For more than two decades, Lee Ann Geurts has been a steady force in her Brooklyn Park community in Minnesota, running three laundromats that have become known not just for clean clothes, but for connection, comfort, and care. What began as a business venture for her son evolved into a deeply personal mission. Now, as she prepares to step back after a recent health scare, Geurts shares the unexpected path that led her into the industry, the barriers she broke as a woman in a male-dominated field, and the values that guided her journey.
Q: How did you first get involved in the laundromat business, and what role did your family play in that journey?
Honestly, it kind of just fell into my lap. Originally, the laundromat business was supposed to be something for my son. We came to Minneapolis to explore what it would take to own and operate one. My husband at the time had an uncle who owned several laundromats and wanted to sell two locations in Brooklyn Park.
We visited them and thought, “Wow, this is a big undertaking.” We discussed the opportunity with our son Matthew. We hoped he would take it on, not immediately, but as something he could grow into over time. I was a CNA and had experience working in laundry and housekeeping at a nursing home in South Dakota, so I stepped in to support him. But the work quickly became a lot, and I ended up taking on many of the business decisions myself. Matt worked alongside me for nine years but eventually left to farm with his father. That was a huge change, and I had to hire staff to keep things running smoothly. I leaned on Matt a lot at first, especially when it came to making calls. Many vendors and service providers didn’t take me seriously as a woman. They just didn’t believe I was the one making decisions for a laundromat.
Q: What kinds of resistance did you face early on, and how did you establish yourself as the leader of the business?
In the beginning, I relied on my son to handle the service calls: for plumbers, electricians, and people to repair the machines. Back then, it was hard to get taken seriously as a woman in this business. Many repair people would promise to come and never show up. Eventually, I built strong working relationships, and now some of my technicians have been with me for decades.
When I couldn’t get the help I needed, I took matters into my own hands. I learned to fix things myself by reading manuals and looking up repairs online.
Q: How have you balanced the demands of business ownership with your personal life and relationships?
Balancing the business with my personal life has had its challenges. My children and grandchildren live in other states, so anytime I want to visit them, I have to make sure every detail at the laundromat is handled before I leave. We stay connected through video chats, but even just a single day away sometimes feels like a luxury.
Still, I absolutely love what I do. My laundromats are like family to me. I’ve been doing this for over 23 years, and my customers have become like family too. I always try to make them feel welcome, cared for, and comfortable. I take pride in keeping a clean, welcoming space. We’re always cleaning and always improving.
Q: What have been some of your proudest moments or innovations as a business owner?
Whenever someone asks me how to open a laundromat, I always take time to explain the basics — but I also ask whether they have a strong support system. This business thrives when you have dependable people behind you. Families with lots of helping hands often do really well.
After my son left the business, my night worker’s son-in-law asked if he could help, and I hired him. He was an incredible worker — loyal, hardworking and dependable. He stayed with me for 14 years until he had to step away due to health issues. I miss him, but I’ve been lucky that my other team members really stepped up and filled in the gaps.
I encourage a team-based atmosphere. When we work together as a team, everything runs smoothly. On Sundays, many of our customers would bring their families, meet friends, share meals, and wash clothes together. It became a joyful and meaningful community gathering space. Customers still thank me for helping create that kind of environment.
Q: What advice would you offer to other women looking to own a business in a field like this?
Find a strong support system. It doesn’t have to be big, but you need people you can count on. You don’t need to have every answer at the start, but you do need the drive to learn and adapt. Be prepared to step in and solve problems yourself if you have to. And don’t let anyone make you feel like you don’t belong in the room or at the head of the table. Over time, your confidence grows — and so does your impact.
Q: What else should we know?
Owning laundromats has been one of the greatest joys of my life. Once you build the right team and surround yourself with good people, it becomes more than just a business — it becomes a way to serve and uplift your community. Over the years, I’ve proudly supported local soccer teams, gymnastics programs, and countless individuals and families in need. Whether it’s donating abandoned clothes to the homeless or stepping in when someone is struggling, I’ve always believed in giving back.
This business has challenged me, but I love challenges. There’s something deeply rewarding about solving the day-to-day problems that come with ownership. It’s a business that offers freedom, purpose, and joy — whether you’re a man or a woman stepping into it.
