How Technology, Financing, and Smart Due Diligence Are Shaping the Future of Laundromats

In this episode of CCI Drive Time, Steve sits down with Madison Dang, Vice President and Principal Broker at Elite Business Investments, a family-run distributorship and brokerage serving Southern California. Madison represents the next generation of leaders entering the laundromat industry, bringing fresh perspective while continuing the legacy built by her family.

Together, they explore what’s changing in today’s market—from tighter financing and limited inventory to the growing influence of technology and new investor expectations. Madison shares what she’s seeing on the front lines: increased demand from younger investors, rising interest from private equity, and a shift toward modern payment systems that prioritize customer convenience.

The conversation also dives into the evolving role of distributors. Rather than simply selling equipment, distributors are becoming trusted advisors who guide investors through complex decisions, due diligence, and long-term growth planning. Madison offers practical advice for new investors, including why taking time to thoroughly evaluate a deal is critical in an industry where success depends on preparation, not speed.

You’ll also hear a thoughtful discussion about hybrid payment strategies—why many stores still need coin options today, and how data-driven transitions can help owners confidently move toward more cashless operations over time.

This episode highlights an important theme for the future of the industry: strong relationships, local expertise, and a long-term mindset will continue to matter, even as technology and investment trends evolve.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why inventory shortages and financing challenges are shaping today’s market
• How technology expectations from customers and investors are driving change
• The importance of local expertise and proper due diligence when buying a laundromat
• Why hybrid payment systems remain a practical path forward
• How the next generation of distributors is preparing for the future

In this episode of CCI Drive Time, Steve sits down with Ian Gollahon, co-founder of Wash-Dry-Fold POS, to discuss how simplicity, real-world experience, and disciplined growth have shaped one of the leading point-of-sale platforms in the laundromat industry.

Ian shares his journey from outside sales into the laundry business and explains how early lessons from store operators helped shape a system focused on usability and reliability. What started as a simple solution for managing wash-dry-fold orders has grown into a widely adopted platform used by laundromats across the country.

The conversation goes beyond software to explore practical business strategy. Steve and Ian discuss common mistakes new operators make—especially trying to launch too many services at once—and why successful stores focus on mastering self-service and wash-dry-fold operations before expanding into delivery or commercial work.

You’ll also hear how integration between payment systems and point-of-sale tools can improve accountability, efficiency, and visibility inside the store—while reducing opportunities for misuse and simplifying daily operations.

Whether you're a distributor advising customers or an operator planning your next move, this episode offers clear, practical guidance on adopting technology without adding unnecessary complexity.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why simplicity is a competitive advantage in laundry technology
• The “crawl, walk, run” approach to growing laundry services
• How POS and payment system integration improves operational control
• Common mistakes new store owners make when adopting new technology
• Practical advice for distributors recommending solutions to customers

In this Inside Track Edition of CCI Drive Time, Steve sits down with Keni Smith, CCI’s Western Territory Account Manager, to introduce distributors to one of the key people supporting them in the field every day. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how account managers work alongside distributors and store owners to deliver the right payment solutions—and why leaning on that support can make selling and servicing systems easier.

Keni shares her journey into the laundry industry, what surprised her most about the community, and how relationships—both at trade shows and through organizations like Women in Laundry—play a major role in helping distributors grow their knowledge and confidence. She also discusses the most common questions she receives from distributors, including product selection, quoting systems correctly, and understanding how evolving technology impacts sales conversations.

The conversation also touches on a trend many distributors are seeing today: store owners initially considering hybrid systems but becoming more open to reducing or eliminating coins once they understand the operational and financial advantages. It’s a practical reminder that education and communication are often the key to helping customers move forward with confidence.

This episode is a great introduction to one of the people working behind the scenes to support distributors—and a reminder that you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. The CCI team is there to help you quote, position, and deliver the right solution for every store.

Listen to this episode to learn:

• What a typical day looks like for a territory account manager
• The most common areas where distributors need support
• Why using your manufacturer as a quoting resource reduces risk and stress
• How customer attitudes toward coin, hybrid, and card-only systems are evolving
• Practical advice for new sales reps entering the laundry industry