Celebrating 41-derful Years: The Fox Cleaners Journey
For over four decades, Fox Cleaners has been a pillar of the Tulsa community—a trusted family business built on dedication, quality, and service. What began as a single dry-cleaning shop in 1984 has grown into a local establishment beloved by longtime and new customers, thanks to Tim Fox’s vision and Maggie Fox’s leadership, who now carries that legacy forward.
Forty years may have passed, but we still wanted to celebrate our anniversary—and what better way than to highlight 41 years of excellence and community trust?!
The Story Behind Fox Cleaners
In 1984, Tim Fox made the bold decision to leave a successful career as a pilot and mechanic to spend more time with his wife and two young daughters. Drawing on his technical expertise, he opened the first Fox Cleaners location at 60th and Sheridan.
From the start, Tim approached the business with the same precision and care he applied to aircraft maintenance—personally servicing all of the dry-cleaning equipment. His innovative spirit didn’t stop there: he introduced Tulsa’s first pick-up-and-delivery service using the family van, a move that would set Fox Cleaners apart for years to come.
Raised in Western Kansas, Tim embodied values that would define the business: hard work, integrity, and a deep commitment to family and community. These principles formed the foundation of a thriving enterprise that still holds to the same ideals today.
A Legacy Continued: Maggie Fox’s Journey
When Tim Fox passed away in 2007, Maggie Fox retained a portion of the company’s ownership and, in 2016, took a leap of faith by purchasing the remaining shares. With the support of her husband, Dean, and guidance from trusted mentors, Maggie embraced the challenge of leading Fox Cleaners. “Everything in my bones told me it was the right thing to do for me and my family,” she recalls. “Fox Cleaners has phenomenal employees with decades of experience. They have graciously welcomed me and are patiently working with me to understand all aspects of the business.”
Under Maggie’s leadership, Fox Cleaners has maintained the same attention to quality and service that customers have come to expect. The company continues to thrive by listening closely to customer feedback and ensuring that every interaction—from storefront visits to new digital services—is tailored to their needs. This dedication to excellence has earned Fox Cleaners numerous accolades and industry certifications that highlight their commitment to quality and sustainability.
Fox Cleaners is certified as one of America’s Best Cleaners, a prestigious accreditation that recognizes the highest standards of garment care, customer service, and professionalism. It is also Green Business Benchmark certified, reflecting a commitment to environmentally friendly practices. Additionally, Fox Cleaners is a proud member of the Association of Wedding Gown Specialists, an organization dedicated to the expert cleaning, preservation, and restoration of wedding gowns and other fine garments.
Maggie’s focus on eco-consciousness, convenience, and a high-end customer experience further sets Fox Cleaners apart.
Navigating Challenges and Innovating for the Future
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Fox Cleaners faced one of its most difficult decisions: they closed four of its five locations and shifted to a pick-up-and-delivery model.
For Maggie, it was a time of intense learning. She had to adapt quickly to new operational challenges and saw the opportunity to reimagine the company’s future. As part of the transition, she doubled down on building a strong team culture and raising quality standards, ensuring that every garment cleaned by Fox Cleaners met the highest levels of excellence.
One of the hallmarks of Fox Cleaners’ success is its ability to balance time-tested traditions with forward-thinking innovation. While customers still value the personal, face-to-face connections central to the business from the beginning, new generations also appreciate the convenience of services like the Fox Cleaners app, kiosks, and an updated website.
Maggie has led these efforts with a clear vision, providing options that meet the changing needs of a diverse customer base. “What has made Fox Cleaners so successful is the one-on-one connection with customers,” she explains. “We give them the choice to come into the store, talk to our staff, or use the technology available. That balance is key to maintaining trust while adapting to the times.”
Giving Back to the Tulsa Community
Beyond serving customers, Fox Cleaners has remained deeply involved in the Tulsa community. Campaigns like the Dress for Success EmpowerWear initiative and support for local soccer clubs highlight the company’s commitment to making a difference. As Maggie puts it, being “stewards of the community” means delivering exceptional service and giving back in meaningful ways.
Looking ahead, Maggie envisions expanding Fox Cleaners’ community impact, particularly within Tulsa’s growing Hispanic community. She hopes to involve employees in these efforts, fostering a sense of pride and connection that extends beyond the workplace.
Pride in Employees and a Vision for the Future
For Maggie, the greatest achievements aren’t just measured by business milestones—they’re reflected in the personal growth and success of Fox Cleaners’ employees.
She takes immense pride in supporting team members as they achieve their goals, whether that’s advancing in their careers, pursuing citizenship, or making meaningful contributions to their communities.
As Fox Cleaners celebrates 41 years, Maggie remains focused on the company’s core values: providing exceptional service, investing in her staff, and remaining a positive force in the Tulsa community.
These guiding principles, rooted in Tim Fox’s legacy and carried forward with Maggie’s leadership, continue to define Fox Cleaners as a business that stands for more than clean clothes. It’s a business that stands for family, integrity, and the enduring power of community.
We’d love to hear your favorite memory of being a Fox customer. Leave us a reply!
