RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. — The Coin Laundry Association (CLA) reports that it brought together 100 of the top laundry owners in the country at its Excellence in Laundry Conference last month. Laundry owners and a handful of new investors in the industry descended upon the Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa where they networked, reviewed table-top exhibits from leading manufacturers, and attended educational programs focused on small-business success.
“The location, format, speakers, seminars, attendees, and networking were each a cut above anything I’ve been part of before,” says Art Jaeger, owner of Santa Clarita Laundry. “I’ve returned home with several good ideas, an equipment/marketing idea that is currently being worked on, and many new friendships.”
The overarching theme centered on professional laundry owners and their successes. One such round table panel focused on how an owner can grow their own chain of vended laundries. Rated by attendees as one of the best educational experiences of the conference, owners learned the secrets to success from four leading industry multi-store owners.
Economist Alan Beaulieu’s Make Your Move educational session received the highest rating from attendees. He impressed with his knowledge, humor and ability to engage the audience, earning a standing ovation.
“I would like to see this type of conference held every year,” says William Bowen, owner of The Wash House, Greenville, N.C.
CLA says it will be designing and hosting an event similar to this in 2014.
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