Margaret’s Earns the Family-Owned Business Award For Best Medium-Sized
Family-Owned Business

Presented by San Diego Business Journal & University of San Diego

The husband and wife team of John and Barbara Horst purchased Margaret’s Cleaners in 1987 after successfully owning their own dry cleaning business for 34 years in Youngstown, Ohio. Almost 20 years later, two generations are currently involved in the company, which includes the sons of John and Barbara. Chuck Horst is the President while Scott Horst, who joined the firm in 2003, serves as Sales Director. Carl Horst, John’s brother, serves as the Vice President of Operations.

Scott and Chuck are the fourth generation of the Horst family to run a dry cleaning business. Owners, John and Barbara, currently are involved with the business. John serves as Chairman of the Board and Barbara serves as the Controller. In addition to the family employees, Margaret’s Cleaners employs more than 70 people, growing from four employees since 1987 and to the third largest couture cleaner in the nation.

More About the Award...

On December 14, 2006, the San Diego Business Journal partnered with the University of San Diego's Family Business Forum to present awards to six of the region's outstanding family-owned businesses. Sponsored by Union Bank of California for the sixth consecutive year, the event recognizes family businesses in the categories of Small (less than 50 employees), Medium (51 to 250 employees), Large (more than 250 employees), Emerging (an up-and-coming family-owned business), Longevity (a firm that has succeeded over many generations), and Community Action (family firm that has shown great dedication and commitment to the community it serves).

The event was the culmination of months of work. A call for nominations went out in late September and family businesses from around the county applied for this prestigious award. Nominations were received and reviewed by an independent panel of judges, and from that group, the six winners were selected.

Each of the honorees has contributed greatly to the San Diego economy and proved that family-owned firms not only survive, but also thrive in this community. Together with the University of San Diego, Union Bank, and co-sponsors Accountemps, American Express, Luce forward, Regents Bank and Vistage, the Business Journal salutes the commitment of these firms to their families and San Diego.