“The good Lord opened all the doors for us to be here and it’s been one heck of a ride,” says Reggie Davis, co-owner of Good Neighbor Cleaners.
He and wife Monica are celebrating thirty (30) years in business as of January 27, 2025.
The couple, originally from the Tomball area, moved to Fairfield at the end of 1994, after looking for a dry-cleaning business to take over or a location where they could open one.
They purchased the building from the Cole family, bought equipment from a closing business in Houston, were able to quickly get a business loan, and readied the building to open on January 27, 1995.
Within the first year, they had to add on to their building twice because the business was expanding so rapidly.
In 2012, the couple opened their Teague location, to offer more convenient drop off and pick up throughout Freestone County.
“And like a vapor, the time has gone so fast,” says Monica. “Just like it says in the Bible: Life is like a vapor. It goes by so fast. It’s unreal that so much time has passed so quickly.”
The name, Good Neighbor Cleaners, comes from a sermon Reggie heard back in 1985, the first time he heard the story of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10:25-37.
“Immediately I knew that if I ever had a business, it would be named Good Neighbor,” he says. “It was my goal to offer a place of refuge to those in need, and we have been so blessed to be servants in our community.”
In addition to running their business, Reggie and Monica proudly serve the community through their church, Round Prairie Baptist of Fairfield where they cook each Wednesday evening; by supporting and participating with the Freestone County Fair and Rodeo; and being involved with Casas por Christo, an organization with which they have been a part of building approximately 35 homes in Mexico.
Good Neighbor Cleaners offers dry cleaning, laundry (heavy starch), wedding gown preservation, wash/dry/fold, and alterations.
“It takes a huge group effort to make it work and get the job done,” explains Reggie. “This is a 12-hour day business that depends on its staff to make it run.”
The business has a total of eleven (11) employees at the Fairfield location, including Justin Campbell, Nina Munoz, Mayra Soto, Blanca Yepez, Jazmin Espinoza, Lacie Combs, Briseida Rodriguez, Teresa Castillo, Ampelia Munoz, Maria Ocampo, and Riley Portillo.
Recognition goes to Nina Munoz, who has been employed for a total of 28 years; and to Mayra Soto, who has been with the business for a total of 22 years.
Super Special Recognition goes to Monica’s mother, Patricia Parr. “She was with us from day one,” says Monica. “She helped however she could, from running the register, to working the clothes. You name it, she did it, until she passed in March of 2024.”
You will find Monica’s sister, Melissa Lee Latshaw, and Arron Lane working at the Teague location.
“My biggest take away from being in business for so long is to treat others the way you want to be treated,” says Monica; while Reggie states, “If you work hard, are always honest, serve people, and most importantly, serve God, you will succeed.”
Over the years, the business has employed many high school and college students to include the Davis’s own children. Each of the four are now grown, with children of their own.
Their oldest is Jeremy, married to Lori. Next is Brandon, married to Leanna. Third is Kayla, married to Justin Cambell. The youngest is Jordan, married to Keith Daniels. They have a total of twenty (20) grandchildren, so far.
“While there is no set date as yet, a transition is coming,” says Reggie. “Our son-in-law, Justin Campbell, is currently training to take over with the help of his wife, our daughter Kayla. Our hope is for them to keep the business running as it always has been, while keeping God first.”
“I hope to be chasing more grandkids in the next few years,” exclaims Monica.
To celebrate their 30-Year Anniversary milestone, Good Neighbor Cleaners provided coffee, pastries and other goodies and giveaways during the week of January 27-31, 2025.
“We are so grateful for all of our customers over the years and for the many wonderful friendships we have made along the way,” concludes Reggie.
–Fairfield Location: 118 W. Commerce Street; (903) 389-6206; Open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Same-day service if dropped off by 10:00 a.m.
–Teague Location: 954 W. Hwy 84; (254) 739-5402; Open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed on weekends. Next day service.
(Photo by Nicole Schaefer)
