Redstone Federal Credit Union

4 | r e d f c u.o r g S M A L L B U S I N E S S S P O T L I G H T Marvinia Adams Marvinia Adams chose to venture into the dry cleaning business after losing her husband to cancer and needing a fresh start. So, she moved from South Carolina, landed in Huntsville, and in 2019 bought the 5 Points Cleaners with its three locations. Her stores, converted to Martinizing Dry Cleaning, introduced a full-service dry cleaning delivery service to the market for individuals and businesses. "I bought the Martinizing franchise because I liked their model. It was something different for this area," said Adams. "I wanted to do something different and better. What I really love is when I fully satisfy a customer." Business was steadily building, and then the pandemic hit. At the pandemic's peak, store sales dropped 94 percent. Her customers were quarantined at home, and nobody was wearing suits and cocktail dresses. Her corporate accounts kept her doors open but didn't pay the bills. She temporarily closed one store and reduced hours at the other two. Adams reached out to Redstone Federal Credit Union about a Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loan after another financial institution detailed a chaotic process. "Redstone was much simpler and much faster. I have my personal and business accounts here. I'm satisfied with those services," she said. Since arriving in Huntsville, Adams has worked to immerse herself in the community. She is a mentor with the AUM Foundation and a member of the Women's Economic Development Council (WEDC) and the Catalyst Center for Business and Entrepreneurship, among others. She received the Catalyst Center's Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year for 2021. is award is granted to an outstanding military-veteran entrepreneur in the North Alabama area. Adams served 21 total years in government service, including four years in the U.S. Army and seven years in the U.S. Army National Guard. Hiring and retaining employees is her biggest headache, she said. She understands that dry cleaning work may carry a negative reputation for some people. But that's not how she operates her stores. "We treat people as adults. We treat them with respect. It's less drama here." Just like her business has been a fresh start for her, she wants it to be the same for others. People looking for a second chance are welcomed. She wants to give those who have been incarcerated or lack advanced skills an opportunity to make a living. "My purpose is to be that business that gives people a chance. To do for the community and to do for others. at's why I'm in business." Find Martinizing Dry Cleaning & Laundry at martinizing.com/al-huntsville. MARTINIZING CLEANERS: Providing clean clothes and fresh starts

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