For Lambros A. Svingos business became a way of life when he took over the family hat cleaning/blocking and shoe shine business at the age of 19.
After returning from the U.S. Navy, where he served as a gunners mate until his honorable discharge in 1946, Svingos attended and graduated from the Huntington School of Business. One of Svingos' greatest accomplishments is making Victor's Hat Shop and Riggs Dry Cleaners, with more than 80 years of service, the oldest continuously run family business in the city.
In addition to running a successful business. Svingos became a pillar of the community. He served as chapter president, district governor and supreme governor of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association. An active board member of the St. George Greek Orthodox Church, he served as church president, choir director, and was instrumental in numerous church activities.
Svingos, who also was a big supporter of Marshall University, was a Big Green member for 15 years. He was a member of the American Legion and the V.F.W. In 1985, he was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel by Governor Martha Layne Collins.
