Time flies. It certainly flies by as I travel and shop around the City of Butler.

Of course, our community has changed dramatically since my childhood. I can see that change in every fabric of the city, and I am flabbergasted because, yes, it only seems like yesterday.

However, what is even more shocking is that there are businesses in our town that seem like they only opened a few short years ago (if even that many) but have been part of the scene for 10 years, maybe more.So, it is even more impactful when I hear of a business that has been around for 95 years! I have to ask myself: How did they survive so long? What can our younger, newer businesses and entrepreneurs learn from a business that has been a vital part of our community in more ways than simply economic for almost a century?On July 2, Hutchinson's Cleaners will close its doors and bring an incredible story to an end.How did they do it?The simple answer to that question: They were particularly good at what they did.They started out with an innovative solvent to clean clothes and kept up with how to clean new fabrics at each step along the way. There were few items that they turned away, if any. They figured out how to do it.I can speak firsthand about the odds and ends that they cleaned for me.But the true answer to the question is not as simple as that. Many businesses are good at what they do but have not enjoyed such longevity. There is so much more here to the story.They survived and prospered so long because of the incredible people that make up this family. The service, graciousness, and helpfulness they offered and displayed to every customer was an important part of the customer' interaction. They modeled and nurtured that demeanor and attitude for their employees who followed suit.When I went in the door of that business, Mrs. Hutchinson — Peggy — was often there to greet me with smiles, questions about family, an answer to my question, and, when needed, an offer for a few prayers.People lingered to talk to each other because the atmosphere was friendly, it was inviting. Hard to imagine for a dry cleaning “factory,” but it was “comfortable.”They were generous to the community, supporting and helping so many institutions in our area.I remember, as a new teacher and drama adviser at Karns City High School, being delegated with the job of cleaning up a long-neglected stage. Mr. Hutchinson — Jim — came to the school, and we walked around and examined every curtain on that stage, which he evaluated and figured out how they could be repaired, patched, and cleaned so that I could get a few more “miles” out of them and get through my next production. I have a feeling that they were not making too much money on that job.Steven, other family members, and those countless employees continued down that path of dealing with customers in a way that made each person feel valued, so much so that they ceased being just a business. They were all friends.This is how a business grows and prospers. This is how a business survives. We would ALL do well to remember this model, even those of us NOT in business. Graciousness, warmth, humor and support for each other will always be a ticket to happiness and success, in business and in life.My thanks to Hutchinson's Dry Cleaners, to the entire family and all the employees, for not simply cleaning my clothes, but by always providing me with an example of how to be good neighbors and citizens. They have ALL worked extremely hard. They have earned the right to sit back and relax, and I wish them much happiness as they do so.May we all keep the tradition of this family business moving forward as we continue to build and nurture our community and support our neighbors.<i>Bob Dandoy, a retired teacher, is on the Butler City Council and a past president of Butler Downtown. </i>

Bob Dandoy