Q. What do you do at Laundrylux?
I am the West Coast Regional Business Development Manager. I work with our distributors to help promote best practices in our industry. I go on sales calls with them to help drive home the point that Laundrylux has their back and their customers’.
Q. What do you love about working at Laundrylux and/or the laundry industry?
First, Laundrylux has more than exceeded my expectations. The thought they put into employee advancement and employee satisfaction is heads and shoulders above the rest. This has been a new experience for me at this level. Something I have noticed is that Laundrylux is bringing in a lot of talent from across the industry and a good number of these folks are women. The laundry industry as a whole takes a huge part of my heart. I LOVE this industry and I have watched it change from being run by the older guys I know to the younger generation and more professionals entering the industry. While technical knowledge is an important part of owning a laundromat, having a business mind has become more and more important. I love meeting people from ALL walks of life and different cultures. I enjoy learning about them and helping them achieve their dreams.
Q. What do you see as important trends within the industry or within your field?
I see the laundry industry continuing the change from taking merely quarters to accepting all types of payments, with the newest one to take hold, app payments. We are all so attached to our phones that downloading apps is second nature for most in the country. I also see customer service being the upmost important item that can set us apart from the rest.
Q. How do you define success?
Success is knowing that you have helped people realize their dreams of owning a laundromat. I know that I give good advice, the same advice I would give myself. Success is seeing people gain trust in you through conversations over time. I define success as my customers become my friends. I check on their families that they have introduced me to, have dinners with them, send them funnies, and show that I care, beyond laundry, I care. I have been in the industry for 25 years. I was 21 years old when I started and knew nothing of the laundry industry. This industry sunk its teeth in me years ago and has never let go!
Q. What would you say to other women looking to get into the industry or your field?
GO FOR IT!!! There are lots of us out here just anxious to assist. I read an article that said that women have a skill for looking at the bright side and finding a way through problems and coming out stronger at the end. That has never been truer than in the laundry industry. 2022 saw the Coin Laundry Association’s Member of the Year being a woman. This is the first time it has happened but will most definitely not be the last. My father-in-law once told me that the laundry industry was dying…. Boy, is he wrong. It is growing and growing and having smart women in the industry only makes it better.
Q. What are challenges you’ve faced within the industry/your field and how have you overcome them?
The biggest challenge faced is proving that you know what you are talking about. Whether that is location finding and deciphering demographics to layouts, proper machine mix and balance, to installation and service. I enjoy jobsites. Call me crazy, but that’s my jam!
I let people doubt me, a lion doesn’t have to tell you it’s a lion. I let my actions speak for themselves. I can’t count on one hand how many times a customer has asked a technical question and I explain that I can help, and they still want to talk to a male. Then, that male turns around and asks me what to do to solve the problem. I learned early on how to do some simple repairs and would carry my toolbox with me on sales calls. I would fix a couple of small issues in the laundry that required no parts and left with a customer for life. The women would want me to teach them, and the men just watched in awe. There is no better feeling that jumping into a male dominated industry and taking it by storm. I LOVE to share my knowledge with ANYONE who wants to learn.
Q. What is one fun fact about you that most people do not know?
I wanted to be a fighter pilot when I was in high school. I still like flying in planes and doing tricks or high G turns. So in turn, roller coasters are super fun for me as well as shelf roads in the high country. I love that stuff!
Q. What is your perfect vacation day?
My perfect vacation day would be spent in the mountains with only the trees and wildlife around. Next to a river would be amazing! I think being in the wilderness is very spiritual and fulfilling.
Looking to join a dynamic and innovative team? Check out the exciting opportunities we have available on our Careers page. We’re a fast-growing company and are always on the lookout for talented individuals to join us in transforming the laundry industry.
This Employee Spotlight is part of Laundrylux’s Women’s Initiative. Laundrylux is focused on building a better workplace for women, supporting each other, and being heard.