Swanson's Cleaners, Davis

Once upon a time, Swanson's Cleaners technicians would begin their days by firing up irons, stirring starches, and strapping on roller skates. The business was once one of the largest dry-cleaning facilities west of the Mississippi, the epicenter of Salvin Swanson's vast dry-cleaning empire—an empire packed with Sacramento's laundry, even the chain mail of its knights. To get the job of all this weighty laundry done, staffers needed their own wheels, plus wheels for their hampers.

Now helmed by the third generation of Swansons, the business has grown to 15 locations. In these locations, the team launders and dry-cleans garments with the eco-friendly Revive system, which uses a gentle, odorless, and antibacterial solution made from organic ingredients. Ever mindful of the earth and the community, Swanson's Cleaners recycles its hangers and plastic bags and has collected more than 27,000 coats for local children in need through its Coats for Kids program.