Others Come and Go, Braintree Cleaners Holds Fast

, at 95 Grove St., was started from scratch in a tough economy 19 years ago by Charles and Denise Kokoros. "It was a big risk for us," Kokoros said, "We're the poster child" for entrepreneurs.

Service began as a simple store front, but, putting his business administration degree to use, along with a lot of hard work, Kokoros soon brought the dry cleaning in-house and established a number of pickup routes.

Kokoros, who is also a member of the town council, credits quality service and commitment to customers as the keys to his business's success and longevity.

"Dry cleaning is a personal business," Kokoros said. "You know when your customers have children, get married, christen their children, and pass away -- all through their clothes."

Braintree Cleaners has run a long-standing special -- $9.99 for a two-piece suit. It's one way to help customers in another tough economy. Each member of the staff knows how to pin garments for alteration, so that service can be completed quicker.

They also do a large volume of wedding gowns. Along with leather and suede, such specialized work is outsourced to the industry experts.

A Braintree native, Kokoros and his family now live in the house he grew up in, and he enjoys the way things have come full circle. It was important to him to stay here.

"It's something special," he said. "Anyone growing up in Braintree knows what I'm talking about."

"The name Braintree Cleaners was available, and that's who we are," Kokoros said, adding that he made sure they got the older '"843" exchange and used blue and white in their signage and advertising.

"It's been a wonderful journey and I learned so much –- how much good there is," he said. "People are kind and generous."

Kokoros has been a familiar face in town politics as well. "I had a strong desire to be involved in local government," he said. Now councilor in district one, Kokoros has also served on several other boards.

Small business is the heart and soul of a community, he said. "You have to give back."

Braintree Cleaners has sponsored numerous softball teams and leagues since 1994. The walls are covered with plaques, and the front window showcases a collection of team trophies.

"Braintree is a good place for a small business owner," Kokoros said.