Regional Spotlight: Matt Hoelzel of Renewal by Classic Cleaners

In our quarterly regional spotlight series, we shine a light on the dedicated professionals who make the Renewal Claim Solutions network exceptional. 

This month, we sit down with Matt Hoelzel, a 16-year veteran of the textile restoration industry, to explore what makes his operation successful and how the RCS network has shaped his approach to serving clients.

A Day in the Life of Excellence

When Matt Hoelzel walks into his restoration facility, Michigan’s Renewal by Classic Cleaners, each morning, he knows that no two days will be exactly alike—and that’s exactly how he likes it. “No two days are the same,” Matt explains, “I start by checking in with my managers to set the game plan for the day. We align on priorities and make sure everyone is clear on their tasks.”

His methodical approach reflects the attention to detail that makes a successful restoration professional. After reviewing the previous day’s production and examining newly arrived items for special requirements—whether that’s unique soap requests, rush orders, or items requiring specialized cleaning approaches—Matt conducts a thorough walkthrough of his facility. 

This isn’t just about checking boxes; it’s about ensuring every aspect of the operation runs smoothly and identifying potential issues before they become problems.

“I touch base with the rest of the staff to see if they have any concerns or obstacles that need addressing,” Matt notes. This collaborative approach is common to the Renewal Claim Solutions network.

 It’s an approach that extends beyond daily operations into the strategic thinking that keeps his business competitive and efficient.

Embracing the Unpredictable

What many might see as the industry’s biggest challenge, Matt views as one of its greatest rewards. “The most challenging part of my job is the unpredictable nature of working in the emergency restoration field,” he admits. “Every day presents unique challenges, which keep things interesting but can also be demanding.”

This unpredictability means that a single phone call can completely reconfigure the day’s plans. But rather than seeing this as a burden, Matt embraces it. “I love solving puzzles, so the variety in our work is something I enjoy. I love the constant need for flexibility and problem-solving.”

This mindset—viewing challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles—exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives within the RCS network. It’s a perspective that transforms potential stress into professional satisfaction.

Building a Culture of Success

Perhaps what’s most striking about Matt’s approach is his focus on celebrating wins, both big and small. “We have an amazing staff, and I love celebrating wins with them, whether personal or business,” he says. “When they’re able to clean something difficult, earn a promotion, or hit a major personal milestone, I make sure that we take a moment to recognize and celebrate it.”

This philosophy creates more than just a positive work environment—it builds a team that takes genuine pride in their work. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see their growth and achievements, and it creates a positive, motivating environment for everyone,” Matt explains. 

“I believe in fostering a culture where success—big or small—is acknowledged, and that makes every day feel fulfilling.”

Matt’s approach to success has certainly paid dividends. Renewal by Classic Cleaners has won the Nationwide Specialty Eagle Award from Alacrity in 2019, 2021, and 2022.

The Renewal Cares Advantage: More Than Just a Network

While Matt’s approach to leadership and quality is impressive, what truly sets his operation apart is the backing of the Renewal Claim Solutions network. “Our attention to detail and unwavering focus on customer satisfaction set us apart from other local or independent cleaners,” Matt explains. “But as a member of Renewal Claim Solutions, we have access to some of the sharpest minds in the industry.”

This access is practical, immediate, and invaluable. “This group has been an invaluable resource, allowing us to integrate countless best practices and innovative ideas, all shared freely among members,” Matt notes. “Their constant drive for excellence pushes us to be better each year, ensuring we stay ahead of the curve in providing top-tier service to our clients.”

Quality Through Collective Wisdom

The RCS network’s impact on quality control is particularly noteworthy. Matt’s facility operates with a unique accountability system where “any team member, regardless of how long they’ve been here, can pull an item aside to get re-cleaned.” This empowerment of every team member reflects a culture where quality isn’t just management’s responsibility—it belongs to everyone.

But when challenging situations arise, the real power of the RCS network becomes evident. “In this business, we frequently encounter situations where we aren’t sure of the best cleaning or handling method,” Matt explains. “Fortunately, as part of the RCS network, we have access to a wealth of collective experience. There’s almost always another member who has dealt with something similar.”

This support system transforms potentially stressful situations into learning opportunities. “Our Renewal team is always willing to take a few minutes to offer suggestions, share their experiences, and guide us through challenges,” Matt says. “This support is invaluable, allowing us to tackle tough situations with confidence and continue delivering exceptional service.”

Continuous Improvement Through Network Review

One of the most unique aspects of RCS membership is the biannual plant critique process. “Twice a year, RCS selects a member to visit, and part of that visit involves a thorough plant critique,” Matt explains. “Everyone provides honest, unfiltered feedback, which can be a little nerve-wracking, but it’s incredibly valuable.”

The results speak for themselves. “We’ve been fortunate to host this critique 4-5 times, and each time we’ve received hundreds of ideas,” Matt notes. “These insights have helped us refine our systems and improve our efficiency, keeping us at the top of our game.”

This level of peer review and collaborative improvement is rare in any industry, but it’s standard practice within the RCS network. It reflects the organization’s commitment to elevating every member’s capabilities.

The Collective Impact

When asked about RCS-derived processes, Matt’s response is telling: “At this point, I’m not sure if there are many processes we use that haven’t come from other RCS members.” This isn’t a sign of dependence—it’s evidence of a network that truly functions as intended, where the collective wisdom of all members benefits everyone.

For Matt, the RCS network represents more than just business support; it’s a community of professionals committed to excellence. His success story demonstrates that when individual dedication meets collective expertise, the results benefit not just the business owner but every client who trusts their precious belongings to professional restoration.

As the textile restoration industry continues to evolve, professionals like Matt Hoelzel prove that success comes not just from individual effort but from being part of a network that shares knowledge, celebrates achievement, and never stops pushing for improvement.

Ready to become a member? Let’s have a chat about next steps today.