything girl-related,” Lisa says. She is excited for all of those involved to experience the spirit of giving. This concept of community is what Lisa feels really makes a difference in business. “You have to find a program within your business that makes sense to benefit the community,” she says. “It is important to recognize opportunities and to do something cool that means something.” Max I. Walker is committed to making a difference in the community it serves, and Lisa is leading a very spirited effort, she says. “We’re affecting people all through the process because of our focus and our attitude.” Vendors, advertisers, promoters, and even other businesses can all get involved in the one-day shopping event. “Everyone leaves feeling good.” As it goes with a family business, the community work is a group effort, Lisa adds. People who donate dresses for the Ultra Chic Prom Boutique are helping the Omaha community in two direct ways, according to the event’s Web site. First, high school girls who cannot afford a formal dress for prom will have hundreds of beautiful, freshly pressed dresses to choose from for just $25. With so many dresses, there is a style and a fit for every girl to feel like a princess and make once-in-a-lifetime memories at her school dance, Lisa points out. Second, all proceeds from the Ultra Chic Prom Boutique will benefit the Open Door Mission’s Lydia House. The Lydia House provides shelter and emergency services to over 300 women and families in need in Omaha in an attempt to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty. Unsold dresses will be donated to the Open Door Mission’s Timberlake Outreach Center and Women’s Career Workshop. Max I. Walker offers complete cleaning and laundry services, as well as uniform rental and an apparel division. This includes dry cleaning, shirt laundering, drapery and feather pillow cleaning, suede and leather cleaning, wedding gown cleaning, and minor repairs and alterations. Max I. Walker also cleans UGG boots. It offers the convenience of pickup and delivery services at no additional cost as well. Lisa explains that what makes her company different is what makes it better. “Being a part of a family business is really unique,” she says. “It makes you proud and able to really appreciate what is being done.” Lisa shares that while it is a luxury to be the largest dry cleaner in town, its success is a true testament to the focus on the customer being first. With experience, expertise, and the benefit of generational knowledge, Max I. Walker provides quality and convenience with 25 locations all over Omaha, she says. With over 90 years in the business, Lisa says they have survived by working honestly and fairly with their customers. “We listen to our customers, and if there is a problem we make it right,” she states. “I have a great team. They are all wonderful people.” She believes that the customer service experience at Max I. Walker is the biggest value of all the services that they offer. Often customers will visit other stores if a manager changes locations. Longtime client Judd Gulizia says he drives out of his way and past other cleaners to see Joan Neumann at Max I. Walker near 156th and Maple Streets. “It feels like family,” Judd says. “They know me by name and everybody is very personable.” Judd feels that there is no other place in town quite as good as Max I. Walker. “Owners are actually in the store,” Judd shares. “It makes a huge impact on the way business is done.” Lisa says it is very rewarding to be in a family business where customers and employees feel like part of the network and the family. “People are so loyal,” she says. Loyalty goes both ways, and Lisa believes they are equally important. Another client, Pat Paulsen, says she wouldn’t go anywhere else. “I go three times a week and there is never anything wrong,” she shares. “They are excellent.” Lisa advises potential business owners to start slow, keep their expectations reasonable, and to be yourself. She says in such a competitive world it is easy for things to get lost in the shuffle, and keeping priorities in order is key. “Family has to be number one,” Lisa shares. “My kids always come first, and then I try to make everything else work.” Her advice for future business owners is to love what you do, make sure the numbers make sense, talk with and listen to experts, and go for it! Max I. Walker is an example of what a business can do for the community in which it thrives, Lisa comments. She goes on to say that the company has survived World Wars, the Great Depression, the recent recession, and day-to-day fluctuations by diversifying, always doing business honestly and fairly, and always keeping the customer first. For more information about the Ultra Chic Prom Boutique, visit www.ultrachicprom.com or your nearest Max I. Walker location. Find your nearest Max I. Walker online at www.maxiwalker.com. |
Max I. Walker |
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