146. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!

The Laundromat Resource Podcast

Welcome back to the Laundromat Resource podcast, I'm your host Jordan Berry, and you're tuning into episode 146! Today, we dive into the world of laundromat entrepreneurship with two very special guests—Ryan Foster, the passionate owner of Friendly City Laundry based just south of Tampa, Florida, and Carly Crockett of Lemon Squeezy Laundry, who brings a wealth of knowledge from starting her business right in her garage.
They'll be sharing their unique journeys, filled with ups and downs, as they've navigated the challenges of the laundry business. Ryan, balancing his role as a firefighter and paramedic, will recount how he strategically upgraded and added security to his first laundromat leading to appreciable neighborhood approval, while Carly will give insights into testing the viability of her pick-up and delivery service and the subsequent transition to working with Ryan in a proper laundromat space.
Stick around to hear the tips they've got for future laundromat operators about due diligence and the significance of location selection, as well as their take on scaling businesses, tackling intense Florida lockdowns, and even the lighter moments, like struggling with sliding glass doors. It's set to be an episode full of compelling stories and valuable takeaways as we uncover the success secrets behind running a thriving laundromat business! Let's get started.
In this episode, Jordan, Ryan and Carly discuss:
00:00 Changed career to fireman, started vending business.
07:41 Took over second garage, set up laundry.
13:18 Verifying network vouched for his financial claims.
18:14 Dad passed away, multiple shopping centers in Tampa.
25:50 Overcoming challenges to acquire and improve business.
28:21 Delayed sale, unexpected timing, unforeseen global impact.
36:29 Slow start, then picked up with COVID recovery.
39:50 Build momentum, satisfy clients, grow through recommendations.
48:34 Building was a complete dump, not profitable.
53:09 Successful partnership between us, a Tampa-based business.
55:00 Carly and I have mutual trust.
01:02:47 Customers impatient, struggle with new sliding door.
01:09:32 Letter of agreement, amendments, 90-day trial.
01:10:02 Focusing on self serve, business startup struggles.
01:17:08 Customers self-serve, no issues with full cycle.
01:24:27 Grateful for support, hyper-focused on business.
01:27:24 Starting a business takes time, effort, and skills.
01:33:19 Emphasize thorough research, learning, and immersion.
01:37:53 "Awesome advice, unique success stories. Story continues."
Show Notes-
https://laundromatresource.com/show146

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