Over 90 years ago a gentleman by the name of ‘Curley Zeller’ started his dry-cleaning business out of his home in Raton, New Mexico. Even after three previous owners at different locations, Zeller’s Cleaners kept its original name. Isabel (Izzy) worked at Zeller’s for Steve and Alba Belcheff after graduating from Raton High School for almost 15 years.
In 1997, Zeller’s became available for sale. With their two sons attending college, Izzy decided to purchase the business. At that time Luna Community College Small Business Development Center (SBDC) hosted a small business seminar at the Raton Convention Center. Gonzales developed a business plan and financial proposal to submit for a Women’s Pre-Qualification Loan. The SBA and local bank approved the application and Gonzales purchased the business September 2, 1997. * The loan also retained employee Sylvia Montoya who had worked at Zeller’s for more than 25 years.
Zeller’s Cleaners takes pride in providing excellent and professional services.
At Zeller’s, everything is done ‘in-house’.
First: Dry cleaning of wardrobes, draperies and bed spreads.
Second: Cleaning, pressing and preservation of wedding gowns.
Finally: Laundering shirts and pants with options of press only, and your choice of light, medium or heavy starch.
“We’ve been blessed with great employees during our 21 years of ownership,” asserts Isabel. One special employee, Ms. Silvia Montoya, continued working when Isabel took over, and even after her retirement, she assists when needed. Maria Colin currently helps run the place “like a little factory.” Isabel’s husband, Charles, a retired coal miner, joined the team to assist with all aspects of the business.
Charles and Isabel have two sons: Colonel Thomas P. Gonzales and wife, Sylvia and Gregg Gonzales and wife, Val. Grand children from their two sons include Maya, Samantha, Patrick and Felicity. Isabel and Charles wish to express their deep and sincere appreciation to all their customers in Northeastern New Mexico and Southeastern Colorado.
Zeller’s Cleaners, located at 401 South 2nd Street in Raton, NM is open Tuesday – Friday: 8:30am to 5:30pm. For additional information contact: E-mail: izzygonz@hotmail.com or phone: 575-445-9871.
*Annual Report 2002-03 – New Mexico Small Business Development Center –
“Building New Mexico’s Economy One Business at a Time!”
From Page 50 of our Fall 2018/Winter 2019 Issue.
