LaundromatHowTo.com PodCast

Listen as we talk about Steven's entry in the Laundromat business and how he worked with the community to provide some space for local mural. https://www.facebook.com/Bay-View-Maytag-Laundromat-299682636711364/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevestemarie/

The CLEAN Show happens every 2 years. This year it is in Las Vegas from June 5-8, 2017. There are a number of information seminars put on by each of the show's Trade Organizations.  Association for Linen Management(ALM) Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI) Textile Rental Services Association of America Coin Laundry Association (CLA) Don't limit yourself to only the training put on by your organization. Look at the entire list and you may find some future revenue streams or advertising ideas. http://www.cleanshow.com/

There are many Trade Shows and Open Houses around the US and other areas for Laundromat Owners but some take a different approach. Today we talk with Todd Fener of Laundry Owners Warehouse and learn about the history and the recipients of the Golden Washboard Awards.  All the winners are listed at LaundromatHowTo.com Just search for Todd. To get in touch with Todd: Call - Phone Number: 954-537-1643 Visit - Company Website: lowlaundry.com    

In the February 2017 Edition of American Coin-Op, Laurance Cohen wrote in his column "Goin' With Cohen" about Ken Barrett, his background, how he got into the Coin Laundry Industry and how he runs his stores. This article was read as an audiobook by professional voice-over artist Chris Abernathy. For the full article go to AmericanCoinOp.com   Links and References:  American Coin-Op https://americancoinop.com/ Laurance Cohen- Goin With Cohen  goinwithcohen@outlook.com Goin With Cohen Previous Articles https://americancoinop.com/authors/laurance-cohen-0 Chris Abernathy  AKA Chris Wright abernathyvoice.com   chris@abernathyvoice.com.

A very special podcast as we reach our 50th episode. We look back from our stand-out previous episodes and how it brings so much value to our listeners and co-laundromat owners. Join us as we continue to bring you more episodes in the future. Cheers to the 50th!

What does a space shuttle and a laundromat have in common? The answer is in todays PodCast. Paul del Piero joins us today and shares with us some great solutions to drain problems and other valuable technical solutions for laundromat owners. http://www.cloghog.com/

We first talked to Brian in Episode 32 and 33 when he gave us some background on his time in the Industry and what to look for in a Point of Sale System. Now Brian has put together a turn-key system designed for the Laundromat Industry by someone in the business. More details of this new project at http://washdryfoldpos.com/  

One of the best targets of thieves are laundromats since there's only a few personnel running the day to day tasks and many run unattended 24 hours a day.. But learn how Ken was able to outsmart those thieves in one of his laundromats . Go to LaundromatHowTo.com for all the details.

EP 46 - An Update on the Gap in Podcast Even with the best intentions sometimes the main business takes the wheel.

How can a PodCast talk about colors? Let's give it a shot and find out.

Look to successful people for the skills and traits that they use. 

It's a topic about as exciting as Life Insurance and just as important. If your business is going to be a statistic why not be on the good side? Take some time to prepare your business for a disaster and be the one that makes it out the other side.

I worked with Operation Standards for years in another industry but I never thought I could use the same format in a small business. Operation Standards are one of the main tools to run a successful business of any size.

Every Laundromat needs hot water and there are a variety of ways to heat the water. This week I cover a few of the methods available and some things to consider. Related Links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLNROx5kkLw http://www.hotwatersizing.com/

Small business owners wonder if there is a benefit to joining the local Chamber of Commerce. Today we talk with Kim Boyd from the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce to help answer some of those questions.

Sometimes we get caught up in the details of the business andforget the people that are just starting out. Time to go back tothe Basics of the Industry. LaundromatHowTo.com  

Have you ever been told by a Building Inspector to ""Cease and Desist"? I have and it was not something I ever wanted to hear again. Fortunately it was a mistake on their part and we had a great relationship after that but it's better to avoid the confusion. This week we talk about some simple but big pitfalls that you want to avoid when renovating or building a new store.

Lets get back to some of the basics of the Industry. LaundromatHowTo/podcast

Supporting local Theater productions has a far greater impact then just the advertising. You never know how far one of the performers will go in their acting career.

Problems will happen with the equipment in your store and having a method to provide refunds is important. Listen as I explain the method I use. The video and other information is available at LaundromatHowTo.com/Podcast

It's a fine line between hiring a Contractor and an Employee. The US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has a 20 Point List to make the decision. It can be costly to cross the line as you will be required to submit payroll taxes and other expenses from the date of hire. Listen as we review the list and help with some of the decision points. Related Links: http://art.mt.gov/artists/IRS_20pt_Checklist_%20Independent_Contractor.pdfhttps://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Independent-Contractor-Self-Employed-or-Employeehttps://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc762.htmlhttps://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1779.pdf

This is the second of a two part interview with Brian Henderson of WashDryFoldPOS.com. We talk about some other systems and then get into the details of good Laundromat specific system. Say Goodbye to the converted Dry Cleaning POS.   Related Links: http://www.laundromathowto.com/ http://washdryfoldpos.com/  http://www.libertylaundryok.com/

         This weeks guest is Brian Henderson, the Operations Manager of Liberty Laundry, a highly successful chain of laundromats in northeast Oklahoma.           Since its founding in 2005 by Brian's father John Henderson, Liberty Laundry has expanded to a team of 25 people, three locations, and continues to grow.             Brian is a self-proclaimed “laundry nerd” and says that he absolutely loves “talking shop” with other laundry owners. He and his father John Henderson have written several articles for the CLA’s monthly trade magazine Planet Laundry and are frequent contributors to the CLA’s online forums.           Brian is a repeat guest presenter at the international laundry conference called the Clean Show,           He first participated in a panel discussion titled Best Practices for Wash Dry Fold and Commercial Accounts at 2013’s Clean Show in New Orleans.           Brian presented again at the 2015 Clean Show in Atlanta in a class titled Your Guide to Wash, Dry, Fold: Folding, Packaging and Presentation Techniques and spoke to a packed audience with standing-room-only in a presentation titled The High-Tech Laundromat: Streamlining Store Operations Through Technology.           Brian recently began a new business providing Point of Sale systems specifically tailored to the needs of fellow laundromat owners running a Wash-Dry-Fold operation and has already received a great response. For all the Links and Details head over to LaundromatHowTo.com/ep32 You can hear more details about the history of Liberty Laundry at  FOREFOUNDERS Ep. 14: The Bright Spot in a Dingy Industry with Brian Henderson of Liberty Laundry  

Most utility companies  require a deposit (gas, water, power) and for a commercial business these can be quite large but do you have to use your own money? The answer is .... No. Listen as we talk about what may be required and how to work it into your budget. Related Links: LaundromatHowTo.com/PodCast  

You heard about a business having a problem after hours and the Police and Fire could not get a hold of the owners so you thought I'll just post my number on the window. Now the phone never stops ringing as everybody with an issue and every sales person has your number and you don't know what to do.  In this edition we talk about the options and the system I have been using for over 6 years.   Related Links: LaundromatHowTo.com/PodCast RingCentral  

In Episode 27 we talked about a theft in the store and how we were able to use Social Media to help the Police. Morally it was a good decision but what about marketing? The answer, Yes. We also talk about how you can provide free advice to increase your customer base no matter what business you own. Related links: LaundromatHowTo.com/PodCast

With washer sizes and prices increasing how do you deal with a standard size coin box? There are a few different options , all with varying costs. But what was the cheapest and quickest method? Have a listen and find out.     Related Links: LaundromatHowTo.com/PodCast

In this episode we look at a crime that was committed in one of the stores and how Social Media was used to help the Police make an arrest within 24 hours.   Related Links: LaundromatHowTo.com/PodCast 

Bulkheads are required in every Coin Laundry and are used to as a place to connect the utilities to the washers but there are some considerations you need to make during the design and layout. Listen as we venture through the inside of a bulkhead and some tips that will reduce your customers time in the store.   Related Links: LaundromatHowTo.com/PodCast 

There are many discussions and questions about whether to be attended, partially attended, or fully attended. The next question is should you hire your own employees or use contractors. Listen as we work through the pros and cons and what works in my stores.

  HARO and Retiring Early Help A Reporter Out (HelpAReporter.com) is a site that connects reporters and other writers to experts and sources for their stories. This can be a great opportunity to get your business and experience in front of a new or enlarged market. Most articles will provide links back to your sites In this article I provided some information on investing in a new business and how being able to do what you want is the best form of retirement. Being in the Coin Laundry Business many of the items on the list are available long before you actually "retire".   Links:   Dave Ramsey http://www.daveramsey.com/home/ HARO http://www.helpareporter.com/ 9 Things People Who Retire Early Do http://www.wisebread.com/9-things-people-who-retire-early-do

It's been a busy year at LaundromatHowTo.com and it's time to take a look back and a look forward.

There are times when you need to consider the right thing to do. It's not always about the bottom line and you never know when you will meet someone again.     Show Notes are available at LaundromatHowTo.com/Podcast

Creating a great radio ad is more than just an idea. You also need the right words, tone and information to turn your idea into customers coming in the door.Today we talk with Chris Wright, a seasoned radio professional that has seen what works and what doesn't.   Show Notes are available at LaundromatHowTo.com/Podcast

Many businesses are looking to improve their online presence and are using social media, paid advertising, blogs and many other methods but they have overlooked some of the basics, "Showing up on the search results". In this PodCast we work through some searches for local businesses and see what we find. Show Notes can be found at LaundromatHowTo.com

Everybody is going to look at something a little bit different. What might seem just great to you, the right information, written correctly, the right colors, but somebody else might just click right over it. So, it's important when you’re doing any marketing to try a few different things.   Links: Marine_One -  https://youtu.be/leaWwPUoL_M http://www.laundromathowto.com/episode12/ Hunter_Video -  https://youtu.be/mMwWGla_sQs Shortened Video - https://mark-franks.wistia.com/medias/b77b7i4iiy

Part 2 of our interview with Ben Sawyer. There are many paths into the coin laundry industry and we talk with Ben Sawyer on the steps he took to purchase his first laundromat. Ben's background is in corporate life and he has looked at many business opportunities. He decided on a coin laundry and is about a month into the business. This episode is packed full of tips for new investors. All of the Show Notes are available at LaundromatHowTo.com/PodCasts   Links: Clean Show http://www.cleanshow.com/ SCORE https://www.score.org/ Coin Laundry Association http://www.coinlaundry.org/home The following are available at www.LaundromatHowTo.info New Investor Package   Operation Standards   Employee Manual  

There are many paths into the coin laundry industry and we talk with Ben Sawyer on the steps he took to purchase his first laundromat. Ben's background is in corporate life and he has looked at many business opportunities. He decided on a coin laundry and is about a month into the business. This episode is packed full of tips for new investors. All of the Show Notes are available at LaundromatHowTo.com/PodCasts     Links: Clean Show http://www.cleanshow.com/ SCORE https://www.score.org/ Coin Laundry Association http://www.coinlaundry.org/home The following are available at www.LaundromatHowTo.info New Investor Package   Operation Standards   Employee Manual  

      What does a Laundromat Owner do day to day? That varies a lot between owners and their business plans.       In this episode we look at a few weeks of activity in and around the laundromats. LaundromatHowTo.com/PodCast P.S. Here is a link to the book mentioned on AmazonWant a free copy? Email a screen shot of your iTunes Review to Ken@WashinCoinLaundry.com and I'll send you a copy. 

Does your business trade a product or service for cash? In this episode we look at a quote from the book "The Science of Getting Rich" by Wallace D Wattles to help us review what we are really providing and is it valuable to our customers. You can buy the book now on Amazon http://amzn.to/1ZDm95Y See the video and the show notes at LaundromatHowTo.com/PodCasts

   Video cameras are in use almost everywhere and your business should be no exception.  But where do you start? There are so many camera and DVR types out there today and what if you have an older system ? Do you have to throw it away and start from scratch? Listen as we talk about these and other items with Zeke Richey of Tech Pro Security. You can contact Zeke or any of the other experienced sales and tech support at SecurityCameraKing.com (hyper link to http://www.securitycameraking.com/ ) or  866-573-8878 See the Show Notes for more details at LaundromatHowTo.com/PodCast http://www.laundromathowto.com/podcasts/  

       Discover ways to be productive and life hacks on how to boost your productivity at work, business, home and in every task you do. Ken relates the science of productivity to Laundromat business operations.  Se the Show Notes at LaundromatHowTo.com/PodCast Original Article: http://www.sparringmind.com/productivity-science/ Video Link https://youtu.be/lHfjvYzr-3g

Radio is still a power advertising method and can target a very local market. In today's PodCast we look at a some of my ads from the past few years and how they evolved

Coin Acceptors may not be an exciting topic but in the Laundromat Business it's a very important part of the equipment.  Imonex Coin Drops can be used internationally and accept single or multiple coins. Listen as we discuss the history, options and how to update your store.

There are many methods to advertise in today's world. In this PodCast we look at two simple methods. One is an app and the other is an actual item you can hold in your hands. They each have a place and will work together. The links and videos will be in the Show Notes at www.LaundromatHowTo.com/Podcast

The percentage of small businesses that fail during the first few years is actually a very sad number. Thousands of people have a dream and open a small business. They have the dream but not all of the information.           This list has been developed from my own experience. I currently operate a chain of  successful Laundromats and was fortunate enough to have some guidance at the start and learned the rest very quickly. Unfortunately some of the items came as a surprise.               This information is targeted to a Laundromat / Coin Laundry but most will apply to any small business.

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Larry Adamski , owner of Muskegon Laundromat in Muskegon  Michigan. Larry has over 45 years experience as a Laundromat owner/operator. He formerly owned multiple Laundromats, a professional dry cleaning plant, a car wash and numerous apartments. His current Laundromat in Muskegon is 3700 square feet and is open 7 days a week from 7am until after the last wash at 11pm. There are 34 washers and 33 dryers, 3 change machines, soap and snack vending machines and ample seating and folding areas. One of the main features of the store is that it is a Dollar Coin Only Laundromat. Larry takes us through the journey to the Dollar Coin Only and his perspective on customer convenience, and some advice for Laundry owners considering new equipment. As always the information for this and other Podcasts can be found at LaundromatHowTo.com/podcast. Now let's talk DCO.   More information is available at LaundromatHowTo.com/PodCast

The Art of Persuasion: Ethos, Pathos & Logos Some interesting things I learned today. Ethos (Ethics) Pathos (Emotion) Logos (Logic)             It’s not often that the kids can stump me on subject matter, maybe on some details of how to do math problems or American History but spitting out terms I had never heard and being able to explain them!             So after a quick explanation of what they meant I handed over my iPhone and asked her to review one of my videos.             Many people struggle with making videos, myself included and even people that have done lots of them will tell you there are times they stumble a little, but if you speak the truth and from the heart it will come through in your message.           The video she was reviewing was about me realizing I had reached one of my goals and how I had set a plan in place and was making it happen. And I DO believe that you can do it too. We are going to cover a lot of areas of business and Laundromats so stay tuned and check out the video we talked about at LaundromatHowTo.com/PodCast

I Have A Location, Now What?      So you have a location for your laundromat but what are the next steps?    Before you commit to the location there are a few things that need to be checked out. Find all of the Show Notes at LaundromatHowTo.com/Podcast

  Recently I was asked to contribute to an article about what to look for when scouting a location.           A Laundromat is a destination location, meaning that our customers will look for one when they need it and it will not be an impulse buy, but having the right location and property features have as much of an impact as the interior layout of the washers and dryers.                 As part of your due diligence and business planning make check lists of Musts and Wants and use it as a reference when looking for locations.  All the details and more are available at LaundromatHowTo.com/Podcast  

 We had a problem with some water on the floor that quickly escalated.       Listen to the steps we had to take to get the problems fixed and how to avoid them in your store.     A few tips about customer relations as well. Go To LaundromatHowTo.com for more details.