When Paula Kostick walks into one of the eight Classic Drycleaners locations, she’s not just entering a business; she’s stepping into her family’s legacy. What started in 1970 as a small dry cleaning shop in Mechanicsburg’s Windsor Park Shopping Center has evolved into a trusted local brand recognized for its professionalism, integrity, and deep community ties.
Paula’s parents, high school sweethearts from Hazleton, Pennsylvania, relocated to Hershey in the late 1960s. Her father, a salesman with an entrepreneurial drive, saw an opportunity to bring professionalism and cleanliness to the dry cleaning industry. Alongside Paula’s mother, a teacher, they took a leap of faith to open their first location in 1970. In 1971, they opened a laundromat next to the dry cleaning business. Within 15 years, the company expanded to four stores, and by 2005, Classic Drycleaners had grown to nine locations, five of which incorporated laundromat operations.
“I worked for the business in high school and was actually fired at 16,” Paula recalls with a laugh. “But I eventually came back—and this time, I stayed.” After rejoining the business in 1995 as a pants presser, a position her father had made her interview for, Paula worked her way up through the company, learning every aspect of operations. By 1998, she became General Manager, but only after her father checked with the store managers and received their approval. When he passed away in 2010, Paula became the sole owner, carrying forward his vision of community-centered service and common-sense leadership. “My dad always told me, ‘Find mentors, and take care of your community—not just your customers, but your employees, too.’”
Innovation, Growth, and a Changing Industry
Under Paula’s leadership, Classic Drycleaners has adapted to an ever-evolving marketplace. As the traditional dry-cleaning industry faced challenges from the rise of casual workplace attire, she diversified the business. In 2003, she purchased a Certified Restoration Drycleaning Network franchise, helping restore smoke- and fire-damaged clothing for insurance companies. That venture grew into a major success before being sold in 2022.
In 2011, Paula launched a pickup and delivery service that now caters to over 1,500 individuals across 11 routes, utilizing six vans. “We’re proud to serve 16 local police departments, state police barracks, and we even clean saddle pads for the State Police Mounted Unit,” she said. “Our team of drivers is outstanding—professional, courteous, and community-minded.”
She also worked closely with her long-time marketing manager, Jaime Zurat, to establish core values and focus on marketing and branding, while providing support and incentives to attract and retain employees.
Investing in the Future with CAEDC
Paula’s forward-thinking approach extends to sustainability and operational efficiency. Since 2016, Classic Drycleaners has partnered with the Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation (CAEDC) three times to secure funding that fueled expansion and energy efficiency improvements. Through programs such as the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) and the Cumberland Revolving Energy Loan Fund (CRELF), Paula upgraded equipment and reduced utility costs. Due to these energy-efficient improvements, UGI Utilities presented them with a rebate check of $54,600 as part of UGI’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EE&C) program. This project was the first commercial project completed under the Gas EE&C program.
“The terms were fantastic, and an energy audit proved our renovations saved $26,000 annually in natural gas costs,” Paula shared. “CAEDC not only helped us access funding—they helped us find opportunities we didn’t know existed.”
Her commitment to growth was recognized in 2017 when Classic Drycleaners was named Small Business Project of the Year by the U.S. Green Building Council Central Pennsylvania and honored as a UGI Energy Project Partner.
Community at the Heart of the Business
Beyond business success, Paula’s true passion lies in giving back. Classic Drycleaners supports over 500 community events annually, donating bottled water, gift cards, in-kind services, and sponsorships. Since 2007, they’ve donated over 745,000 bottles of water throughout the region.
Her team’s community involvement is a point of pride. “One of the neatest things is how our employees take part in giving back,” Paula said. “When we clean uniforms for a volunteer fire department or help a nonprofit in need, they know their work has purpose.”
Classic Drycleaners’ community partnerships include cleaning dress uniforms for local fire departments, pressing memorial flags for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, and providing free services to organizations such as Pink Hands of Hope. During the holidays, the company has donated $1,000 each to five local nonprofits—sending customers cards that read, “Because of you, we were able to give back. Thank you!”
Leadership with Heart
With 80 employees across nine locations, Paula attributes much of her company’s success to her team. “We hire nice people,” she said simply. “You can’t train someone to be kind, empathetic, and thoughtful—that’s who they are.”
Her leadership philosophy centers on humility, authenticity, and trust. “Be real. Be yourself. Listen to your employees. Don’t be afraid to fail or make mistakes. When you value your people, they’ll stick with you.”
Paula’s values have earned her and her company recognition, including the 2017 Small Business of the Year Award from the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC and the Les Ginanni Business & Community Connection Award from the West Shore Chamber in 2014.
A Lasting Legacy
From humble beginnings in a single Mechanicsburg storefront to a successful network of nine locations and 11 delivery routes, Classic Drycleaners exemplifies perseverance, innovation, and community spirit. Paula’s journey is marked by steady leadership and heartfelt dedication and is a reflection of her parents’ entrepreneurial vision and her own steadfast commitment to the Cumberland Valley community.
As Paula puts it, “We’re more than a dry cleaner. We’re a part of this community—and that’s what makes it all worthwhile.”
