RICHMOND, Va. — Puritan Cleaners President Gary Glover recently retired after 42 years with the company.

Glover took over leadership of Puritan, which employs 180 people at its 13 locations in the Greater Richmond area, in 1984 from his father, Ed Glover.

Gary Glover represents the third generation to lead the family business, originally founded as Progressive Cleaners by his grandfather in 1937. 

“I am extremely proud of the legacy of Puritan Cleaners, and of every member of our Puritan family,” Glover says. “I am especially grateful for the important role that Puritan Cleaners plays in the Richmond community.”

The company has operated its Coats for Kids program since 1988 and is a legacy contributor to Feed More through Puritan Cleaners’ 100K Meals program. 

Glover sold Puritan to a Richmond-based investment firm. He will remain an executive adviser to the company, and Norman Way, vice president of Puritan Cleaners, will maintain operational leadership of the business. Way has been instrumental to its growth and success for 22 years, the company reports. 

“The entire team at Puritan Cleaners is happy for Gary and his wife, Petra,” Way says. “We will keep building upon the hard work and devotion to community that began with the careful stewardship of Gary and his family. We expect Gary and Petra to return in 12 years for Puritan’s 100th anniversary. We know they will be proud of our continued success and growing role in Richmond.” 

As part of the transition, Robert Downey will join the Puritan Cleaners team as executive vice president of business development. He is a graduate of West Point and served as an infantry officer in the 75th Ranger Regiment. Most recently, he was general manager of Pyramid Roofing. 

“Puritan Cleaners is an exceptional company,” Downey says. “I am proud and excited to be joining this amazing team. I look forward to contributing to Puritan’s important work and legacy.”