Interview with Jim Conrad, owner
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: I was looking for a change from the corporate accounting world. I know someone who owns a Laundromat and explored the possibility of either buying an existing Laundromat or building a new one. This location was previously a Laundromat where the owner wasn’t able to renew his lease with the landlord and left the space in November 2014. We got access to the space in February and installed new washers and dryers as well as a total interior remodel of the Laundromat.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: We strive to be warm, friendly, clean and provide a safe place for customers to do laundry. Most Laundromats are old, tired, dirty and not very inviting. In addition, people are able to do laundry as best fits their needs. We offer self-service washers and dryers and drop-off service for those who prefer not to do their own laundry. We have four sizes of washing machines to accommodate any size load that a customer may have. In total, we have 30 washers and 30 dryers.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: The interaction with customers. Laundry Yard is an attended Laundromat that does drop- off service as well as self-service coin-operated washers and dryers. Most people who come to do laundry are warm and friendly and like to engage in conversation while their laundry is being done. As time goes on, Laundry Yard will develop into a community Laundromat where people can safely do laundry and interact with other customers and the Laundry Yard staff.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: This is my first venture in a retail environment. The biggest challenge is completing all the tasks necessary to run a small business. I have employees to help me run the Laundromat, but I’m needing help with sales, marketing and establishing an online presence.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: My background is in corporate accounting. People are surprised to hear that I took the leap of faith to start a Laundromat with no prior experience. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It’s a long process of negotiating a lease with the landlord, buying the laundry equipment, building out the space and finally being able to open and run the Laundromat. We opened on July 11, so there are a few bugs to work out, but everyone who comes through the door is pleased with the Laundromat and is happy to have it reopen in the neighborhood.
Profile
Business: Laundry Yard
Address: 3225 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Unit A, Lakewood
Hours: 8 a.m.-9 p.m. daily
Founded: 2015
Contact: 720-841-5883
Employees: 3
