Sergio Rios bought Bob’s Cleaners on 23rd Street in 1986. One year later, he decided to go green. Rios transformed the business from dry to wet cleaning, which allowed him to use biodegradable soap, rather than the conventional chemicals needed for dry cleaning. Rios purchased energy efficient machines and switched out the light fixtures and toilets to match green standards.
Rios, who also serves as the vice president for the 23rd Street Merchant’s Association, hopes improvements on 23rd Street will benefit Richmond’s Hispanic community as a whole.
Rios, 47, immigrated from Mexico in 1979. He now lives in Richmond with his family.
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