RIPON, Wis. — Joe Dan Reed, owner of Lexington, Ky.-based Splash ’Em Out Laundromats, is the winner of Speed Queen’s inaugural “My Success Story” essay contest, the company reports.
Speed Queen representatives presented Reed with his $100,000 grand prize in early September. The Alliance Laundry Systems brand reports it has contributed the $100,000 toward Reed’s recent loan for new equipment provided through Speed Queen Financial Services (SQFS).
“We are truly honored to have been chosen as the winners of this phenomenal prize. We attribute our success to always putting the customer first—whether that’s providing a relaxing and clean environment, offering daily specials, or assisting customers to their cars,” says Reed. “Splash ’Em Out would not have grown from one to eight stores without the support of dedicated employees, a knowledgeable distributor and a manufacturer that understands our unique equipment and financial needs.”
“We are proud to be part of Joe Dan’s success story and pleased to recognize his accomplishments in such a significant way,” says Matt Westphal, relationship manager, SQFS. “When Joe Dan was new to the coin laundry industry, he was determined to make his business a success. His winning essay demonstrated that with a sound business plan and some creativity, success will come—and it has, in the form of eight stores.”
Westphal, along with Speed Queen National Sales Manager Dan Bowe, Regional Sales Manager Tom Weisheipl, and Michael Davis of Star Distributing, surprised Reed and his wife, Kelli, with the grand prize at his newest store in Lexington, the company says.
Between March 1 and June 15, Speed Queen store owners were invited to submit essays of 500 words or less describing their “unique and creative methods of retaining and attracting new customers.” Entrants were required to have financed at least $2,500 in new Speed Queen laundry equipment through SQFS during the contest period.
More than 50 submissions were judged based on the most “compelling story” relative to theme, creativity and clarity. Every eligible entrant received a $100 gift card redeemable at an authorized Speed Queen distributor.
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