Local Business Spotlight: Surisadai Cuervo of L&M and S&H Cleaners
June 3, 2022
Surisadai Cuervo, who goes by Suri, is a successful businesswoman who kept L&M cleaners afloat through the pandemic and despite a competitive market by focusing on customer service and at-home delivery.
“I lost a good number of clients at first,” said Suri. “A lot of jobs switched to remote work and a lot of my clients needed attire for work. I was so used to people coming in and picking up their clothes but I adapted my business with my delivery service.”
“This has been the main reason why I think my business is still around– I like driving too.”
Suri has been working in the dry-cleaning business for over 13 years. She purchased her Novato storefront businesses with her partner Hector Castro, in September 2021. S&H is the pickup and delivery service while L&M is the cleaning service itself.
Suri is also a proud recipient of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and a graduate of the construction skills program sponsored by Canal Alliance, College of Marin and the Marin Builders Association.
Regina Vindel, Career Workforce Supervisor at Canal Alliance, worked closely with Suri, noting her great determination. “From the time she enrolled in the class to now, Suri has never given up. It’s amazing to see the result of her dedication to her work.”
The Canal Alliance connections go back many years; Suri first learned about the organization through friends at work. Lupita Magaña, Senior Case Manager at Canal Alliance, let her know about the construction skill opportunities, which are run through the Workforce Development Program.
“I’ve been super grateful for all the support I’ve gotten from Canal Alliance through the years. I’ve been able to do so much and appreciate all the resources and the help you do for the community.”
Work on her Novato business continues. Suri and her business partner recently finished painting the interior.
