Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellen Amirkhan.
From founding grandfather, to son, to granddaughter, Oriental Rug Cleaning Co. has been the “go to” experts in rug cleaning and restoration for over 100 years. The company was founded in 1911 by H. M. Amirkhan, Sr., an Armenian refugee born in far eastern Turkey in 1888. Orphaned at an early age, H.M. came to the U.S. in 1909 searching for freedom and opportunity. In 1911, he arrived in Dallas and set-up shop at 2105 South Ervay. Between 1919 and 1926, he built his own two-story building at 3907 Ross Avenue where the company continues today.
After completing law school and the death of his father, H. Mirza Amirkhan, Jr. took over the business in 1954. Under his leadership, the company grew in both volume and reputation and became recognized as one of the industry leaders.
H. M. Jr’s daughter, Ellen Amirkhan, entered the business in 1980 and serves a president today. A graduate of Texas Women’s University and Southern Methodist University, she is a past president of the Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration, the National Institute of Rug Cleaning and the North Texas Chapter of the International Society of Appraisers. Ellen co-authored A Comprehensive Guide to Oriental and Specialty Rug Cleaning and develops and teaches rug schools for groups across the United States, United Kingdom and Australia.
The next generation of leadership is in good hands with Armen Dohanian III and Jennifer Vickery Colaco. Both come from a rug and floor covering background and bring traditional business values with their generation’s modern technology. The Dohanian, Vickery and Amirkhan families have been friends for over 60 years so Oriental is still a “family” run company.
What have been some of the challenges you’ve faced?
In no particular order:
1. The usual difficulties of an immigrant: learning to read, write and speak the language; becoming a U.S. Citizen; establishing trust in a city with well-known names such as Sanger, Cochran, Titche, Prather, Exall, and Marcus; surviving The Depression and World War I and World War II.
2. Probably the biggest challenge in any family business is working together 10 hours a day, separating business from personal, remaining “best friends” and passing the baton to the next generation.
3. Anyone running a business, large or small, knows that everyday can be a struggle, some days more than others. But an attitude of “this too shall pass” and “we’ve had this before and survived” keeps us focused on the positive not the negative.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
1. We specialize in cleaning and restoring oriental and area rugs. We do not clean upholstery, wood, tile, air ducts or window treatments so that we can concentrate on being true experts in area rugs.
We treat fire and water damaged rugs and make every effort to restore them to their pre-loss condition. Our cleaning methods are not “one size fits all.” Our process is designed to assure the best outcome without compromising the integrity of the rug. We sell high-quality pad, fabric protector, moth repellent and wrap for ship or storage.
2. Our cleaning plant is “state-of-the-art” and combines old world knowledge with modern equipment and techniques. Our thorough process includes compressed air dusting to remove dry particulate matter, total immersion cleaning of the front and back of the rug, copious rinsing, grooming and placement in a temperature controlled dry room.
3. The business has been successful for over 100 years because of an emphasis on education, training, product knowledge, employee retention, customer service and hands-on management of the entire operation. The office staff that answers our phones are rug experts and can answer most questions regarding area rugs. Our crew chiefs are Certified Rug Specialists, not just pick-up and delivery men. Not relaying on past glory, our company stays abreast of the latest techniques and equipment and implements these innovations to deliver the most thorough rug cleaning by the most knowledgeable staff in the state of Texas.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
1. Dallas and the State of Texas are vibrant, growing and business friendly. We are spoiled by our customers who share our enthusiasm for rugs, old school conversation and the history of our city and state.
2. Starting a new business is difficult in any environment but Dallas has a long history of supporting and patronizing businesses that deliver a superior product and excellent customer service. Don’t try to short-cut good business practices, our citizens are sophisticated and deserve access to the best services and expertise in the country.
3. I love Dallas and am proud to be a native. She’s not perfect but to us she’s the best! My only concern is not utilizing our interesting old buildings such as the Dr. Pepper HQ and the DISD ADministration building and creating new development centered around our past. What the Crow family did with Old Parkland is an awesome example. We need more of that type of vision.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3907 Ross Avenue, Dallas, TX 75204
- Website: www.dallasrugcleaner.com
- Phone: 214/821-9135
- Email: ellen@dallasrugcleaner.com
- Facebook: Oriental Rug Cleaning Co.
- Yelp: Oriental Rug Cleaning Co.
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
