George’s journey for a better life eventually brought him to Pennsylvania where he was able to live with his aunt. After graduating from high school, George enlisted in the United States Navy where he became a gifted machine operator. George never took the freedom that the USA provided for granted and vowed to work hard to provide a better life for him and his family.
Shortly after meeting in New Jersey, George and Ellie fell in love and eventually married. They both worked at numerous jobs but always felt that their best chance for success was finding a career in something they were passionate about. That opportunity eventually presented itself when they noticed a listing for a very small dry cleaning business for sale. Ellie was excited to use the skills she learned as a girl in Hungary to provide alterations and custom made draperies and clothing and George could master the equipment and machinery used to perform the dry cleaning. They were able to borrow enough money from a generous relative to make a down payment on small dry cleaners in Oak Ridge, New Jersey called Valley Deluxe Cleaners.
With a tireless work ethic and the American dream in their hearts, George and Ellie toiled day and night to learn how to run a business. What they lacked in experience, they made up for in determination. Anxious to make their business a success, they offered their customers all the expertise and specialized dry cleaning services that they could dream up. In the early days, Fabric Renewal offered local dry cleaning, pickup and delivery, drapery take-down and re-hang service, fire and water restoration, alterations, screen printing, custom-made clothing and interior decorating.
George and Ellie expanded on their craft by taking classes at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology and the National Cleaners Association. Ellie focused on her passion for sewing, textiles and interior decorating while George concentrated on providing exceptional customer service and perfecting the latest cleaning technologies. They quickly learned that honesty and attention to detail was their key to success and they always kept a watchful eye on quality control.
Much like the European tradition, George and Ellie ran a true family business. When not in school, their two boys named David and James were always at the store helping out and learning the craft of their parents. After graduating from University both Jim and then David eventually joined the family business. They both shared a passion for the fast-paced, emergency response business of fire and water restoration. They decided to focus the company’s attention on helping families through the recovery process. This focus has allowed them the to improve at their craft every single day. From very humble beginnings in 1979, Fabric Renewal has evolved to become the nation’s leading independent fire and water restoration dry cleaning business.
Over the years, Fabric Renewal has grown slowly and steadily by constantly focusing on the core values established by its founders. Fabric Renewal is the epitome of a successful, family-run business that believes in the constant pursuit of perfection. To this day, the Fenyohazi Family is intimately involved in all aspects of the operation. Many would consider them to be a true American success story.
