Laundromat franchise LaundroLab is set to launch its first location in Boston, spearheaded by local money manager Bill Shean.
After more than 30 years as a professional money manager, Shean decided it was time for a career change. “I think it’s interesting to do something completely different in a new industry,” he said.
After meeting with LaundroLab cofounders Dan D’Aquisto and Alex Smereczniak, Shean was sold on the business model and the long-term sustainability of the concept.
“I felt like it was important to get in on the ground floor and be one of the first franchisees, and that would help capture the knowledge and the base to expand over time,” Shean explained. “Dan and Alex have been making it happen in the laundry industry for more than a decade, and I was so impressed after meeting with them for the first time.”
Shean added that the comprehensive assistance from LaundroLab executives, paired with a semi-absentee ownership model for franchisees, gave him the confidence he’d be able to establish himself and get his business off the ground quickly in his Boston community.
“Boston is kind of old-fashioned,” he said. “There are a lot of tight neighborhoods, as it’s an older city that has been developed, and this is a great opportunity because most of the folks who utilize laundromats are within a couple of miles of the actual location. They don’t drive 15 minutes to find a laundromat – they drive two minutes.”
Smereczniak said the greater New England region is capable of brand development, as the Boston market alone is equipped to handle a projected 20 units.
“There is a high concentration of people in areas where people might not be able to have their own laundry equipment,” he said. “They deserve a great experience, and we’re looking forward to delivering that quality service.”
Although Shean’s primary focus is to establish his initial location in Boston, he said he is open to further expansion as the brand gains traction within the city.
In addition, LaundroLab is further developing its franchising presence in the Northeast with a location in Burlington, Vt., led by franchisee Peter Delp.
Looking ahead, LaundroLab is targeting cities such as Charlotte, Dallas, Atlanta, Phoenix, Tampa, Houston, Miami and Nashville for continued franchise growth – with a goal of doubling or tripling its number of locations in the next few years.
“We believe there is a market for our brand virtually everywhere,” Smereczniak stated. “We are thrilled to welcome Bill to the LaundroLab family and are eager to partner with similarly qualified franchisees across the country to help take the brand to the next level and bring these services to the people who need them most.”
