Industry pioneer and visionary Avner Wolanow – the founder of Dallas-based Atlas International Laundry – has passed away.
A trailblazer in the laundry industry, Mr. Wolanow was renowned for his extensive knowledge and infectious personality. His journey began when he immigrated to the United States from Israel in 1957 at the age of 16. Despite the challenges of a new country, Avner’s determination and talent shone through. He was immediately drafted into the American Soccer League, becoming the youngest player to compete in the Olympics, the World Cup, and for the U.S. Army in Germany.
Avner’s academic pursuits led him to earn a degree in electrical engineering from CW Post in Long Island, N.Y., which paved the way for his initial sales career with Wascomat.
Along the way, he met and married his wife, Carol, in 1966. The couple raised two daughters and were blessed with two grandchildren.
In 1980, Avner moved his family to Dallas to embark on a new venture, establishing Atlas International Laundry. His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to excellence propelled the business to great success. And, in 1984, Avner’s vision for growth and commitment to family led him to invite his cousin, Ulli Mandelbaum, to join him. Together, they built Atlas International into the laundry distributorship it is today.
Avner’s legacy is one of wisdom, unparalleled work ethic, and a passion for success that extended beyond himself to everyone with which he interacted.
“Avner was a true original and a true entrepreneur who liked nothing more than to help aspiring laundromat owners take their first steps toward small-business ownership,” remembered CLA President and CEO Brian Wallace. “Scores of laundromat owners will tell you that he supported them as a friend, advocate, and counselor. Avner’s enthusiasm for our industry and his ability to get the rest of us excited will forever be missed.”
“I first met Avner in 1979,” recalled Bob Eisenberg of BFE Consulting Group. “He was the sales manager for Wascomat at the time, and I applied for a regional sales manager position. He gave me a chance, and I have been forever grateful for the opportunity.
“Over the years, he went from being my boss to being a customer. We always stayed in touch and became good friends. Avner was a pioneer in our industry, and I learned a lot from him. He was a smart, hard worker who set a great example. The industry mourns his passing, and I miss him.”
“Avner was a legend!” added Brian Grell, executive vice president of Eastern Funding. “I wish we could duplicate him. There was nobody better.”
“His memory will continue to inspire us,” Mandelbaum noted, “as we strive for greatness – upholding the integrity and dedication to excellence that he championed.”
