Moon, owner of Moon's Best Dry Cleaners, immigrated to the United States from Seoul, South Korea in 1988. When he arrived, he worked at other dry cleaning shops and learned the trade. After only one year in the country, he was able to open his first store on Branham Lane.

The key to Moon's success as an entrepreneur is simple: hard work. He works from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day and said he enjoys it.

"Working is my second god," he said. "That's my philosophy."

Because Moon keeps his stores open from early morning until late evening, he said he attracts busy and time-crunched customers who appreciate his hours and service. He attracted such a loyal following that he now owns four stores throughout San Jose. The Willow Glen location opened two years ago.

Finding success has not stopped Moon from finding time to give back to the community. And schools are one of the primary recipients of the businessman's generosity.

"The schools are ours," he said. "They have no money, no budget. We need to support our schools."

The public education system holds a special place in his heart, Moon said. His three sons—James, John and David—all graduated from Leland High School and were members of the football team. Securing opportunities for his sons' future was one of the primary factors that led Moon to leave his homeland for a foreign country.

"People who emigrate to America want to bring their children here to study," he said. "They want them to have a better life—the American dream. There is better teaching and education here. I came here for my children's education."

Now that his sons have all graduated from high school and college, Moon said he wants to see other people's children receive a good education. He frequently contributes money to local high schools, including Willow Glen High School.

For the past two years, Moon and his friend Frank Oliver, who owns Vivid Estates in Campbell, have organized a golf tournament fundraiser at Boulder Ridge Golf Course to raise money for public schools. Both business owners gather their clients and colleagues to enjoy a round of golf for a good cause. Last year, they raised $1,000 each for Leland and Pioneer high schools. Next year, they are aiming for a new goal, and plan to donate the proceeds to Willow Glen and Leigh high schools.

Recently, Moon reached out to students beyond the high school level. After Bertie Wilson, a client of his dry cleaning business and a Metropolitan Education Adult English as a Second Language teacher, asked Moon if her class could pay a visit to his store, Moon gave recent immigrants something to which they could aspire.

"I wanted the students to get ideas about what a successful business looks like," Wilson said. "And Mr. Moon is my personal cleaner. I have gone to him for years. I am impressed with his business, and he provides excellent customer service."

Moon said that, as an immigrant, he can especially relate to the struggles new arrivals in the country face.

"I told them that when I came here I was scared. I didn't know English," he said. "I wanted to encourage them, and show them how successfully immigrants can live. And I told them, 'You are an American. You have to learn English. Without language, our ability becomes halved."

Moon's Best Dry Cleaners is located at 1275 Lincoln Ave. For more information 408.287.7778.