Neal S. Golden
PARAMOUNT CLEANERS. INC.
214 Almont Road (Route 59)
Suffem, New York 10901
(914) 357-5547 Voice/TTY
(914) 354-2557 (FAX)
1) Tell me how you decided to start this business called “Paramount Cleaners, Inc.”, a dry cleaning establishment and why you decided to go for it?
I had a dream since I was a kid. The main reason was there was not too much telephone use. I didn’t realize there were other things related to my hearing that I had to be aware of. At one time, you could make a good living being in the dry cleaning industry, but things change because of the dress code today.
2) How long have you been in this business?
I have been in the dry cleaning business for seven years.
3) What is your key accomplishment in this business?
The key to accomplishing a successful business is being able to interact with the customers and providing good quality service. Most important thing is to remember all your customers by their first names and make them feel that you really care.
4) What is your present and future goals?
My future goal is to sell the business and do other things. I will probably go into outside sales work for a big corporation and focus more time with my side printing business.
5) Tell me about your being Deaf, schools attended, etc.
I went to mainstreamed program in high school. I went to NTID/RIT and I did not really fit in because I was oral and did not know sign language. I left RIT with 13 credits short to finish my BS degree in accounting. I finished my bachelor’s degree at NYU and continued on my masters in special education, but I never finished it.
6) Tell me about your Jewish upbringing and your family.
I was raised with a reform Jewish education, but I do not practice it. I go to temple two times a year. I am not embarrased to tell people that I am Jewish. I believe it is important to accept your own identity. My philosophy is to treat people as good as they treat you.
7) Any other items you would like to share with me?
Having a business is a lot work and takes up a lot of time. It is very difficult to have a relationship when you have a business. That is why I am still single. I work 70 hours a week and put in more hours in my side printing business.
8) How has your life changed with your Cochlear Implant?
My life changed a lot since I had the cochlear implant. This is something I don’t talk about, but if someone asks me, I’ll give them direct answers. This was probably most controversial thing I have ever done and it helps me hear better.
