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In this special episode of CCI Drive Time, we're sharing Steve Marcionetti's full presentation from The Laundry Summit in Las Vegas, hosted by LaundryLux. Technology has changed dramatically over the past 25 years, but the fundamentals of the laundromat business haven't changed nearly as much. Customers still want convenience, owners still need to manage rising costs, and successful stores still need to generate enough profit to continually reinvest in the business. So where does technology fit? Drawing on more than 25 years in the laundry industry, experience operating laundromats, and working with thousands of laundry owners, Steve explores practical ways technology can help operators build stronger businesses. Topics include: • Why laundromats should be viewed as a convenience business • Using technology to maintain margins as utility and operating costs rise • The advantages of flexible, penny-increment vend pricing • Using peak and off-peak pricing to manage store demand • Reducing coin collections and giving owners more time back • Loyalty programs and promotions that can help change customer habits • Using technology to manage and empower employees • Improving customer service with better transaction visibility • Understanding machine usage, customer behavior, and store performance • Why better financial visibility can help protect the value of your laundromat • Meeting changing customer expectations around cards and mobile payments • Lessons Steve has observed from successful laundromat operators over nearly three decades The goal isn't to add technology simply to make a laundromat look more modern. The goal is to use technology where it can create more control, efficiency, visibility, convenience, and profitability. Whether you're considering your first laundromat, buying an existing store, or looking for ways to improve an established operation, this presentation offers practical ideas you can apply to your business.

Five years after his previous podcast appearance, Michael Ambrose of Western State Design joins Steve Marcionetti to talk about what has changed in the laundry industry—and what hasn’t. With more than 25 years of experience spanning hotel laundry operations, chemicals, equipment distribution, laundromat ownership and brokerage, Michael brings a unique perspective on nearly every side of the business. In this episode, Michael and Steve discuss how technology and AI are changing the way prospective owners research opportunities, while also making the real-world experience—or “tribal knowledge”—of a great distributor more valuable than ever. Michael explains why he believes distributors should be more than equipment salespeople and why providing value before, during and especially after the sale is critical to building long-term customer relationships. They also explore Michael’s experience with Western State Design as part of EVI Industries, the continued consolidation of laundry distribution, and why the people behind a distributorship ultimately matter as much as the brands they represent. Michael also shares how becoming a laundromat owner changed his own perspective. His advice is simple: keep “touching” the business. Continue reinvesting, improve something customers can see, stay involved in the community, maintain good records and never assume a successful laundromat can simply be left alone. The conversation also covers payment technology, the importance of verifiable business data when buying or selling a laundromat, and Deal Rinse, a new platform Michael is involved with designed to help buyers, sellers, brokers and distributors research and evaluate laundry opportunities. Most importantly, Michael shares why sometimes the best thing a salesperson can do is tell a customer not to buy—because building a successful long-term relationship is far more valuable than simply closing the next deal. It’s a conversation about service, relationships, technology and what great laundry distribution should look like today.

After more than 40 years in the commercial laundry industry, Russ Arbuckle knows that lasting success is built on more than equipment and price—it is built on service, trust, and doing what you say you are going to do. In this episode of CCI Drive Time, Steve sits down with Russ, president of Wholesale Commercial Laundry Equipment, to discuss his journey from an inexperienced service technician in Philadelphia to leading a successful distributorship in Alabama. Russ shares how his technical background shaped his approach to sales, why reputation remains one of a distributor’s most valuable assets, and how great service can create opportunities that last for decades. They also explore the unique challenges of serving rural and urban markets across the Southeast, changing customer expectations, the growing demand for payment technology and remote management, and the pressure distributors face from aggressive pricing and industry consolidation. Russ also reflects on his decision to sell the business to EVI Industries, what has changed since the acquisition, and how the company has preserved its local relationships and customer-first culture while becoming part of a larger organization. Whether you are an experienced distributor or just entering the commercial laundry industry, this conversation offers practical insight into earning customer trust, competing on value, and building a business designed for long-term success.

JD Dixon has never taken the conventional path—and his journey into the laundry industry is no exception. In this episode of CCI Drive Time, Steve sits down with JD, owner of National Laundry Equipment in Nashville, Tennessee, for a wide-ranging conversation about nearly two decades in laundry distribution, operating laundromats, building a service organization, and navigating an industry that looks very different than it did when JD entered the business in 2008. Along the way, JD draws lessons from private equity, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, British naval history, artificial intelligence, and his own experiences as a business owner. While the stories occasionally take the scenic route, they continually return to one central idea: great distribution is about stewardship. JD shares why he believes the distributor plays a critical role between manufacturers and store owners, particularly when customers are investing significant portions of their savings into a new business. He discusses the importance of local knowledge, strong manufacturer support, listening to customers, knowing when to push back—and sometimes having the courage to tell a customer that a project simply shouldn’t move forward. Steve and JD also explore the increasing consolidation of laundry distribution, the challenges facing independent distributors, the economics of running a full-service organization, and why service and support may ultimately be more important than the brand name on the equipment. JD also explains how owning laundromats himself has changed the way he advises customers. Having experienced the financial pressure, construction headaches, operational challenges, and occasional 2:00 AM problems firsthand gives him a perspective that can’t always be learned from a spreadsheet. It’s an unconventional, candid, and story-filled conversation about what it means to be a distributor—and why having someone personally invested in the customer’s success still matters.

What separates a great laundry equipment distributor from someone who simply sells machines? In this episode of CCI Drive Time, Steve Marcionetti sits down with Kevin Carlson, Vice President of Sales at RJ Kool Company, to talk about the habits, knowledge, and mindset that make distributors and distributor salespeople successful. Kevin shares his unconventional path into the laundry industry, beginning with operations and facility management before moving into equipment distribution. That background helped shape an approach focused less on simply making a sale and more on understanding the customer's entire operation and becoming a trusted resource. Steve and Kevin discuss the unique challenges of selling across the northern Midwest, where a customer might be hours away and a "small" opportunity can develop into a valuable long-term relationship. Kevin explains why rural markets are often underserved, why preparation matters when covering a large territory, and why showing up can be one of a salesperson's greatest competitive advantages. They also explore: Why great distributor salespeople need a repeatable sales processThe importance of understanding utilities, installation requirements, equipment age, and serviceWhy you don't need to become a customer's best friend to build a strong relationshipHow helping customers instead of immediately trying to sell them equipment builds trustWhy after-sale support really begins the moment the order is signedHow distributors can compete against larger consolidated organizationsKevin's perspective on the ongoing consolidation of laundry equipment distributionHow payment systems, remote monitoring, loyalty programs, and other technologies are changing the distributor's roleWhy today's distributor needs to connect customers with resources beyond washers and dryersKevin's advice for new distributor salespeople: start small, spend time in laundromats, attend installations, listen, and immerse yourself in the businessFor anyone working in laundry distribution—or trying to understand where distributors provide their greatest value—this conversation is a practical look at what it takes to become more than an equipment salesperson and instead become "the person for that" when a customer needs help.

Steve Marcionetti sits down with Steve Michalec, Vice President of Sales at The M&L Equipment Company and H-M Company, to discuss how commercial laundry distribution has evolved—and why strong customer relationships remain the foundation of the business. Steve shares how he entered his family’s third-generation company, progressed from sales representative to leadership, and ultimately helped guide M&L through its acquisition by H-M. He explains how the two organizations are combining territories, expanding into new markets, developing salespeople, and balancing opportunities across both vended laundry and on-premise laundry. The conversation also explores how distributors generate leads, compete against lower-cost alternatives, evaluate new-store and retool opportunities, and build equipment packages around demographics, customer needs, and changing consumer preferences. Steve also shares lessons from becoming a multi-store laundromat owner himself, including why he chose larger-capacity machines and a completely coinless payment model. Finally, the two Steves discuss distributor consolidation, the growing sophistication of laundromat investors, and why local sales, service, and support will continue to make distribution essential to the industry. This episode offers practical insight for distributors, sales professionals, manufacturers, and anyone interested in how successful laundromat projects come together.

What does today’s laundromat investor expect from a distributor—and is the sales experience keeping pace with the size of the investment? In Episode 17 of CCI Drive Time, Steve Marcionetti sits down with Brian Wallace, President and CEO of CLA, for a wide-ranging conversation about the changing role of laundry equipment distributors. Drawing on more than 34 years in the industry, Brian shares what he hears directly from current owners and prospective investors, including one surprisingly common complaint: they cannot get a distributor to call them back. Steve and Brian discuss why responsiveness, education, follow-through, and a consultative approach remain some of the biggest competitive advantages available to distributors. They also explore: The knowledge gaps facing first-time laundromat investorsHow CLA and distributors can work together to educate and qualify prospectsWhat separates a great distributor event from an ordinary sales showWhy education and relationship-building often lead to future equipment salesThe forces driving distributor consolidationHow private equity and multi-store ownership may change customer expectationsWhy the sales experience should reflect the size of the customer’s investmentHow distributors can support CLA’s legislative advocacyOpportunities to become involved with the LaundryCares FoundationWhat distributors must do to remain relevant in the years aheadIt is a practical conversation about professionalism, partnership, community involvement, and why simply showing up and following through can still win the business.

In this episode of CCI Drive Time, Steve sits down with Jamie Sewell—laundromat owner, marketing strategist, technology leader, entrepreneur, and the new owner of Laundry University. Jamie shares her journey from technology sales and marketing to the Coin Laundry Association, Washlava, Alliance Laundry Systems, consulting, coaching, and eventually laundromat ownership. Drawing from her experience across nearly every part of the industry, she explains what separates successful operators from the rest: making decisions quickly, testing new ideas, investing in people and processes, and building a business that reflects their own strengths instead of simply copying the competition. Steve and Jamie also discuss the changing role of laundry equipment distributors. Jamie explains why the best distributors act as tour guides, trusted advisors, and long-term partners—helping owners imagine the customer experience they want to create rather than simply selling equipment. The conversation also explores why laundromat owners must treat marketing as a serious investment, how technology is helping operators manage their businesses from anywhere, and why continued consolidation will require independent owners and distributors to sharpen their game. Finally, Jamie introduces Laundry University, an online training and certification platform designed to help laundromat owners consistently train employees, improve wash-dry-fold quality, streamline onboarding, and build more scalable professional laundry operations. It’s a wide-ranging conversation about relationships, differentiation, employee development, technology, and what it will take to succeed in the next generation of the laundry industry.

For nearly three decades, Joel Jorgensen has helped shape the commercial laundry industry through his work with Continental Laundry Solutions. In this episode of CCI Drive Time, Steve sits down with Joel to discuss what separates great distributors from companies that simply sell equipment—and why strong partnerships remain one of the industry's greatest competitive advantages. Together they explore how distribution has evolved, the importance of training, service, and technical support, and why a laundromat owner's success depends on much more than purchasing the lowest-priced equipment. They also share stories from nearly 30 years of working together and discuss how manufacturers and technology partners collaborate to create better solutions for store owners. The conversation also dives into the future of laundromat technology, including automated chemical dispensing, integrated payment systems, water and energy reclamation, utility cost reduction, wash-dry-fold growth, and the increasing role of automation in modern laundry operations. Whether you're a laundromat owner, distributor, equipment supplier, or someone considering investing in the laundry industry, this episode offers valuable insight into where the industry has been—and where it's headed next. In this episode you'll learn: What makes a great laundromat distributorWhy service and support are more important than equipment priceHow manufacturers and payment providers work together to improve the customer experienceThe future of automated chemical dispensing and integrated laundry technologyWhy utility management and energy recovery will play a major role in the next generation of laundromatsHow successful operators are building businesses beyond traditional self-service laundryIf you enjoy the podcast, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. New episodes of CCI Drive Time are released regularly, featuring conversations with industry leaders focused on helping laundromat owners and distributors build more successful businesses.

What makes a great laundromat distributor? Why has the distributor model remained successful for decades, and what challenges lie ahead as the industry continues to evolve? In this episode of CCI Drive Time, Steve sits down with Mark Gies, who has spent more than 27 years with Vend-Rite Manufacturing, one of the laundry industry's longest-standing manufacturers. Together they discuss why strong distributor relationships continue to be the backbone of the vended laundry industry and what separates the best distributors from the rest.  Mark shares the history of Vend-Rite, how the company has served the laundry industry exclusively for more than 70 years, and why reliable products, exceptional service, and long-term partnerships have fueled its success. The conversation also explores:  Why Vend-Rite remains committed to selling exclusively through distributors  The characteristics that define successful distributors  How distributors create value far beyond simply selling equipment  The evolution of soap vending and customer buying habits  Why service and relationships build long-term customer loyalty  The growing influence of multi-store ownership and industry consolidation  Predictions for where the laundromat industry may be headed over the next decade Whether you're an experienced distributor or just entering the laundromat industry, this episode offers valuable insight into the importance of trusted partnerships, customer support, and the role distributors continue to play in helping laundromat owners build successful businesses.

In this episode of CCI Drive Time, Steve sits down with Matt Simmons, co-founder of Curbside Laundries, to discuss how a family-owned laundromat evolved into one of the industry's leading wash-dry-fold and pickup & delivery software platforms.  Matt shares the remarkable story behind Super Suds in Long Beach, California, where wash-dry-fold revenue grew from just $8,000 per month to more than $140,000 per month at a single location. What began as a search for software to manage a growing laundry operation eventually became a business dedicated to helping laundromat owners increase revenue, streamline operations, and successfully launch pickup and delivery services.  Steve and Matt discuss:  How operational challenges led to the creation of Curbside Laundries  The role of wash-dry-fold and pickup & delivery in modern laundromat profitability  Why successful operators should master wash-dry-fold before expanding into delivery services  The value of family businesses and aligning around common goals  How distributors can help store owners build additional revenue streams beyond self-service  The importance of customer success, education, and ongoing support  Lessons learned from operating a high-volume laundry business while developing software  Emerging trends in the industry, including AI, Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), and the future of customer acquisition  The growing partnership between payment systems and wash-dry-fold software platforms Matt also shares insights from working with hundreds of laundromat operators nationwide, explains why pickup and delivery continues to be one of the largest growth opportunities in the industry, and offers practical advice for new store owners looking to maximize revenue from day one.  Whether you're opening your first laundromat, expanding your wash-dry-fold operation, or looking for ways to increase profitability, this episode is packed with actionable ideas and real-world experience from an operator who continues to run and grow his own laundry business. Listen now and learn how today's most successful operators are building profitable service businesses beyond self-service laundry.

In this episode of CCI Drive Time, Steve sits down with industry veteran Karl Hinrichs, who has spent more than 46 years helping laundromat owners build, operate, and grow successful businesses. As both a distributor and multi-store laundromat owner, Karl brings a unique perspective on the evolution of the industry and the challenges facing owners today.  Karl shares how the laundromat business has transformed from a largely mom-and-pop industry into a more professional, data-driven business environment. The conversation explores industry consolidation, changing investor profiles, the importance of location selection, and how distributors can create value through consultative selling rather than simply selling equipment.  The discussion also dives into Karl’s experience as a laundromat owner, including the benefits of card-operated stores, customer convenience trends, labor challenges, and how technology has changed the way owners manage their businesses. Karl offers practical advice for new investors, distributors, and sales professionals looking to build credibility and long-term success in the industry.  Whether you're a distributor, store owner, or considering your first laundromat investment, this episode is packed with decades of real-world experience, candid observations, and actionable insights from one of the industry's most respected voices.  Topics covered:  The evolution of the laundromat industry over the past four decades  Why location remains the most important factor in store success  Industry consolidation and changing investor demographics  Consultative selling and building customer trust  Labor challenges and operational best practices  Card systems, customer convenience, and payment trends  Lessons learned from owning and operating laundromats  Advice for new distributors and laundromat investors

In this episode of CCI Drive Time, Steve Marcionetti sits down with industry veteran Jason Fleck of LaundryLux to discuss the evolving role of distributors, the power of educational events, and the future of the laundromat industry. Drawing on decades of experience, Jason shares how consistency, relationship-building, and a consultative approach continue to drive success in an industry that is rapidly changing.  Steve and Jason explore what makes a great distributor, why "boots on the ground" still matters, and how distributors can help store owners navigate an increasingly complex landscape of equipment, technology, and business decisions. They also discuss the growing importance of customer experience, wash-dry-fold services, and how technology—from advanced machine controls to AI and automation—is shaping the next generation of laundromats.  Whether you're a distributor, store owner, investor, or industry supplier, this conversation offers valuable insights into building stronger businesses, creating better customer experiences, and preparing for what's next in the laundry industry.  Topics covered:  The evolution of laundromat investment seminars and industry events  Why distributor relationships still matter  Sales fundamentals that never go out of style  Creating a premium customer experience  Technology trends in laundromats  Wash-dry-fold and pickup & delivery growth  AI, automation, and the future of store operations  Industry consolidation and what it means for operators Tune in for an engaging conversation packed with practical advice and forward-looking industry insights.

How Technology, Financing, and Smart Due Diligence Are Shaping the Future of Laundromats In this episode of CCI Drive Time, Steve sits down with Madison Dang, Vice President and Principal Broker at Elite Business Investments, a family-run distributorship and brokerage serving Southern California. Madison represents the next generation of leaders entering the laundromat industry, bringing fresh perspective while continuing the legacy built by her family. Together, they explore what’s changing in today’s market—from tighter financing and limited inventory to the growing influence of technology and new investor expectations. Madison shares what she’s seeing on the front lines: increased demand from younger investors, rising interest from private equity, and a shift toward modern payment systems that prioritize customer convenience. The conversation also dives into the evolving role of distributors. Rather than simply selling equipment, distributors are becoming trusted advisors who guide investors through complex decisions, due diligence, and long-term growth planning. Madison offers practical advice for new investors, including why taking time to thoroughly evaluate a deal is critical in an industry where success depends on preparation, not speed. You’ll also hear a thoughtful discussion about hybrid payment strategies—why many stores still need coin options today, and how data-driven transitions can help owners confidently move toward more cashless operations over time. This episode highlights an important theme for the future of the industry: strong relationships, local expertise, and a long-term mindset will continue to matter, even as technology and investment trends evolve. Key Topics Covered:  Why inventory shortages and financing challenges are shaping today’s market  How technology expectations from customers and investors are driving change  The importance of local expertise and proper due diligence when buying a laundromat  Why hybrid payment systems remain a practical path forward  How the next generation of distributors is preparing for the future

In this episode of CCI Drive Time, Steve sits down with Ian Gollahon, co-founder of Wash-Dry-Fold POS, to discuss how simplicity, real-world experience, and disciplined growth have shaped one of the leading point-of-sale platforms in the laundromat industry. Ian shares his journey from outside sales into the laundry business and explains how early lessons from store operators helped shape a system focused on usability and reliability. What started as a simple solution for managing wash-dry-fold orders has grown into a widely adopted platform used by laundromats across the country.  The conversation goes beyond software to explore practical business strategy. Steve and Ian discuss common mistakes new operators make—especially trying to launch too many services at once—and why successful stores focus on mastering self-service and wash-dry-fold operations before expanding into delivery or commercial work. You’ll also hear how integration between payment systems and point-of-sale tools can improve accountability, efficiency, and visibility inside the store—while reducing opportunities for misuse and simplifying daily operations. Whether you're a distributor advising customers or an operator planning your next move, this episode offers clear, practical guidance on adopting technology without adding unnecessary complexity. Key Topics Covered:  Why simplicity is a competitive advantage in laundry technology  The “crawl, walk, run” approach to growing laundry services  How POS and payment system integration improves operational control  Common mistakes new store owners make when adopting new technology  Practical advice for distributors recommending solutions to customers