West Vancouver, BC

A Ride to Remember

Carousel Cleaners first opened its doors in 1950 at Park Royal Mall in West Vancouver, BC. Anne and Wayne Bastien acquired the business in 1972. Over the years, the company relocated within the mall three times. It also transitioned from a full service plant with self-serve coin-operated dry cleaners to a high-end premium dry cleaning and alteration service.

Generation 2

Son Cameron (Cam) Bastien purchased the business in 2009, continuing the family legacy. In the summer of 2012, Carousel Cleaners became the first System K4 operator in British Columbia. Two years later, the company moved its production facility to North Vancouver, BC, significantly expanding its operations with a 6,350-square-foot space. The new plant was constructed by Nicholson Mechanical, with design guidance from America’s Best Cleaners. The company also has 2 drop locations in Vancouver.

Nuts and Bolts

• Two Firbimatic 60lb System K4 units
• One Union 40lb DF2000 unit
• Wascomat wet cleaning equipment
• Sankosha, Unipress, and Forenta presses
• Metalprogetti automation systems

Cam is justifiably proud of the choices he’s made in equipment and the people who run it.

“These advanced machines enable our team to work efficiently while upholding the high standards of cleaning and pressing that have built our reputation,” he said.

“Our production team is comprised of twenty skilled and devoted staff members, many of whom have been with us for over a decade. They are the backbone of our business, and we believe we’ve cultivated Vancouver’s most talented, knowledgeable, and well-trained production and customer service team that handle our clients’ fabrics with the utmost care and professionalism.”

What makes you stand out?

Despite the fact that dry cleaners, wet cleaners and launderers do essentially the same thing — get clothes and other items clean — every company is very different. We asked all our nominees what they felt made them stand out from the crowd.

“We continually reassess our processes and systems to ensure we are growing, improving, and enhancing our commitment to our clients and their wardrobes,” Cam said.

“What fills me with the most pride is that Carousel Cleaners is a second-generation business deeply rooted in the community.

“Over the years, we’ve not only grown to team of fifty but also built a team that genuinely cares about the work they do and each other.

Our team’s dedication to quality is unparalleled, and we take customer satisfaction very seriously. From our top-notch customer service to our premium detergents and investments in cutting-edge machinery and technology, we are committed to being the most quality-focused dry cleaning and alteration service provider in all of BC.”

Surviving and Thriving

What separates the successful operators from the former operators is their response to adversity and challenges. There was a day when Cam thought it might be all over.

“There was a critical juncture in 2013 when the Park Royal mall decided not to renew our lease,” he said. “It was a particularly challenging time for me, as the prospect of losing the company due to the lease non-renewal was deeply worrying.

“In response, I reached out to industry friends Bobby Patel and Dave Tromel [of Be Creative 360] for advice, and they recommended that we purchase and build our own production facility. Following their guidance, we chose to relocate our 1,640 sq. ft. headquarters to a newly custom-built 6,350 sq. ft. facility in North Vancouver. We are incredibly grateful for their support and encouragement. This opportunity to establish our own production facility became a turning point for our company. It allowed us to grow and adapt, ultimately enabling us to acquire other assets within the industry.

“When we moved into our new facility, it felt enormous—a significant upgrade from our smaller Park Royal location. Now, as we’ve successfully grown, our larger facility is starting to feel a bit tight like our old space. Looking back we’re incredibly grateful for this journey and are pleased that we’re well-positioned for further growth in the future.”

Saluting the Best

We asked Cam to tell us about some of the people who have made the company what it is today, and who he’s leaning on to carry it into the future. He was not hesitant to name names.

I’ve had the privilege of working alongside many talented and dedicated individuals, and it’s clear to me just how much our team cares and takes pride in their work and in serving Carousel Cleaners’ clientele. I’d like to highlight a few exceptional team members, in no particular order:

Luan, Operations Manager – 10 Years

Luan has been with our company for a decade, and his deep understanding of all aspects of the business has been invaluable. He played a key role in establishing our free pick-up and delivery service, among many other responsibilities.

Luan’s positive attitude and leadership are vital to our daily success, and he consistently provides excellent mentoring and guidance to the team.

Mojgan, Head Cleaner – 6 Years

Mojgan, a DLI graduate, is exceptionally knowledgeable and talented in her craft. She is an indispensable part of our team, and her work is intricately woven into the fabric of everything we do.

Working with her is a joy, and her passion for her work is evident in her remarkable ability to restore garments to like-new condition—an expertise that sets her apart.

Ashley, Communications Coordinator – 3 Years

Originally splitting her role between CSR and Communications Coordinator, it quickly became clear that Ashley’s skills were crucial in communications. She transitioned to full-time in this role and now plays a key part in maintaining brand quality and cohesion across all online communications and marketing materials.

Ashley brings a fresh perspective and creative flair that helps keep Carousel Cleaners at the forefront of the dry cleaning industry in BC.

Roxane, Manpreet, Ivett, Andia, Marianella – Customer Service Store Leads
We are fortunate to have an amazing team at each of our stores, and our Customer Service Store Leads—Roxane, Manpreet, Ivett, Andia, and Marianella—are truly dedicated to the quality and commitment that define our team. Each of them plays an integral role in our organization’s overall success, a fact reflected in the consistently positive reviews we receive from our clientele. Their dedication and hard work make a significant impact on our business every day.

Riding On

What’s next for Carousel Cleaners? Building on their successes, and never forgetting their core mission.

“Our commitment to excellence, business expansion, and improving efficiency motivates us to partner with industry experts like Liz Davies, a leading production consultant, and the rest of the America’s Best Cleaners group,” Cam said. “Their valuable insights significantly enhance our organization.

“We’re also focused on growing our complimentary pick-up and delivery service, broadening our service areas to reach more clients, and seeking new acquisition opportunities. Additionally, we will keep empowering our team, developing their skills, and creating opportunities for advancement and increased responsibilities within our organization.

“Our team is deeply passionate about what we do. Our business is much more than just ‘cleaning clothes’; it’s about making meaningful connections and creating lasting impacts.

We’re fortunate to have many loyal customers who have stayed with us for years. Their stories and experiences, and their reasons for choosing us, are truly special. Additionally, we cherish the strong bonds we’ve built with former employees who continue to stay in touch, which is incredibly heartwarming.

“Our dedication is reflected in the recognition we’ve received, including consecutive wins of the North Shore News and Vancouver Stars Readers’ Choice Awards and high ratings on Google. It’s clear that our clients value and appreciate the commitment and dedication of our team.”

---