This Is Us
About Ziker Cleaners
Ziker Cleaners was founded by Joe Ziker in 1917. Joe was a Russian immigrant that came to America as a young teenager sent by his parents to find a better life. Joe had tailoring skills that allowed him to open a small shop on Michigan Street in Downtown South Bend serving the traveling Vaudeville entertainers with their wardrobes. Joe and his wife Molly grew the business by the 1940’s to a 55 store professional drycleaning and laundry full service operation. After WW2, Mort, their oldest son joined the company and transformed the into a more manageable and profitable operation by 1960.
At that time the youngest son Bob joined the company after graduating with a Marketing Degree from Indiana University Bloomington. Bob and Mort ran the company together until 1975 when Bob left the company. During those first 60 years Ziker changed its service territories, and customers, and services it offered, and also grew thru industry acquisitions in the local South Bend area. David, Mort’s son joined the company in 1978 and Mort’s son-in-law Dave Fischgrund joined the company in 1984. Together under Mort’s guidance until his retirement in 1996 maintained Ziker Cleaners strong market position and grew the Industrial Uniform business that started in 1971 to become a huge portion of Ziker’s overall business.
In 2014 the Industrial Uniform segment of the company was sold off to focus on the drycleaning business. At that time it was decided to move the South Bend operation where it operated on Sample Street for 80 years to a more modern and centralized facility for its distribution to its St Joe and Elkhart Counties customer base. Ziker Cleaners found its new home on Byrkit Street in Mishawaka in 2016 where it celebrated its 100th year Anniversary in 2017. Dave Fischgrund retired in 2018 leaving David Ziker as the sole owner and family member to continue its long legacy of serving its customers, being active in the community, adapting to current social, economic, and environmental issues, and developing a team of engaged managers and employees.
Company Values
- Customers Rule
- Making a Difference in our Communities
- Quality Relationships with Employees
- Passion for Progress
Ziker Team
David Ziker
Owner/Operator
David officially began his career with the company after graduation from the IU School of Business with a degree in Finance in 1978. David grew up in the business from a very young age, worked after school and summers helping his Dad, Mort in all aspects of the business. David has worked in every part of the business and continues to learn and apply best business practices from the industry and beyond. Currently David is responsible for Strategic Planning, Finance, and Marketing.
John Mertes
General Manager
John joined the company in 1988 after a 9-year career in the Air Force. As the manager of Ziker’s brand new Granger location that showed great promise for the company. John was quickly recognized for his leadership skills and ability to get things done and was promoted to production manager at the central processing facility in South Bend. John currently manages the company for the owner with a vast scope of responsibilities which includes managing the Leadership Team that oversees all operations of the company. John also is very active in the community; he is currently the Zoo Board President and has been on the board for 10 years.
Jami Olesen
Director of Administrative Services
Jami started working for Ziker in 2004 as a full time Sales Associate while finishing her bachelor’s degree at IUSB. Jami has worked in many different areas of the company during her career with Ziker. Jami educated herself with accounting and HR which has truly elevated her contribution to the company. Jami is currently responsible for all Accounting functions, Banking, and Human Relations. Jami also assists with vendor contracts and services, purchasing, social media, marketing design, community outreach projects and customer service.
Shayne Golden
Business Development
Shayne joined the company in 2000 as an Embroidery Technician for Ziker’s fast growing Industrial Uniform Rental Business. Shayne was recognized for his ability to promote and played an important role in growing home pickup and delivery service in the early 2000’s. While working at Ziker, Shayne earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from IUSB. Shayne has worked in many aspects of the company including production management, equipment maintenance management, shuttle operations, implementation of technology and software applications for production automation and home delivery efficiency advancements. Currently Shayne oversees the operation of Ziker’s pickup and delivery service and is developing a sustainability program.
Jennifer ProbsT
Director of Sales and Service
Jennifer joined Ziker in 2007 after a 10-year management career with New York and Company. Jennifer has a degree in Biology from the University of Indianapolis. Born and raised in South Bend, Jennifer returned with her family bringing her knowledge and expertise in retail sales management. Jennifer has a passion for inspiring her team to give the customer a fantastic experience with each and every transaction. Currently Jennifer is responsible managing all Ziker store locations.
Maria Manriquez
Production Manager
Maria joined the production team of Ziker at its former location on Sample Street in South Bend in 1995. Maria has expertise in every aspect of production for Ziker Cleaners and Laundry. Maria trains new team members and expands current team members abilities to perform other functions. Maria is respected by her team and management peers. Maria is also responsible for the dry cleaning machinery, boiler/steam operations, and equipment preventative maintenance.
liz telfer
alterations Manager
Liz joined the company as Alterations Manager in 2023. Liz has a Bachelor’s Degree in Retail Management and over 20+ years’ experience in alterations, management, and customer service. Liz is responsible for recruiting/training tailors and seamstresses, promoting Joe Z Tailoring and ensuring ultimate customer satisfaction with professional alterations. Liz is passionate about creating an expert team that pushes for excellence and ensuring the perfect fit for each customer.
Interested In Joining the Team?
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