Lessons from Episode 225 of the Laundromat Resource Podcast: Growing and Thriving in the Laundry Business
Episode 225 of the Laundromat Resource Podcast, featuring Jordan Berry as host and Kentucky laundry legends Kelli Reed and Joe Dan Reed, offers a deep dive into not just the nuts and bolts of running a successful laundromat business, but also the entrepreneurial principles, operational tactics, and mindsets that set them apart. Below, I’ve highlighted the five most impactful lessons drawn directly from the interview, including practical action steps for laundry business owners and professionals to apply in their own journeys.
1. Embrace Action Over Perfection & Learn by Doing
Key Takeaway:
One of the most powerful themes is the value of being a doer, not just a thinker. Kelli Reed and Joe Dan Reed share how many aspiring entrepreneurs endlessly analyze decisions, paralyzed by potential pitfalls, while others simply take action, learning and adapting along the way. They built their empire from scratch, making bold moves even before they had all the answers—but always willing to adapt, learn, and persevere.
Impact:
For laundry professionals, the urge to wait for perfect conditions or the ideal business plan can cause missed opportunities. The business landscape—whether laundromats or OPL pickup and delivery—is dynamic, and action will always outperform indecision.
Action Steps:
Start Small, but Start: Don’t wait for the perfect business model; launch with what you have and learn as you go. As
Jordan Berry
noted, the “learn while doing” approach is a turbocharger for growth.
Develop Resilience to Failure: Accept that mistakes will happen. Treat failures as tuition for your entrepreneurial education, not as dead-ends.
Document What Works: As you test and learn, keep records of wins and failures. This becomes your personalized playbook for growth.
2. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Efficient Operations and Automation
Key Takeaway:
The Reeds emphasized how automation—from route management software to folding machines and ironers—has been transformational, allowing them to scale both their laundromats and OPL businesses. Technology isn’t about eliminating staff; it’s about increasing productivity, uniformity, and employee retention by easing workloads.
Impact:
The laundry business has rapidly shifted in the past 5-10 years. Those who lag behind, clinging to legacy tools or methods, will lose out to operators leveraging the latest tech stack, whether coinless payment systems, route optimization software, or equipment for bulk processing and folding.
Action Steps:
Audit Existing Processes: List out every operational step, then ask: Where am I using manual labor where automation is available? Is my payment processing system slowing customers or causing frustration?
Learn What’s Out There: Attend industry expos (like the Clean Show), subscribe to supplier newsletters, and engage with mastermind groups to stay up-to-date on new tech.
Test and Invest: Pilot one automation upgrade at a time. For instance, trial route management software, or add a folding machine to one location before rolling out system-wide.
3. Customer Experience is Everything—Invest in Your Facilities
Key Takeaway:
Both Kelli Reed and Joe Dan Reed drove home the importance of up-to-date, clean, and pleasant customer spaces. Their strategy of rehabbing “S-holes” (dilapidated, abandoned laundromats) and transforming them into inviting, well-lit, and functional locations not only improved community reputation, but increased revenue and durability of the business.
Impact:
Many laundromat owners believe new machines are enough. In reality, customers respond to the whole environment—floors, lighting, space, cleanliness, carts, and flexibility. Poor first impressions drive them elsewhere, and neglecting upgrades is a fast-track to zombiemat status.
Action Steps:
Walk Your Store as a Customer: Ask, “Would I want to spend an hour here?” Pay particular attention to floors, corners, carts, folding tables, and out-of-service machines.
Budget for Regular Upgrades: Dedicate a portion of profits each month for improvements—paint, new floors, seating, signage, security, etc.
Solicit Reviews and Feedback: Check Google reviews and respond quickly. Ask new customers for candid feedback and use it to guide improvements.
Create Community Value: Host events, charity drives, or offer value-adds such as free photos with Santa, drawing positive attention to your brand.
4. Diversify, But Don’t Over-Rely on a Single Client or Segment
Key Takeaway:
When scaling into OPL (on-premise laundry) and commercial accounts, the Reeds cautioned about relying too heavily on one large client (e.g., a hotel with hundreds of rooms). Diversification keeps your operation stable during turnover or contract losses, and allows more flexibility in pricing and service delivery.
Impact:
Many growing laundry businesses, in their rush to scale, land a “whale” client and stop their outbound efforts. The risk is that one bad month, contract, or economic change could decimate their business.
Action Steps:
Segment Your Client Mix: Analyze your revenue sources. What percentage comes from each major client or business line? If any single client exceeds 20%, begin a diversification push.
Set Minimum Contracts: For commercial accounts, require multi-year contracts to cushion investments in infrastructure and staffing.
Continue Active Outreach: Don’t coast after securing a big account. Regularly prospect, market, and network to keep your pipeline healthy and growing.
5. Build for Scalability—People, Processes, and Mindset
Key Takeaway:
Successfully running 10+ laundromats and several other businesses requires more than hustle—it demands systems and strong, complementary team members. Kelli Reed and Joe Dan Reed discussed cross-training staff, the value of patient personnel management, the risks of poor hiring, and the necessity of tech and automation for multi-location efficiency.
Impact:
One or two stores can be run with extra elbow grease, but scaling means you’re only as strong as your weakest process or team member. The transition from an operator to an owner-operator or even absentee owner is only possible with robust systems and trustworthy people.
Action Steps:
Systematize: Write down every recurring procedure. Train staff well; use checklists, scripts, and SOPs (standard operating procedures).
Hire Carefully: Resist the urge to fill slots fast. Double-interview, trial new hires, and value character over resume.
Cross-Train: Enable staff to work across locations and functions for flexible, resilient scheduling.
Leverage Masterminds and Peer Groups: Tap into the wisdom and experience of others. A well-run mastermind or trade association group will help shortcut years of hard lessons.
Final Thoughts
The journey of Kelli Reed and Joe Dan Reed is proof that anyone willing to act with courage, invest in their business and people, and evolve alongside the industry can carve out remarkable success—and have fun along the way. Whether you’re just launching your first laundromat or expanding into OPL, these lessons are your blueprint for growth.
Pick one lesson and take action this week:
Audit your customer experience, investigate a new tech tool, re-engage outbound marketing, or schedule your first mastermind call. Consistent progress—learned from the field, not theory—is what builds laundry empires.
Looking for more?
Join us on November 21 – 24, 2025: Laundromat Accelerator Hawaii Event : https://laundromatresource.com/hawaii
