Steve McNamara of Spartan Cleaners began his career in the dry cleaning industry in 1956, at Fernwood Cleaners in Oak Lawn, Illinois. From that point until 1972, with the exception of two years in the military and two years at the University of Illinois, Steve spent all of his working hours at Fernwood.

In June of 1972, an opportunity for self-employment led Steve to establish Spartan Cleaners in Western Springs, Illinois. Initially named “Sparkling Cleaners,” he decided  that a name change would be in order when he took over the business. The High School he attended used the team name “Spartans” and he had always liked the name. Steve had a sign company replace the “kling” with “tan” on the existing sign, and Spartan Cleaners was born.

After many harsh winters in Illinois, and having visited Florida several times, Steve and his wife Nancy decided to move the family south. In 1977, They, along with their kids Keith and Laura, moved to Florida. After a brief vacation from dry cleaning, Steve and Nancy opened Spartan Cleaners in Palm Harbor, Florida in 1979.

With used equipment and a lot of hope, Spartan Cleaners was born in the same location as the operating facility is today at 32646 U.S, 19 North in Palm Harbor. The philosophy employed from this humble beginning is the same one used today: Treat people with respect in a cheerful manner, offer services they desire and be sure to inspect every detail.

Keith, Laura, Steve, and Nancy

By 1984, Keith entered the business part-time during high school. When he graduated from college in 1990, he rejoined the family business on a full time basis. Laura began her employment in 1986, and with the exception of time off for college and having two children, has been with the company ever since.

Spartan Cleaners now has three locations, and plans for a fourth to open in early spring 2006.  It has grown to offer many added services, such as alterations/repairs, free pickup and delivery, drapery cleaning, garment restoration (for clothing and household items affected by flood and fire damage), wedding gown cleaning and preservation and more.

Spartan Cleaners has also been awarded the prestigious “ Award of Excellence from the Clothing Care Council in 2005, and is a participating member of many trade and professional associations.