Ohio Owner Grows Successful Four-Store Operation
Huebsch has named Jim Adams the latest recipient of its Store Owner of the Quarter Award for the growth and success of his four Jennifer Haley’s Coin Laundromats in Ohio.
“Jim has an ambitious spirit and strong work ethic, leading him to become a profitable multi-store owner with a strong understanding of the laundry industry,” said Kathryn Rowen, North American sales manager for Huebsch. “He is a genuine businessman with great people skills. We enjoy partnering with perseverant, hardworking entrepreneurs like Jim, and we cannot wait to see what the future holds for him and his stores.”
Before he embarked on his laundry business venture, Adams worked as a sales representative for trucking companies and also owned and managed apartment buildings. He developed an understanding of laundry equipment and operation from the laundry rooms in the buildings he managed, and when a local laundromat across the street from one of his apartment buildings in Akron, Ohio went out of business, he saw it as a great business opportunity.
Making a late career change and entering a new industry, Adams relied heavily on his commercial laundry equipment distributor, M&L Equipment Co., located in Akron, Ohio. M&L stepped in to help Adams get his business started, which included providing professional design services to determine the best layout for the store and educating Adams on the latest equipment technology to improve the customer experience and increase profitability.
After three years of running a lucrative laundromat, Adams decided to open a second laundromat in Akron. And, due to the success of his first two stores, Adams was able to open two additional laundries in 2015 – one in Canton, Ohio, and another in Akron.
“I have learned a lot about the industry over the past nine years, and I owe a lot to M&L Equipment Company,” Adams said. “From determining the right equipment mix to the best layout for my store, their insight and recommendations were instrumental to my successful start in the laundry industry.”
All four Jennifer Haley’s Coin Laundromats – which are named after Adams’ daughter – have the same look and feel, incorporating the color scheme of the Ohio State Buckeyes. Adams also has added ancillary services and special amenities to help his businesses stand out from competitors in the area, such as free WiFi, vending machines, air conditioning and restrooms. His larger store in Canton even boasts a pool table for customers.
Adams also has grown his businesses by attracting homeowners who use the large-capacity washers and dryers for specialty loads, such as comforters and rugs that they can’t wash at home.
“As a laundromat owner, I learn something new every day,” Adams explained. “And, because of that, I get smarter every day. I like being my own boss and the flexible schedule that goes hand-in-hand with running a laundromat. I’m 59 years old but can see myself doing this for many more years to come, because I enjoy what I do and I’m dedicated to making my business successful.”
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