River City Six – Jesse Kruse

Meet Jesse Kruse, the general manager of Wardrobe Spa (WardrobeSpa.net).

Tell us a little about your business.

We are the first eco-friendly dry cleaning business in our area. With other dry cleaning methods, the chemicals used to clean the garments linger within the items cleaned. Our skin can absorb those chemicals, which in return can cause health issues. Another thing that makes us great is that all of our chemistry can be put down the drains and not cause any damage to the environment. In turn, we don’t require any waste disposal trucks to report to our location to haul the chemicals away. It makes it very safe for our employees and our customers to be around. That is why our facility is completely open for the public to see how everything is done.

How did you get started in the business?

It is a family-owned business and my stepdad, Michael McKernan, has been in the industry for over 30 years. He is extremely knowledgeable and has shown me how great of a product we can provide to our customers.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?

I’d say that I am facing my biggest one right at this moment with the recent opening of our business. We are the new kids on the block and being so different from others, we have to ensure we tell our story right and with confidence, so people can truly see what we have to offer.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

That would have to be when I became a United States Marine.

Tell us a little about your family.

My family has always been very caring and loving to each other and anyone around us. We like to make people feel welcome and show them they can feel comfortable around us.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?

I feel like I’ve had many turning points in my life after the military, mainly graduating from Vatterott College with my Professional Fitness Certification and then graduating from Bellevue University with a Bachelor’s degree in Health/Science. Although what I am helping do now by working in the family business feels like it will be the biggest one yet.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?

Anytime I can hang out outside with friends and family is always a good day off.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?

Loyal.

If you had a theme song, what would it be?

My favorite song is “What I’ve Done” by Linkin Park. My friends say any time they hear that song it reminds them of me, so I guess it’s pretty fitting.

If you could have a super power, what would it be?

Flight.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?

Being a personal trainer. I loved fitness training, but it was tough to make a living out of it.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?

Wounded Warriors is an organization I’ve always enjoyed supporting, and I help out whenever I can.

What is your favorite movie?

Lone Survivor.

What is your favorite TV show?

Supernatural.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?

Email: jesse@wardrobespa.net; Website: WardrobeSpa.net.