By day, John is a power company linesman. His wife, Ceara Templin, is an industrial designer. In the process of finishing construction on their new home during nights and weekends, it was necessary to visit the local laundromat \u2014 and it was always an unpleasant ordeal. The lighting was dingy, the machines were frequently broken, the floors were dirty, and the seating was inadequate. The Templins, however, recognized an opportunity \u2026 so John turned to the web and picked up the phone to learn about the vended laundry business. He also began to look for a potential site.<\/p>\n
John spoke with a few commercial laundry equipment distributors before settling on Daniels Equipment Company of Auburn, New Hampshire, who represents the Huebsch brand of equipment. He forged a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with Tom Tobiassen. Tobiassen provided John with a solid understanding of the laundry business, including the keys to developing and managing an effective and profitable operation. Tobiassen also provided the Templins with insights on floor space needs, equipment infrastructure, equipment and financing. Thus, when Templin found a potential site, he would be well prepared to make an offer.<\/p>\n
The Templins\u2019 attention was initially drawn to a vacant furniture store in Winslow, Maine. It needed considerable work. Yet, they bought it and started a four-month project to convert the property, primarily with the help of family and friends. The first thing John focused on was the provision of additional parking. He took 20 feet off the front of the building and erected a new concrete wall and store front. After laying new sewer pipe and connections, he reclaimed the additional space and extended and repaved the parking lot. New insulation, a new concrete floor and enhanced plumbing followed soon after. The next step (before Ceara would plan finishing touches for the store) would be to get the equipment ordered and complete final plumbing and machine infrastructure. Templin called on Tobiassen and Daniels Equipment for help.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cTom was great,\u201d<\/strong><\/em> Templin said. \u201cHe took care of everything from operational floor space and equipment recommendations to financing. That allowed me to focus on construction and the renovation of the site. I didn\u2019t have to worry about anything except signing paperwork. He also provided guidance on the plumbing and bulkhead (access ways behind the machines) design. Together, we selected the equipment that would not only suit the space I purchased, but also the primary needs of potential customers.\u201d<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nWith the final infrastructure in place and equipment ordered, Ceara applied her design expertise to making the space inviting and comfortable. She initially focused on macro design elements like lighting, interior paint colors and flooring. The floor tile she selected resembled hardwood flooring. It set the tone for other decorative accents like hardwood islands, folding tables and granite counters. She also selected modern barrel-style, leather seating, allowing patrons comfortable places to wait. They also installed two LED large-screen televisions to carry local and national programming. Snack and beverage vending machines help fortify waiting customers. To add warmth and charm for the winter months, the laundromat also features an electric fireplace.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cJohn didn\u2019t do the standard things you see at most stores,\u201d<\/strong><\/em> Tobiassen said. \u201cHe has a lot of beautiful hardwood walls and accents throughout the store. He also installed Wi-Fi and charging stations at the counters to accommodate the needs of the local college students who do homework while they wait. People just came in droves and he was making money within 30 days of opening. He\u2019s in the top 4 percent of my most productive customers.\u201d<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>
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