Success Story: Edgar Gamiz, owner of multiple laundromats in California, started out as an electrician doing some work at a laundromat. The landromat owner was emptying cash out of the store’s bill changer. Like many folks who aren’t familiar with the laundry industry’s exceptional ROI secret, Gamiz was left with one question: laundromats pull in that much cash?
“That’s a lot of money,” he recalls thinking…followed closely by the next thought that would be shared with his wife later: we are selling the house and buying a laundromat.
So, it was the laundromat all-in moment to beat all others. Married, with three children, Edgar was rolling the dice in a big way…especially when their house sold in two weeks.
Rough Start
It didn’t take long for the laundromat honeymoon period to wear off. An all-cash purchase of an existing facility left no room for a major retool, sans a few top load washers. That meant when Edgar was handed the keys to his Los Angeles area laundromat, he didn’t just become an owner…he also became the service manager. And with a store filled with…shall we say, vintage equipment, he became an expert in washer and dryer repair quickly.
“It was hard running that first laundromat…I used to cry,” he said of a day packed with a regular job and multiple visits to the laundry. “I was at the parts store every day.”
But Edgar doesn’t give up and was going to make the laundromat work. When you’re all-in, failure is not an option, and even less so when your family is depending on you.
That grit and determination was rewarded a year later. Edgar sold the laundry for double his investment.
Just when I think I’m out…they pull me back in
So, that was it. Edgar was officially retired from the laundromat business…although he was asked to consult on a new laundry in Burbank in 2017. But that’s how they get you.
It wasn’t long before the owner asked Edgar to come on as a partner in the business. Well, the whole reason for opening the first laundromat was “because it is a good business.” And just like that, he was back in the business.
Since that point, he’s retooled seven more stores and currently co-owns six. “People want to invest with me,“ he jokes.
A great partner makes it possible
While he spends far less time in the parts department at the Alliance Laundry Systems West Region (formerly PWS) office, he insists that their partnership and commitment to excellent service are paramount to why he’s selected Speed Queen for his laundries.
“Yumi has been with me since Day one,” he said of Yumi Ryoo, sales representative at Alliance Distribution West Region, adding that the two are in lockstep when it comes to her knowing what he looks for in terms of demographics as well as store design. “When I call Yumi, I know she’s truly going to help.”
Edgar also is quick to point out that, after a number of years working together, the bond of trust has meant the relationship transcends that of a typical business connection – it’s more of a friendship.
“I don’t greet Yumi with a handshake, I greet her with a hug.”
The partnership extends into all areas. As a successful business owner, Edgar appreciates the one-stop shop element he gets with Alliance Laundry Systems Distribution, in terms of service, support, parts, and finance.
“They’ve always been good to me; I don’t think I’ll be going anywhere,” he said, adding that he feels Speed Queen and Alliance Laundry Systems Distribution is “more genuine” than other companies that have approached him. So, while other companies may have presented better deals, the benefits of a full-service distributor and quality of equipment have always won out.
Next level experience
The why Speed Queen answer also is firmly rooted in how Edgar goes to market with his laundromats. His goal is, first and foremost, an exceptional customer experience.
“I want the laundromat to look like a palace,” Edgar said. “I built this for the community and the customers take care of it.”
This customer-first focus has led Edgar to retool his latest locations with Quantum Touch controls, Speed Queen customer app, and the Insights owner app.
“If you want to have a life buy new equipment…I can run six new stores with this technology,” he said, adding that remote management truly makes a difference.
Solid Business
With laundromat locations in Anaheim, Downey, Burbank, Lincoln Heights and North Hollywood, Edgar has built a solid
business through the years, but he feels like the stress of the first store was important to his growth as a truly effective owner.
“I needed that challenge,” and he admits “I got hooked.”
He’s learned a lot over the years, including the value of new equipment and a great relationship with a full-service distributor. With those elements in place, success has come.
“It’s a true American dream,” he said of the business he’s built, one that has helped him build his dream home and bring a great life to his family. “It’s a great living.”
For more information visit Speed Queen Brand by Alliance Laundry Systems, or call 920-748-3121.
