Jeff Kent took over his family’s business, Swan Cleaners, in 1987. His grandfather started the business with just $600 in 1929 and the company was handed down to two more generations.
Like many family businesses, many of the staff are related, even into the last week Kent’s father and grandmother have been working to wind down something more than a business, a family legacy.
Things have changed since 1929, and even since Kent took the helm he’s seen his industry slowly shrinking. Today most workplaces have adopted the business casual style of dress, and shoppers are more inclined to select garments they can clean at home. The days when most people wore suits and dresses every day are long gone, and yet at the same time the cost of the dry cleaning business has gone up. Increasing government regulation has added to the bottom line at a most inopportune time.
In 1987 there were 15 dry cleaning companies in Mansfield, last week there are four, and this week the number drops to three. After 85 years the family is closing the doors not only on their business, but countless memories as well.
Kent received his first paycheck when he was four, and he remembers growing up in the business. As a school-aged boy he remembers his grandfather sending him down the street to the hardware store. While many boys bond with their father while fixing cars, Kent was learning to fix commercial washers on evenings and weekends. In fact the family always did their own maintenance.
While his dad taught him the mechanics, his mother taught him the finances, and his grandmother instilled sales savvy and heart. Each new customer would get a handwritten postcard from Mrs. Swan and every Christmas she gave countless bottles of wine as gifts to friends and customers.
Kent continued that tradition of generosity through countless donations to nonprofits and his own volunteer efforts. The employees at Swan Cleaners were always like family to the Kents and Jeff has been overwhelmed by their support during this transition.
“My employees have been beyond belief,” said Kent, who described many tearful goodbyes in the lobby this week.
The Mansfield community has been saddened by the news of the closure. Within an hour of the announcement Kent had 42 voice mail messages, all lamenting the loss of Swans and wishing him well.
People began posting pictures of their last Swan Cleaners pick up on Facebook, and some have brought in greeting cards or sent emails. “It’s been overwhelming,” said Kent, “everyone has been so kind and supportive.”
Swan Cleaners officially closed at 5:30 Friday. The Kent family and some employees will work for a few more weeks to return remaining articles and wind down the business.
