Laundromat Ownership

Sharon Brinks bought a run-down zombie mat in 2014 as a single mom looking for extra income. Today she owns two Speed Queen Touch laundromats in Wichita under the Laundry Station brand — and her store was the proving ground for the Wash Dry Fold POS + Speed Queen remote vend command integration that operators across the country now use.This conversation goes to places most laundromat podcasts won't. Sharon explains why pickup and delivery didn't pencil for her operation, how a five-year manager she trusted completely stole from her in felony territory while she was on chemo, and why stopping quarter supply and routing customers to the counter was one of the smartest moves she ever made. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2024, treated through the fall, had a lumpectomy in November, and opened her second store in August of that same year. She's now cancer-free, stronger than ever, and considering store number three.Ian and Sharon also cover the full origin story of the Speed Queen remote vend command, what WDF order tracking looks like in a real operation, how to protect your stores from bill changer theft, and the craziest things Sharon has seen in 12-plus years of laundromat ownership.• From zombie mat to two top-rated Wichita laundromats — Sharon's journey since 2014• Equipment mix: no top loaders, no soft mounts, and why she'd size up on 80s next time• Speed Queen Insights + Wash Dry Fold POS: the remote vend command origin story• Four ways to pay — and why the bill changer is your biggest theft vulnerability• Stopping quarter supply: cutting cash handling and routing customers to counter payment instead• Pickup and delivery: why she walked away and what she'd tell anyone considering it• Employee theft: a trusted five-year manager, felony-level theft, and how it happened during chemo treatment• Rebuilding: what Sharon did after cleaning house• Breast cancer during construction — diagnosed May 2024, chemo, lumpectomy, radiation, now cancer-free• Mammogram PSA: early detection is what saved her life• Craziest laundromat stories: poker chips in a washer, baby mice in a blanket, and unconscious customersTimestamps (estimated from transcript — verify before uploading):00:00 Introduction01:22 About the show and Sharon's background04:03 Why she fell in love with the laundry business08:06 Store size, equipment mix, and what she'd change14:31 Machine maintenance and the semi-passive myth20:09 Speed Queen app, Insights, and payment options23:08 Wash Dry Fold POS + Speed Queen remote vend command33:38 WDF order tracking, timestamps, and the point-and-say method37:59 Pickup and delivery — why they stopped53:22 Employee theft and the bill changer problem1:00:12 Stopping quarter supply and reducing cash handling1:09:17 Breast cancer journey and mammogram PSA1:15:23 Craziest laundromat storiesIan Gollahon is the co-owner of Liberty Laundry in Tulsa, Oklahoma — three stores, $2.5M in revenue in 2025 — and co-founder of Wash Dry Fold POS, the original point of sale system built specifically for laundromats.washdryfoldpos.comlibertylaundryok.comlaundromat-ownership.comthelaundrystationks.com

Episode DescriptionIn this special crossover episode, the tables are turned and our host Ian Gollahon (co-founder of Wash Dry Fold POS (WDF POS) gets interviewed by Steve Marcionetti on the Drive Time podcast. Together, they explore the evolution of the laundromat industry and why simplicity is the ultimate tool for growth.Ian shares his journey from selling billboards to co-owning three high-performing laundromats in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which generated $2.5 million in top-line revenue in 2025. He discusses the "crawl, walk, run" philosophy of business, explaining why new owners should master self-serve and wash-dry-fold operations before diving into capital-intensive delivery services.Key topics covered in this episode:The Power of Simplicity: Why WDF POS was designed with "big buttons" for attendants who aren't computer experts.Security & Efficiency: How the deep integration with CCI (Card Concepts Inc.) helps owners prevent employee theft and monitor machine-start ratios.The Real Cost of Delivery: Why it often takes months to see a return on delivery customer acquisition costs.Building a Team: Why almost every employee at WDF POS has real-world experience working in a laundromat.Episode Timestamps00:00 – Intro: Ian Gollahon introduces the Liberty Laundry and WDF POS background.01:21 – Start of the interview with Steve Marcionetti on Drive Time.02:37 – Ian’s "origin story": From selling billboards to meeting Brian Henderson.04:38 – The early days of Wash Dry Fold POS and its rapid growth.07:16 – Coming into the laundry industry with zero experience.09:18 – The philosophy of simplicity: Designing software for non-technical attendants.13:29 – Pricing and Value: How WDF POS became the affordable market leader.14:52 – The WDF POS team: Why real-world laundromat experience matters.20:05 – Deep Dive: Integrating POS with CCI card systems for better security.26:26 – Common Mistakes: Why first-time owners shouldn't start with delivery.30:37 – Advice for distributors: Removing complications from the sale.

How much is a laundromat actually worth? In this kickoff to our valuation series, which runs alongside the CLA’s Full Cycle magazine, Ian Gollahon breaks down the two most critical pillars of your investment: Assets and Leases vs Real Estate. Ian shares insights from his $2.5M multi-store operation and 3,000+ owner interviews. In this episode, he explains why net income is often a misleading metric and how industry experts utilize Section 179 elections to minimize tax liability while maximizing cash flow. You will also learn the exact 25-year lease structure needed to protect your business's long-term value and how to negotiate a "7-month out" on personal guarantees.00:00 Ian Gollahon Owner of $2.5M Liberty Laundry02:15 The problem with valuation advice in online forums.04:30 Asset Sales vs. Corporate Acquisitions: Why your tax books matter.06:50 Identifying "Zombie Mats" and valuing used equipment.09:15 Using Section 179 to expense $300,000 in equipment.11:45 Why a profitable laundromat with a bad lease is worth zero.14:20 The Ideal 25-Year Lease: The 5x5 Rule.17:30 How to negotiate a 7-month personal guarantee.19:50 Capping CAM fees to protect your margins.21:40 Why owning the real estate is the ultimate de-risking strategy.Links:Blog Post: https://www.washdryfoldpos.com/laundromat-valuation-assets-leases-and-real-estate/Full Article: https://laundryassociation.org/fullcycle/columns-and-departments/how-much-is-your-laundry-worth-part-1/Liberty Laundry: https://www.libertylaundry.com/ Full Cycle Magazine (CLA): https://laundryassociation.org/fullcycle/ Wash-Dry-Fold POS: https://www.washdryfoldpos.com/

Laundromat Maintenance and Repair Ticketing SystemFrustrated by "no work good" post-it notes and the "headache" of tracking down model numbers in cramped crawl spaces? In this episode of Laundromat Ownership, host Ian Gollahon sits down with Sean Henderson, the original creator of the modern Laundromat Machine Repair Ticket System integrated within Wash-Dry-Fold POS.Gone are the days of driving across town to check paper binders at different store locations. Sean shares the "in-the-trenches" story of how his experience as an operations manager for Liberty Laundry led to the development of a centralized communication tool that tracks repairs, parts, and equipment history.Key Takeaways from This Episode:Solving the Communication Gap: Learn how an integrated system ensures attendants provide detailed reports—including sights, sounds, and smells—rather than vague notes.The Power of Integration: Discover why having your repair tracker inside your Point of Sale (POS) software eliminates the need for separate logins and extra employee training.Warranty & Cost Management: See how tracking repair history helps prevent overpaying for diagnostic "trip charges" and ensures repetitive issues are covered under warranty.Advanced Equipment Tracking: It’s not just for washers and dryers. Sean explains how the system manages vending machines, bill breakers, and even miscellaneous items like "clogged toilets."Triage and Urgency: Explore the latest "In Service vs. Out of Service" features that allow facilities managers to prioritize high-revenue machines, like 80-pound washers, on busy weekends.The Technician Role: Understand the "mechanical room" permission level, allowing maintenance staff to log updates via mobile without accessing sensitive financial reports or clocking in for regular staff.Whether you are managing a single store or a 30-store chain, this episode dives deep into why a purpose-built laundromat management tool is essential for scaling your operations and keeping your floor running at maximum capacity.Learn More at:https://washdryfoldpos.com/https://www.washdryfoldpos.com/laundromat-machine-repair-tracking/

Is the "coin-op" era officially over? In this episode of the Laundromat Ownership Podcast, host Ian Gollahon sits down with Matt DeWolf, the Editor-in-Chief of the CLA's (previously known as the Coin Laundry Association) newest media venture: Full Cycle. Matt shares why the industry’s flagship publication, Planet Laundry, is being retired after decades to make room for a premium, multimedia brand that reflects the modern laundry entrepreneur.* The Rebrand to Full Cycle: Why the CLA is moving to a high-end, quarterly format focused on deep storytelling and actionable business strategies.* Lessons from the Car Wash Industry: Matt discusses the striking parallels between laundromat evolution and the car wash consolidation curve he witnessed over the last 15 years.* The "iPad Gimmick": Why high-tech gimmicks can't save a store in a poor location, and why customer experience remains the ultimate competitive advantage.* The Mission of the CLA: A breakdown of the "Connect, Learn, Advocate" pillars and how the association protects owner interests at a national level.* Starbucks in a Laundromat? Hear the story of the St. Paul operator featured on the first cover of Full Cycle who is officially licensed to serve Starbucks coffee.1:13 - Matt’s journey from car wash media to the CLA 3:12 - What is the CLA? Connect, Learn, Advocate5:56 - From Planet Laundry to Full Cycle: The vision 8:58 - Why the shift to a quarterly, long-form publication?13:52 - What to expect in the first issue (March 2026) 19:48 - Case Study: The Starbucks licensed laundromat 28:04 - Comparing the laundry and car wash consolidation curves33:34 - The "iPad Gimmick" and the importance of demand* Full Cycle: www.FullCycleMagazine.com* Contact Matt DeWolf: [email protected]* Wash-Dry-Fold POS: www.washdryfoldpos.com

In this episode of Laundromat Ownership, Ian Gollahon sits down with the industry’s "Power Couple," Dave and Carla Menz, the minds behind the Laundromat Millionaire brand.Dave shares his powerful journey from growing up in extreme poverty in Flint, Michigan, to building a Cincinnati-based laundry empire generating over $2.3 million in annual revenue.We dive deep into the "Learn by Doing" philosophy - explaining why achieving excellence and putting in SOPs and staffed trained for self-serve and WDF is often a good thing to have in place before trying to scale delivery (which is often a slow grind to begin with).The conversation covers the critical importance of market dynamics, the dangers of "paralysis by analysis," and a candid warning against running 24/7 unattended stores. Dave and Carla also reveal the wildest things they’ve ever caught on camera and why laundromat success is the ultimate lesson in delayed gratification.Chapters:00:00 - Introduction: Meet Dave and Carla Menz01:31 - Queen City Laundry: From a $85k "Zombie Mat" to 4 Locations04:39 - The Origin of the Laundromat Millionaire Brand07:34 - Why Collaboration is Elevating the Laundry Industry11:18 - Dave’s Backstory: Overcoming Poverty and Finding Servitude17:40 - The "Zombie Mat" Transformation: Safety and Cleanliness First22:18 - Carla’s Transition: From Teaching Math to Scaling a Business27:29 - Advice for Newbies: Capital, Time, and Business Acumen31:15 - Market Dynamics: Supply, Demand, and Identifying Under-Saturated Areas35:43 - Crawl, Walk, Run: The Logical Order of Scaling Services37:24 - Achieving Excellence Before You Scale to Multiple Locations41:12 - The Reality of Launching Pickup and Delivery48:53 - Laundromats as a Long-Game: The Power of Delayed Gratification54:11 - Craziest Stories: What Happens in a 24/7 Unattended Laundromat59:35 - Why Dave Switched from 24/7 to Fully Attended Stores01:03:05 - Resources and Where to Connect with Dave & CarlaResources: https://laundromatmillionaire.com/https://queencitylaundry.com/https://washdryfoldpos.com/

In this episode, Ian Gollahon sits down with Steve Marcionetti, President of Card Concepts Inc. (CCI), to discuss the evolution of laundromat technology—from the "wild west" of early card systems to the sophisticated AI-driven kiosks of today. Steve shares the origins of CCI as a family-run business and dives deep into the technical bridge built between CCI and Wash-Dry-Fold POS. Whether you are running a high-volume LaundryCard store or a hybrid FasCard operation, learn how the new ProLink integration is changing the way owners manage labor, prevent theft, and automate their full-service business.Chapters:00:00 – The "Acetylene Torch" Incident: A crazy story of laundry theft.05:18 – The CCI Product Lineup: LaundryCard vs. FasCard vs. Flex.12:58 – Why CCI Stopped Making Their Own POS (and partnered with WDF).18:11 – Level 1 Integration: Payment Integration Explained. Focusing on accepting the laundry card as a form of payment at the register.19:37 – Level 2 Integration: ProLink & Machine Start Integration. The "Next Gen" bridge that allows the POS to directly trigger machines and track cost-to-order ratios.24:27 – The "Red Dot Special": A unique marketing strategy for machine wear and tear.31:19 – The Future of CCI: AI Kiosks, Voice Interaction, and LaundryCard Rebirth.https://www.laundrycard.com/https://www.washdryfoldpos.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cci-drive-time/id1873623686https://open.spotify.com/show/3ASFWgP1DMfPh8k2u0nTEKhttps://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdGyEoAcLua0LU4NpXE5CwBJiCXDYvByj

Best Friends and Business Partners: Part 2 – Overcoming Existential ThreatsIn this conclusion to their decade-long retrospective, Ian Gollahon and Brian Henderson get real about the "scary moments" that nearly sank the ship. From the literal fires of laundromat ownership to the existential dread of a software company losing its core vendor, they discuss how they turned potential disasters into their biggest turning points.Brian shares his journey of self-actualization—from attending trade shows on his parents' dime to standing on his own feet as a successful exhibitor—while Ian reflects on his decision to leave a secure corporate career to build a business without a ceiling. They also pull back the curtain on how they defended their bootstrapped business against a competitor backed by $70 million in venture capital, ultimately leading to their most successful year to date in 2025.Key themes in this episode include:Corporate Job vs. Starting a BusinessNavigating crisis: From dryer fires to security breaches."The Kick Out of the Nest": Why losing a vendor forced them to build a superior, in-house product.Solving for peace: Building a fiscally conservative, "recession-resistant" business model.Thoughts on how to get a business started.Episode Chapters00:00 - Self-Actualization03:28 - Corporate Career vs. Laundromat Industry05:46 - Scariest Moments: Fires & Break Ins10:40 - The Crisis: Building In-House Software15:22 - Resilience Through Global Uncertainty17:28 - Solving for Peace and Stability21:54 - Competing Against $70 Million in VC Capital27:48 - Taking the 1st Step without Knowing EverythingLinks from this episode: https://www.washdryfoldpos.com/ (the software company)https://www.libertylaundryok.com/ (the laundroamt)https://www.trycents.com/news/cents-announces-40m-series-b-funding (the venture backed compititor)

In this episode: Ian and Brian reveal how they turned a $100 initial deposit into a $10M laundromat portfolio including Wash-Dry-Fold POS and Liberty Laundry. They discuss the "Cowboy Customer" that led Brian to computerize his laundromat, why an employee’s $350 mistake helped build a national tech company, and why having "too much capital" is one of the biggest pitfalls in creating a profitable business. TakeawaysStarting a business with minimal capitalThe importance of niche focus Creating value creates space for profitsFinding financial freedomScaling a business with employees0:00 - The $100 Startup: Potential vs. Self-Actualization4:52 - Hobby vs. Business7:29 - The Liberty Laundry Origins: 2005 to 201011:08 - How the Cowboy Customer inspired Wash-Dry-Fold POS13:05 - How Sue’s $350 Typo Inspired Credit Card Integration16:02 - The 2015 Clean Show: High-Tech Laundromat Demand19:11 - Limitations of Dry Cleaning Software for Laundromats21:22 - Customer #1: Selling the First POS System27:37 - From $20k Goals to $5M in Profit33:13 - The Dave Ramsey Influence & Cutting the Credit Cards39:42 - Building a Team that Runs Without YouCompanies mentioned in this episode:https://www.washdryfoldpos.com/https://www.libertylaundryok.com/

The conversation delves into the valuation metrics for laundromats, covering topics such as Seller Discretionary Earnings (SDE), EBITDA, Free Cash Flow (FCF), and Net Income. It provides a comprehensive understanding of how these metrics are used in the valuation and assessment of laundromat businesses.TakeawaysUnderstanding laundromat valuation metricsUnderstanding seller discretionary earningsWhat metrics are best for laundromat valuations and why?Should I include assets in the valuation metrics when buying or selling a laundromat? Link to graphichttps://www.washdryfoldpos.com/laundromat-valuation-metrics/00:00 Introduction to Laundromat Ownership01:02 Public companies typically trade at a multiple of their earnings02:50 Start with valuing the assets separately04:49 Intangible Assets05:56 Concentric Circle Chart of Earnings07:48 Seller discretionary earnings10:21 What is SDE and what does it include?13:54 EBITDA vs. SDE: What to Use?15:57 Free Cash Flow: A Banking Perspective18:37 Net Income: The Final Metric23:33 Conclusion: Mastering Valuation Metrics24:59 Outro

In this episode, Ian Gollahon discusses the addition of wash-dry-fold services to a laundromat.This episode emphasizes:The financial rationale of wash-dry-fold services.The necessary space and supplies for wash-dry-fold.The importance of having a well-trained staff for wash-dry-fold services.Other takeaways:Space for operations is a critical factor in success.Wash-dry-fold services can significantly boost profitability.A well-trained attendant is crucial for customer satisfaction.Investing in larger machines can lead to better revenue.A structured process is essential for efficient operations.Customer service scripts can enhance the customer experience.Regular training for employees is necessary for consistency.B2B services can be a major revenue source in rural areas.Creating a clean and safe environment is vital for customer retention.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Laundromat Ownership00:48 The Benefits of Wash Dry Fold Services01:28 Rate of Return on Wash-Dry-Fold Services02:35 Starting a Wash Dry Fold Service02:57 Drop Off at Counter04:29 Sorting05:21 Wash06:06 Dry06:17 Fold07:04 Done (Ready for Pickup)08:08 Customer Pickup08:36 What you can't do without09:24 Wash-Dry-Fold considerations when building a launndromat09:52 Distributors will try to sell you too many machines!10:41 When can you not add wash-dry-fold to your laundromat?11:51 Hire vs. DIY12:27 Labor and Process in Wash Dry Fold Operations13:11 OutroLinks referenced in this episode:Wash-Dry-Fold POS blog post: https://www.washdryfoldpos.com/how-to-add-wash-dry-fold-service-to-your-coin-laundromat/Liberty Laundry Website:https://www.libertylaundryok.com/