Fifth Street Cleaners: A Clean Start

FIFTH STREET CLEANERS

Starting the New Year with a Clean Start

story by Rebecca Stewart

These days, it isn’t common to hear of a 75-year-old family-owned business. The dedication from not only the original generation, but also from the generations to follow involves passion, determination, and prayer. Dick Coker, owner of Fifth Street Cleaners in Hartsville, has gladly accepted the position handed down to him from his father, Dan Hollis Coker, and grandfather, James Reaves Coker. Even before these generations of Fifth Street Cleaners began, Dick’s great grandfather, Dan Hollis, also had a knack for offering superior customer service and freshly pressed clothing while running a cleaners in Rock Hill, South Carolina, in the early 1900s. The cleaning expertise certainly runs in this family’s blood. Dick spent much of his childhood running amongst the many lines of hanging garments at Fifth Street Cleaners before he began helping at the business as a youth. After graduating from Clemson University and working in the textile industry, Dick returned to Hartsville in 1994 to continue his career under his father’s leadership.

Dick includes, “I truly believe that God has blessed this business in so many ways, including bringing Traci at a time when our business could be handed over and continue operating and serving Hartsville.” As Traci steps takes on Fifth Street Cleaners, her plans will be to continue having the clothes go out looking as if they were just purchased. She says, “When you run a business like Dick has, there isn’t a lot you have to change.”

Over the years, Dick has had the pleasure of building lasting relationships with customers as well as employees. Rose Marie Colclough has worked for Fifth Street Cleaners for more than 58 years, the only job she’s ever had, and shares fond memories of Dick’s elders and even him as a small child. “This family has become my family,” she says. “Every generation has treated me with kindness and respect, making this the only job I ever wanted to have.” Another long-term employee is Alta Mae Lee who started with the company in her teens, left to pursue a 30-year career, and came back after retiring. Based off of the company’s employee retention, it’s safe to say they are loved by not only their customers, but also their associates. Long-term employee and Hartsville native, Traci Teal, also values the family that began Fifth Street Cleaners. Traci sought employment at Fifth Street Cleaners when her and her family faced a significant life change. She wanted to work for Dick because she knew “of his reputation as an employer, his keen eye for quality, and his integrity.” She says, “I knew he would be great to work for.” She eventually had the opportunity to change employment, but consistently wanted to stay. Time led to a conversation between her and Dick about transitioning the business from his ownership to hers. “It was more of a what if, but the seed was planted,” Traci says. As the next few weeks went by, Dick and Traci became more serious about the idea. “Traci is exactly the type of person that I know my grandfather and father would approve,” says Dick. While this may be factual, handing over ownership of a family business can still be quite the decision. However, over the years Dick has seen first hand how Traci loves the customers, associates, and Hartsville just as much as he does. It became a no brainer to offer it to her. After reaching a well deserved agreement, this New Year Traci will celebrate taking over ownership of Fifth Street Cleaners.

left to right: Alta Mae Lee, Traci Teal & Rose Marie Colclough

Dick includes, “I truly believe that God has blessed this business in so many ways, including bringing Traci at a time when our business could be handed over and continue operating and serving Hartsville.” As Traci takes on Fifth Street Cleaners, her plans will be to continue having the clothes go out looking as if they were just purchased. She says, “When you run a business like Dick has, there isn’t a lot you have to change.” Her goal will be to continue to obtain the strong ties with the community that the generations before her did. Dick will continue mentoring Traci. He would like to thank the community for allowing he and his family to serve them over the years. “My fondest memories are definitely the relationships I developed over the past years with my parents’ dear friends and their children,” he says. Traci looks forward to continuing their top notch cleaning traditions for many years to come!

FIFTH STREET CLEANERS 508 S. 5th St, Hartsville • 843.332.6482