CLA Conference Attracts a Record Number of Laundromat Owners and Industry Professionals to Palm Beach, Fla.
More than 200 of the leading laundromat owners and industry professionals from across the U.S. recently joined their colleagues for two days of high-level educational sessions and networking at the luxurious PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
On May 21, CLA President and CEO Brian Wallace welcomed a record number of attendees to the opening of the sixth Excellence in Laundry Conference, an event hosted by the trade association since 2012.
“Make a commitment to action,” Wallace urged those in attendance. “You’re here contributing to your profession – and make no mistake, this is indeed professional development. Let’s all leave here tomorrow afternoon together as a stronger industry and a more tight-knit community.”
With that, the educational sessions kicked off with an information-packed, 60-minute update on the economy and what laundromat owners should expect in the second half of 2024 and beyond.
Alex Chausovsky, who serves as director of analytics and consulting for Bundy Group, delivered practical and actionable advice to help business owners plan for the future. Attendees came away with insights on inflation, interest rates, the labor market, consumer spending, business investment, and more.
Above all, Chausovsky advised attendees not to lose any sleep over today’s political landscape or to let politics color their views of the current economy.
“Focus on running a good business,” he suggested. “Focus on the actual data. Be a data-driven professional.”
Over the next two days, various presenters shared information on timely topics such as attracting and hiring quality employees, multi-store management and maintenance, customer service, marketing, incorporating new technology into a laundry business, and ways to lessen the effect of successful wash-dry-fold operations on self-service customers.
“My main takeaway from the conference was the immense concentration of knowledge and experience gathered in one venue over a few days,” noted Ryan Spicer of Laundry Deport in Orangeburg, N.Y. “A key highlight was how emerging technologies are rapidly advancing the laundry industry. This event provided invaluable insights into innovative approaches as to where the laundry industry is headed.
“Personally, I enjoyed learning from those who have been in the business for many decades. Hearing about their experiences made me realize that the issues we face have been dealt with before, and the answers are readily available.”
“Even when you know a lot, you don’t know it all,” pointed out Mark Csordos of Washing Well in Matawan, N.J. “An owner in the audience told the panel and audience what he does with certain commercial businesses, and I thought, ‘That’s a good idea! I’m going to do that, too.’ Sometimes, all you need is one good idea to make the whole trip worth it.”
Between sessions, Excellence attendees also had the opportunity to check out the latest products and services from the industry’s top vendors and manufacturers, who presented tabletop displays at the event’s mini trade show, which was open throughout the conference.
Of course, networking is always at the heart of any CLA event, and store owners in attendance had plenty of opportunities talk shop with their peers – whether during the opening night’s cocktail reception, during the second evening’s dinner buffet, at one of the daily lunch breaks, or on one of the resort’s perfectly manicured championship golf courses.
“Networking is key to learning how others operate in different markets and understanding various approaches to the industry,” Spicer explained. “CLA does a great job of creating environments for laundry owners, new investors, and distributors to come together to help the industry grow.”
“I do a lot of networking, and it was great to meet so many of my LinkedIn connections in person,” Csordos added. “We shook hands, sat down, and were able to have a real conversation. I also met new people who I think will lead to fruitful relationships.
“There’s a lot of knowledge out there, and you can only get so much from working in your store. It’s very valuable to learn what others have done that worked well or that failed, so you don’t make the same mistakes. It’s also good to talk with others who understand what your business is about.”
“Personally, one of the biggest highlights for me was meeting other professionals in the industry – from investors to owners, with whom I’d only interacted virtually, to corporate allies,” said Monica Wales of Happy Laundry in Spokane, Wash. “Most of the attendees were curious, helpful, and inspiring. I even heard one attendee say she was considering opening another laundromat because of the enthusiasm shared by another attendee. Wow! If that doesn’t speak to the power of the CLA network, I don’t know what does.”
In addition, as with last year’s Excellence conference, the day prior to the event, CLA – as part of its Women’s Laundry Network initiative – hosted Excellent Women in Laundry. This separate, full-day conference devoted exclusively to women professionals attracted more than 40 industry leaders and aspiring laundry owners looking to connect, collaborate, and empower other women within the laundromat industry. The day featured keynote speakers, panel discussions, roundtables and, of course, abundant opportunities to network with others.
“I learned so much from my peers,” said Jeimy Flournoy of 809 Laundromat in Hyattsville, Md. “One main takeaway was how to start the process of finding the decision-makers to obtain commercial accounts. I had felt a little stuck on that initial step – then Colleen Unema suggested I hire some college students whose only job would be to obtain that information, and I could take it from there.
“Also, for me, being on the panel and receiving feedback from so many of my peers was a highlight. I didn’t realize how many people were touched by my story and by how I got started, and how many could relate. We’ve all had our own struggles.”
Beck Beckham of Beckham Laundry World in Dallas marveled at the professionalism of the entire three-day conference.
“Loads of information and experts discussing all aspects of the business,” Beckham said. “Being able to talk to season owners and new operators and to share best practices was definitely a highlight.
“Events like this one provide a template and a shortcut with regard to the mistakes you should avoid, some of the things you probably ought to look at, and ideas on how to expand alternative income sources – such as wash-dry-fold and pickup-and-delivery businesses.”
“CLA provides platforms and opportunities for all who are interested or who have been in the laundry industry to connect, learn, and share invaluable information,” Wales concurred. “The relationships that my husband, Kent, and I nurture help us consider new services, equipment, and procedures for Happy Laundry & Dry Cleaning.”
“I love these events!” Flournoy said. “The networking, the vibes, the learning, the happiness, and the encouragement at this event are definitely worth every single penny.”
[A full recap of the 2024 Excellence in Laundry Conference will appear in the July issue of PlanetLaundry magazine.]
