> Out and About: Randy Zaino, Owner of Battiston's Cleaners
Out and About: Randy Zaino, Owner of Battiston's Cleaners
Randy, originally from Windsor, attended John F. Kennedy School before his parents picked up the family and moved out of town. He is a Wethersfield High School graduate. It was his father, Gioacchino "Jack" Zaino who started working for Battiston's in the '60s before opening the Windsor location in 1970. Along with Randy, his brother co-owns the location. There is a third generation of Zainos who have also joined in the family business in recent years working part-time. His son, Michael who is a UCONN graduate says, "I've been working here since I was sixteen. It would be during high school, college, in the summer, and winter breaks. Full-time two years after I graduated." Battiston's services are varied as they pride themselves on more than simply being a dry cleaner. They not only do garment restoration, but Battiston's performs disaster restoration. They cater to the needs of a homeowner's claim. Window treatments, bedding, and area rugs are cleaned and placed back once the home is suitable. All apparel including hats and gloves are returned to dressers and closets where they were found. Randy notes one of Battiston's most popular services. "The business has changed a lot over the years. Our business has where you have to go and get it nowadays. So, like the home and office pickup and delivery. People really love it. The people that dry-clean their laundry regularly, they love it. They love the delivery that comes straight to their house. There's no extra charge for it. It's a scheduled service." When asked about the current state of dry cleaning Randy has this to say, "We don't live in such a formal society anymore. People aren't really getting dressed up after each day. There's still a need. Leisurewear should get professionally cleaned." He adds in, "It has changed over time, but there's still a need. That's why it forced the industry to evolve and even with what we do and going to get it with the home and office pickup delivery. That's a really big deal. That whole Amazon mindset that exists where people love home delivery. It also is true with dry cleaning. People love a home delivery." When it comes to our town, Randy says, "I feel good about the town of Windsor. I mean, I know more about Wilson than the rest of the town. I feel good about it. I'm an optimistic guy. So, I'm usually feeling good." He has seen changes over the years in the surrounding area, but nothing drastic. In general, Randy uses many of the services available to him right within the shopping plaza. Price Rite is nearly next-door for all of his grocery needs. On the other side of town though, there is one place Randy is quite fond of that he answers readily, "Bear's." Randy also is a fan of the Shad Derby. Battiston's does some sponsorship for high school baseball around town. They have put in donations to the Windsor Historical Society, Mary's Place, and Hayden Station Fire Company during recent times. During his time off, Randy likes to go saltwater fishing and tend to his vegetable garden. Three words that describe Randy: Resilient. Loyal. Family-oriented. |
