7 Essential Tips for Buying and Growing a Successful Laundromat: Lessons from Podcast Show 220

If you’re thinking about buying a laundromat or looking to level up your current business, the latest episode of the Laundromat Resource Podcast (#220) is packed with actionable advice and hard-earned wisdom. Host Jordan Berry and guest Roch “Jean” Dumas (owner of Laundry and Latte) pull back the curtain on the real journey—from vision to acquisition to rapid growth.

Here are the main takeaways, formatted as practical tips, with detailed applications for both aspiring buyers and current laundromat owners:

1. Identify Your Unique Vision—And Stick To It

Takeaway:
Success starts with clarity. Jean’s journey began with a unique concept: a laundromat that doubles as a coffee shop (Laundry and Latte). He didn’t just want to buy any laundromat; he wanted to create a space aligned with his passions and values.

How to Apply:
Before diving into listings, ask yourself: What do I want my laundromat to be? Maybe it’s a high-tech, contactless haven, or a community space with a play area for families. Write down your vision, prioritize elements you’re not willing to compromise on, and let this guide every decision—from location to layout to services offered. A clear vision will keep you focused when challenges arise.

2. Understand the Importance of Community and Customer Experience

Takeaway:
Jean and Jordan emphasized that laundromats are “community businesses.” Jean’s desire to bring people together was the driving force behind his concept.

How to Apply:
Whether you’re buying or improving a store, find ways to make your laundromat a positive part of the neighborhood. This could mean friendly staff, immaculate cleanliness, offering free WiFi, or hosting local events. Visit competing laundromats as a “mystery shopper” to identify what’s missing in your market. Small investments in community engagement can lead to loyal repeat customers.

3. Do Extensive On-the-Ground Research

Takeaway:
Jean didn’t just look at numbers—he physically visited 50 to 100 laundromats to understand the market. He noted which were dirty, underperforming, or had add-on businesses.

How to Apply:
Don’t buy a laundromat sight unseen or based solely on broker summaries. Spend time in local stores at different times of day. Talk to customers, observe traffic patterns, and ask yourself: “What would make this experience better?” This “boots-on-the-ground” research will uncover hidden opportunities and pitfalls.

4. Get Involved in the Laundromat Community

Takeaway:
Jean’s networking at industry events and forums provided invaluable connections and knowledge. He credits events like Laundry CEO Forum for revealing deal opportunities and ongoing peer support.

How to Apply:
Find and actively participate in laundromat owner groups, forums, local meetups, and workshops (both online and in-person). Reach out to experienced owners to ask questions and build relationships—you’ll learn more from real conversations than from just reading articles or listening to podcasts.

5. Be Persistent and Creative in Sourcing Deals

Takeaway:
In a hot market like New York City, Jean’s deal wasn’t found on a generic listing site. Instead, he mixed strategies: sending letters, making in-person visits, and directly talking with owners. The laundromat he bought wasn’t even officially for sale!

How to Apply:
Go beyond the listings. After defining your target area, identify laundromats that fit your vision—even if they’re not advertised for sale. Send letters, but don’t stop there: knock on doors and introduce yourself. Persistence, creativity, and a willingness to build relationships often unlock deals before they hit the market.

6. Know How to Evaluate & Negotiate for Value (Not Just Price)

Takeaway:
Jean was open about the messy deal-making process: limited financials, old-school owners, minimal documentation. The focus wasn’t just on cut-and-dried price multiples, but on the potential of the location for his vision.

How to Apply:
Yes, run the numbers—but also see beyond them. If a store is rundown but in a prime location with untapped potential, it may be worth paying a bit more—if you’re confident you can execute your vision. When negotiating, be flexible, willing to meet in the middle, and ready to make the first offer if needed. Consult with industry-savvy advisors to assess risk, especially in deals involving “zombie” (underperforming) laundromats.

7. Invest in Transformation—And Track Growth Relentlessly

Takeaway:
Jean quickly renovated his store, introduced a modern payment system, and doubled his self-service business in three months. The addition of the café brought new customers and press attention, even if it wasn’t initially a major revenue driver.

How to Apply:
When you take over a store, don’t settle for “business as usual.” Invest in cleanliness, fresh décor, staff retraining, and new technology like card-based machines. These upgrades improve both customer experience and operational efficiency. Then, monitor results closely (e.g., foot traffic, payment data, revenue per machine), and be prepared to iterate quickly. Seek PR opportunities as your improvements generate local interest.

Final Thoughts

Jean’s story is a powerful case study on how vision, strategy, persistence, and community all combine for laundromat success. Whether you’re hunting for your first store or looking to reinvent your existing business, these tips will help you build a laundromat that stands out—and scales up.

Get Inspired—Connect with Other Owners!
Take Jean’s advice and build your network. If you’re in the Brooklyn area, drop by Laundry and Latte for fresh coffee (and take note of what makes the store special). Otherwise, get active in laundromat owner communities online or at in-person events. Learning from peers is often the fastest way to success.

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For more insights, tools, and actionable advice, check out the full episode at LaundromatResource.com and browse our archive of podcast interviews where pros share what works—and what doesn’t—in the laundromat industry.

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