NJP (Nice Jewish Person) Sammy Dubin

Each month, The Well highlights an amazing (and eligible!) individual.
This month, we have a conversation with NJP Sammy Dubin!

TW: How did you decide to come back to Detroit after school?

S: I was originally going into broadcast journalism as a TV news reporter. It wasn’t until my senior year of undergrad that I realized I had a great family business waiting for me back at home that I was excited to be a part of. And the best part is that as the director of sales and marketing, I’m able to use the skills I acquired in school and at various internships in my marketing and public relations work for our business. I love the metro Detroit community - it’s truly inspiring. I would not want to live anywhere else. Metro Detroit is home.

TW: What's it like being part of a family business?

S: I love it. It’s great to interact with my parents on a daily basis and be able to grow Dubin Cleaners & Laundry as a family. We try to keep discussions related to business at the store and personal outside of the store. (Doesn’t always work out that way.) I’m proud to be the 4th generation in the business and excited to carry on a great legacy.

TW: Tell us a bit about the Dubin Cleaners' Winter Warmth Campaign -- how did it get started? How does it work / who does it help?

S: Sure. We believe strongly in giving back to the community. We saw a dire problem in the Detroit area of people needing warm clothes in the cold months. We wanted to act and saw collecting warm clothes (and, of course, cleaning them!) and donating them to those in need was a great and logical way to give back. This year is our 5th annual Winter Warmth Campaign and it’s bigger than ever. We have two beneficiaries that we work with and donate the clothes to: Project Healthy Community and the National Council of Jewish Women -- two wonderful organizations.

TW: What is the Jewish community missing?

S: Outreach to Jewish LGBT young adults -- and it’s my mission to help change that. Right now, through NEXTGen Detroit, I’m spearheading the creation of programming aimed at connecting with the Jewish LGBT community in metro Detroit. If we’re going to be inclusive in the Detroit Jewish community, that means inclusivity of all demographics.

TW: Where would you most like to travel to that you haven't visited?

S: Cuba. I’ve always been fascinated by the country and the throwback to virtually the 1950s. From the old cars, to the seemingly non-existent modern technology, I’d like to get there before the culture gets more ‘Americanized’ as a result of fewer U.S. restrictions.

TW: What's your favorite Jewish holiday and why?

S: I’d have to go with Passover. I love the story of Passover and the reason behind why we keep Passover in our diets. The sense of renewal that Spring brings that time of year makes Passover that much more special.

TW: If you could add an 11th commandment what would it be?

S: Though shall not take life for granted.

TW: How about a fun fact?

S: Right after this interview, I’m getting ready to go to Israel for my second visit! I can’t wait to experience Israel on Birthright with so many great people on the Detroit Community Birthright trip!

TW: Finish the sentence: When I go to The Well...

S: I’m always encouraged to think deeper than I ordinarily would. The discussions that take place and the wide array of viewpoints allow me to delve into my own viewpoints and consider different ones from some great people.