Small Town, Big Opportunities:
Are you thinking about buying your first laundromat, or looking for ways to level up your existing laundry business? Look no further! Fresh insights are straight from Aaron Hopson’s story on the Laundromat Resource Podcast (Show 213), where he shares practical, actionable strategies that work for small towns and big cities alike.
Below are his key takeaways—each tip comes with hands-on advice to help you take charge of your laundromat journey.
1. Establish a Powerful “Why” for Your Business
Why it matters:
Without a clear sense of purpose, it’s easy to lose focus, get distracted, or quit when things get tough. Aaron stressed the importance of knowing your “why”—the reason behind your efforts.
How to apply it:
Reflect deeply on your motivations. Is it building a legacy, time freedom, generational wealth, service to others, or something else?
Write it down and revisit it often. Your “why” needs to be big enough to push you through setbacks.
Share this vision with your team and family to create buy-in.
2. Maximize Your Time with Intentional Habits
Why it matters:
We all have 24 hours, but how you use that time makes all the difference. Aaron’s success comes in large part from intentional routines—getting up early, prioritizing what matters, and removing time-wasters.
How to apply it:
Audit your typical day. Identify and eliminate “doom scrolling,” unnecessary TV, or other distractions.
Build a morning routine—Aaron’s includes reading, journaling, and working out.
Use productivity tools like time blocking or Covey’s time quadrants to keep yourself on track.
3. Default to Action—Don’t Wait for Perfection
Why it matters:
Success doesn’t come from endless learning or waiting for the perfect moment. Aaron emphasizes acting on opportunities even when you don’t have every detail figured out.
How to apply it:
When you see a potential deal, take steps to investigate or express your interest immediately.
Make calls, visit locations, network with owners, and let people know you’re interested in buying.
Progress beats perfection. Learn what you can, but don’t let fear of mistakes stop you from moving forward.
4. Leverage Local Knowledge & Relationships
Why it matters:
Particularly in small towns (but also in larger communities), tapping into your network and local resources can open doors that listing sites never will.
How to apply it:
Drive your community to spot underutilized laundromats or faded “For Sale” signs.
Use your county auditor’s website or property records to research local owners.
Reach out with genuine interest and a community-first mindset—retiring owners may want to leave their legacy in good hands.
5. Start Small—Get One Asset and Let Momentum Build
Why it matters:
Owning just one property or laundromat can lead to more opportunities. Aaron’s real estate and laundromat journey shows how doors begin to open once you establish a track record.
How to apply it:
Focus on acquiring your first laundromat, even if it’s not your “dream” location.
Use small wins as proof to lenders and future sellers of your credibility.
Leverage your initial business for financing or for creative deal-making on the next acquisition.
6. Get Creative with Financing
Why it matters:
You don’t always need piles of cash to acquire a laundromat. Aaron started by selling personal assets (his beloved Harley) and wasn’t afraid to borrow from family—with a professional agreement. He also mastered techniques like seller financing when banks balked.
How to apply it:
Identify personal assets you could liquidate or downgrade for a down payment.
Consider asking relatives or friends for a loan—but pay interest and formalize the agreement.
Propose seller financing, lease-to-own, or delayed purchase options to sellers.
Search for local investors who want to partner on cash-flowing businesses.
7. Combine Multiple Revenue Streams
Why it matters:
Aaron maximizes every property: he uses laundromats to support his rentals, integrates dry cleaning and wash-dry-fold, and utilizes each location as multipurpose. This increases revenue per square foot and improves resilience.
How to apply it:
If you own rentals, direct tenants to your laundromat—maybe offer incentives.
Add drop-off, delivery, or vending services to your location.
Partner with nearby businesses for cross-promotion or additional services (dry cleaning, tailoring, etc.).
8. Bet on Yourself—Embrace Risk and Learn as You Go
Why it matters:
Confidence grows from action. Both Aaron and host Jordan Berry affirm: you don’t need to know everything before you start. Experience is gained through doing.
How to apply it:
Accept that nerves and uncertainty are part of the process.
Find mentors, join owner communities, and study industry resources (like Laundromat Resource!).
Take the leap, knowing you’ll make mistakes—and that’s where the real learning happens.
9. Invest in Your Leadership & Mindset
Why it matters:
Aaron attributes much of his resilience to reading, ongoing learning, and working on his leadership skills—not just technical “how-to” info. Mindset separates those who thrive from those who quit.
How to apply it:
Read both “how-to” and personal development books (start with “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” or “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”).
Attend conferences, workshops, and local meetups.
Reflect on your failures as learning tools—not as reasons to quit.
10. Put Community First for Long-Term Success
Why it matters:
Reputation and relationships matter in the laundromat industry—people prefer businesses that give back and connect locally.
How to apply it:
Support local events, charities, and schools.
Get to know your customers personally—ask for feedback and implement improvements.
Treat your business as part of the community fabric, not just a profit center.
Final Thoughts
Buying or growing a laundromat business is a life-changing move—one that creates financial opportunities and impacts entire communities. Use these proven tips to guide your path, take one action today, and keep moving forward. For more inspiration and practical industry advice, don’t forget to check out the Laundromat Resource Podcast and keep learning from the best in the business!
Interested in more marketing ideas, networking, or next-level events?
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Implement just a few of these tips, and you’ll see measurable improvements in your customer traffic, retention, and profits—whether you’re buying your first laundromat or running your twentieth!
