December 9, 2004

Mr. Moon: A small business owner with a big heart

By Lorraine Gabbert
Staff Writer

A band member of “Smash Mouth” was so moved by Ki-Chun Moon’s kindness when he visited Moon’s Best Cleaners as a child that he immortalized the Almaden man in a song. The words “mister moon checkin’ on how y’all livin” in the band’s hit song “I Just Wanna See” refers to the friendly Mr. Moon.

Moon recently had the opportunity to address a Metropolitan Adult Education ESL class as part of a community service project. Pictured above is the class with Mr. Moon, in front (photo courtesy of Metro Ed teacher Bertie Wilson).

Moon, owner of four Moon’s Best Cleaners, is an extremely successful small business owner—especially in the ways that count. “I love my customers and they love me,” he declares.

An outgoing neighborhood businessman, Moon greets his customers by name, shakes their hands, and offers not only lollipops, but dollar bills to their children. “It’s for your college fund!” he exclaims, beaming.

Besides a strong work ethic, Moon credits his business success with his personal approach to customers and employees alike. “A smile costs nothing, but gives much—and fosters good will in business,” quotes Moon. He also believes that “attitude is everything—these are words I live by,” he attests.

Moon, who has about 30 employees, considers them his treasure, valuing their efforts on his business’ behalf.

“Some business owners lay off employees, throwing them away like paper,” he observes. “Not me. We live together, die together.”

Carmen Martinez has worked for Moon for about 13 years. “He’s a wonderful man and Mrs. Moon is a good lady,” says Martinez. “If we can not come to work, he understands. He cares.” After being with his company for 10 years, Moon’s employees receive a special bonus: an all-expense-paid trip to South Korea and a personal tour provided by Mrs. Moon. “If your employees are happy, they’ll work hard for you,” notes Moon.

Moon was a 4-year-old child when his native land of Korea was torn asunder by war and a bomber jet dropped its devastating shells beside him, launching three shards of shrapnel into his leg. Fortunately, an American army doctor was at hand, and able to remove the painful shards, saving his life. To this day, the scars remain, but not in Moon’s heart—there resides only gratefulness to that doctor, and thereby to America and its people—and a debt he still wishes to repay.

Moon moved from Korea to San Jose with his wife and children in 1988, and has remained ever since. He is extremely proud that his sons all graduated from universities and have promising futures. “We left our mother country for a better life—to pursue the American dream,” states Moon. “America is the best country in the world.”

Moon recently had the opportunity to address a Metropolitan Adult Education ESL class as part of a community service project. As the class is currently focusing on employment, instructor Bertie Wilson thought they might be inspired by other immigrants who have become successful business people. From Moon, they learned that hard work and customer service were keys to his success. “They were also impressed with the process Moon went through,” shared Wilson. Although Moon was a successful businessman in Korea, when he couldn’t find work here, he asked his neighbors what kinds of local businesses were successful. “Service businesses, like cleaners,” they replied. With that, Moon dedicated himself to finding jobs working for cleaners to learn the business. After working for seven different employers, he opened his own shop, and today boasts four locations.

“Learn English,” Moon advised the students. “In business, work hard, offer good, quality service, and treat your customers and employees well.” Following their visit, the class visited Amato’s owner Mahmood Kuchaki to hear his story. “He’s worked night and day to get established here as well,” attests Wilson. “Both men have also reached out to the community and are very giving. The class really came back inspired.”

A mosaic of plaques and certificates decorate the walls of the cleaners in appreciation of Moon’s generous contributions to local schools and the community, including a Bronze Sponsor Award from the Almaden Art and Wine Festival, and award certificates from the San Jose Unified School District’s Parent Involvement Program, Police and Sheriffs’ Fund, Delancy Street Foundation, Pioneer High School’s dance team and varsity basketball team, Almaden swim team, San Jose Pacific Pony Baseball, and Leland High School’s Chargers varsity volleyball, among others.

However, Moon values above all others, his appreciation award from California State University Sacramento for speaking at a management seminar. “This is my life treasure,” he says of the certificate. Moon is also especially proud of his book, “MBA Seminar. American Dream: How to Become a Billionaire,” in which he has compiled his life’s learning and business acumen.

In addition to his other contributions, in 2003, Moon and realtor Frank Oliver started an annual golf classic at Almaden’s Boulder Ridge Golf Course to benefit Leland High School’s athletic program. For Moon, this is a way to pay back the school that gave so much to his three sons, who were all running backs on its football team.

A neighborhood fixture, Moon opened his first shop in Almaden 15 years ago. To provide convenience to his customers, he expanded his hours as well as his locations, and is currently open seven days a week. “A cleaners is a neighborhood service business,” says Moon. “I work long hours and Sunday to provide better service.” In fact, the only days he is closed all year are Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s.

Kris Kelker has been coming to Moon’s Best Cleaners for more than 10 years. “Mr. Moon is very dedicated to customer service,” agrees Kelker. “He always provides great service and remembers my children’s names. My kids love coming here.”

Joy Claar has also been a loyal customer for about 10 years. She appreciates the good prices and quality services that Moon’s Best Cleaners provides. “They’re nice people,” adds Claar. “My son, Ralphie, loves getting lollipops and dollar bills from Mr. Moon.”

To Moon’s delight, one of his customers, R.C. Kost, named him The Best Cleaners in the World and gifted him with a welcome mat that reads Moon’s World’s Greatest Dry Cleaners. “I work hard,” says Moon, “but I love work because my neighborhood loves me.”

Moon’s Best Cleaners boasts four locations: 1124 Branham Lane (at Almaden Expwy), 1562 Hamilton Ave. (at Meridian), 1275 Lincoln Ave (in Willow Glen), and 14040 Blossom Hill Road (in Los Gatos).