Cranston entrepreneurs Ruben Ogando & Alba Baez grew their business with support from the RISBDC.  

They arrived in Rhode Island over 10 years ago in pursuit of the American Dream; he from the Dominican Republic and she from Puerto Rico. Ruben and his brother started Reymond’s Brother Tailor Shop in 1990.  After his brother passed away in 2012, he continued with the tailor shop.  Alba started working part time with him (she is a full time nurse) and moved the shop to its current location on Cranston Street.  

Ruben and Alba were presented with the opportunity to expand   their tailor shop by buying the adjacent laundromat. They came to the RISBDC for help in developing a business plan and financial projections to secure financing for their acquisition.

With help from Manuel Batlle, RISBDC bilingual business counselor, the clients were able to secure a loan from the Providence Economic Development Partnership to purchase the laundromat and expand their business. Ruben and Alba are also investing personal funds to acquire additional washers and dryers to support the growing needs of the local rental community. The business raised $45,000 in capital and created 3 jobs.                                                                                                                                                               

“We are extremely satisfied with the help from the SBDC.  It was smooth sailing from start to finish!”

           —Ruben Ogando

—Alba Baez

Reymond’s Brother Tailor Shop & Laundromat

211 Cranston Street

Providence, RI  02907

West End

401.497.0952