Did You Miss a Great Laundromat Educational Event?
By: “Laundromat 123”
I attended the Profit Symposium put on by Continental Girbau (Girbau North America) at their offices and warehouse in Santa Fe Springs, California on Saturday last. Significant presentations were made including Brian Wallace of the CLA. He reinforced my belief in the importance of our industry having a professional individual providing an interface with local and national legislators.
Under Brian’s industry representation the State of California avoided the creation of a mandate to force expensive “plastic particle filters” being placed on washing machines, thus giving needed time for industry developed solutions caused by synthetic fibers shedding small particles of plastic into our water. This protection of our water will be coming, in time, to all of our States in the future.
Although I have been a long-time member, I allowed myself to accept the benefits of this organization without any of my own financial support for the past few years. The benefits of a vertical organization in which factories, distributors and owners all contribute to the combined benefit of our Laundromat industry sparked a little shame in me that I was floating along avoiding paying my fair share. This will be corrected. The CLA is not a perfect organization but it’s what we have and it remains the most reliable information and advocate in our industry. No influencer fluff here by undereducated and inexperienced YouTube advisors.
The event was an overall great opportunity to learn. The presentation of Art Jaeger, a highly successful large store operator, drew rap attention to the many ways for all store owners to make more money. Wash Dry and Fold operating information was provided by Matt Simmons of Curbside Laundries. Very insightful and helpful to those considering this aspect of the business. In the crowd was also Beverly Kay Blank, the Queen of a major U.S. market Wash, Dry and Fold for those able to snatch a few moments of her time.
The On-Site detailed presentations included High Mark Manufacturing with Pete Valconesi explaining the use of laundry lockers provided at various locations and allowing a wider range of generating ease of access for expanded profitability. Sano Wash demonstrated the use and benefits of ozone production and use. Integra by Anderson featured an informative display.
The reaction to the advanced features of the new Continental North America “Genius” washers were obvious and praised by attendees, with an overheard comment by a few women gathered together that it was a “sexy” machine. If you’re looking to build a new store or do a major remodel this new line of washers must be one of the three top brands to consider because of all the exclusive improvements included. President of the company gave ten or so reasons why this is the latest, most efficient line of washers available to the industry.
A free outstanding lunch was served with steak strips, chicken chunks, rice, vegetables, fruit, and topped off was a platter of high-end cookies. It reinforced my belief that quality events don’t have to cost you an arm and a leg to attend; I’m sorry if you missed it. Special thanks to Continental Girbau for a quality event. They deserve a tip of the hat.