Decades Ago an Immigrant Employee and Now a Business Owner

When Alfonso Patino was hired at Discount Cleaners as a laundry assistant, he never imagined that decades later, he would become the premise owner. His story is a powerful example of how seizing unexpected opportunities can lead to life-changing success.

“As an immigrant from Mexico I thought that I was destined to always be the employee,” said Patino. But it changed recently when his former bosses saw themselves in the urgency to close the facility permanently due to mismanagement and inconsistent cash flow. But for Patino, it represented the opportunity that would transform his life forever; he acquired the dry cleaner and became the first person in his family to ever own a business in the United States.

Patino’s journey from an immigrant employee to a business owner is a testament to resilience and ambition. “My top priorities are to provide excellent customer service and to generate employment,” he said, reflecting on his commitment to both his community and his new role as a business owner.