A Look at Chicago-Based Distributor Midwest Laundries
From a young age, Jim Schultz was drawn to the idea of owning his own business.
And, with a number of family members already involved with the laundry business, he quite naturally became very familiar with the industry.
Then, while helping manage one of the family’s laundromats while home on break from college, an unlikely venture presented itself – selling used machines on the side. From that point, Schultz began to explore the feasibility of a used equipment company, with a high level of service as the cornerstone of the operation.
In 2007, Midwest Laundries was established.
“Starting out, our focus was on providing the highest quality used, rebuilt equipment,” he said. “In 2008, my sister, Lauren, joined the company and has been instrumental in our direction and focus. Within 18 months, our company quickly evolved with the hiring of our first service technician and the opening of a retail parts department.”
In 2009, Midwest Laundries entered into its first distribution agreement for new machines – putting the company firmly on the path toward becoming a full-service distributor.
Today, Midwest employs more than 20 people who work throughout the distributorship’s five-state territory. In addition, the company has installed new and used equipment in 49 U.S. states, as well as internationally.
“Our focus regionally is on developing Fagor-equipped vended laundries,” Schultz said.
Since early 2020, Midwest Laundries has developed and installed 12 Fagor laundromats, with more scheduled for this year. Additional, the Chicago-based distributor has a large-scale Fagor event planned for later this fall.
“We continue to grow by keeping our focus on providing a top-level experience for every customer,” Schultz explained. “I’ve always enjoyed helping our clients who are just starting out on their entrepreneurial journeys.
“Midwest Laundries is the most complete and well-rounded distribution company in the market,” he added. “At a time when more companies are outsourcing, we see great value in investing in and expanding our team.”
The company’s full-service team features factory-trained technicians, professional installers, rebuilders, marketing and operations experts, and parts and technical support staff. Additionally, its field team boasts experienced carpenters and electricians. What’s more, Midwest Laundries is now an officially licensed general contractor in Chicago.
“Continuous investment in our people means better service and support for our clients,” Schultz stated. “We are experts in laundromat operations, and those years of experience and lessons are shared with every client. Our businesses and expertise are an open book that we use to help and guide our clients to achieve impressive levels of success in this industry.”
Midwest Laundries’ success has led to the current renovation and expansion of its Chicago location. This includes a newly redesigned, interactive showroom, as well as 10,000 square feet of additional office and warehousing space to accommodate the company’s growing team and inventory.
Moreover, Midwest expects to launch a newly redesigned website in late 2023. The site will be a content-rich resource for laundromat owners and those researching the industry, according to the company.
Having practically grown up in the laundry business, what does Schultz see as the keys to a successful laundromat business?
“There are so many moving parts to success,” he stated. “I feel location, layout and parking are the basics and have been well-covered. Where I see so much potential, especially when speaking to clients interested in scaling, is in operations.
“Develop and document standard operating procedures for everything,” he continued. “Treat these manuals as living documents that you’re constantly refining and adding to. Next, use these to continuously train and engage with your staff. Well-defined procedures and proper training empowers staff members, makes them more invested, and ultimately provides your customer with a superior experience.”
All in all, Schultz would advise all new laundromat owners or potential investors to invest in their operations and their teams.
“If that is not your strength, find a partner, a mentor or some other resource that can help you,” he suggested. “In all my years in business, I have learned this to be one of the most critical aspects.”
