Cleaning Done with Love: Perry Carpet-Furniture Cleaning
By La’Crystele Brown
Ink Spot Contributing Writer
Isaac and Mary Perry migrated to Fort Wayne, Indiana during the Great Migration period which started in the 1910s and lasted until the 1970s. During this time millions of African American families relocated from the southern states.
Isaac got a job at DANA in Churubusco and Mary did the same at Top Hat Dry Cleaners. On weekends Isaac and the co-owner of Top Hat would go out and provide janitorial services to banks and other commercial properties that were in need of their services. Eventually, Isaac decided to go out and get a rug doctor from Hook’s which is now known as CVS.
Once one of the bank owners saw Mr. Perry cleaning the banks carpet, he came with a proposal which included him investing in a truck mounted carpet cleaning unit that they could use. He also promised Mr. Perry 10% of the earnings. Sadly, Mr. Perry never saw the 10% he was promised.
In 1979 Isaac was laid off from his job at DANA after 18 years of hard work and dedication but instead of letting that knock him down, he and his wife Mary let their faith lead them. The Greensboro, Alabama natives decided to start their own business, this was the beginning of Perry Carpet-Furniture Cleaning. A black owned carpet cleaning company in Fort Wayne, Indiana, that was built from the ground up by Isaac and Mary and has been thriving since then.
Starting the company wasn’t easy but Isaac worked hard and was even more dedicated to his own business and though he had the vision, his partner in life and the heart of the company Mary, would help him to ensure maximum success. Not only with their business but also, with raising their 4 children, who would one day become apart of the team.
Perry Carpet-Furniture Cleaning services the Fort Wayne area along with New Haven, Leo, Cedarville, Harlan, and other cities around 15 to 20 miles outside of the city limits of Fort Wayne. The company has even had a contract with a daycare in Indianapolis.
Perry Carpet-Furniture Cleaning provides the following services: carpet cleaning, furniture cleaning, janitorial services, air duct cleaning, car carpet and upholstery.
When Perry Carpet-Furniture Cleaning comes out to your home or business the job will typically take around 45 to 90 minutes to complete depending on how many areas need to be services, the size of the area and the condition of the carpet. It then takes about 2 to 5 hours for the carpet to dry.
During this time the team is mostly made up of family and a long-time staff member, however, the company is open to hiring anyone with experience or anyone who is eager to work and learn the business! After interviewing with the company, the hiring process usually takes about a week.
When Perry Carpet-Furniture Cleaning comes to your home or business their goal is to make you feel like family! Quality service and affordable rates are apart of their core principles as a business but the amazing energy, and attitude that you will see in their staff is even more reason to do business with this outstanding company!
I asked Crystal and Hakim, two members of the staff and Isaac and Mary’s children what their favorite part of working for Perry Carpet-Furniture Cleaning and they both liked the fact that their work is not repetitive because everyday they get to go somewhere new and meet someone new. They get to go out and do what they love everyday while touching those around them in a positive way!
Perry Carpet-Furniture Cleaning is open to collaborating with other businesses on things such as community events and fundraisers. To get serviced, apply or to invite the company to an event you are hosting, you can call Perry Carpet-Furniture Cleaning at (260) 456-1908. You will more than likely hear the warm loving voice of Mrs. Mary Perry who will be sure to make you feel apart of the family!