Full Cycle

Welcome back to Full Cycle, the podcast that explores the entrepreneurial spirit behind the laundry business. In this episode, host Matt DeWolf sits down with Beau Perra, the founder of Lotta's Laundry, a pickup and delivery laundry service on Bainbridge Island. Beau and his wife didn't come from the laundry industry. They brought their branding and digital marketing backgrounds and channeled that experience into building a community-focused service from scratch.

Beau shares the path from running a digital marketing agency to folding thousands of pounds of laundry each month out of their home. He talks through the early burnout, refining systems, and growing a team, all while keeping branding and storytelling central to the business. 

If you're interested in starting a service without a storefront, scaling operations, or getting a look at how one couple is building something different in this industry, this one is worth your time.

Thanks for giving us a turn.

Welcome back to Full Cycle, the podcast that explores the entrepreneurial spirit behind the laundry business. In this episode, host Matt DeWolf sits down with Beau Perra, the founder of Lotta's Laundry, a pickup and delivery laundry service on Bainbridge Island. Beau and his wife didn't come from the laundry industry. They brought their branding and digital marketing backgrounds and channeled that experience into building a community-focused service from scratch.

Beau shares the path from running a digital marketing agency to folding thousands of pounds of laundry each month out of their home. He talks through the early burnout, refining systems, and growing a team, all while keeping branding and storytelling central to the business. 

If you're interested in starting a service without a storefront, scaling operations, or getting a look at how one couple is building something different in this industry, this one is worth your time.

Thanks for giving us a turn.

 

In this episode of Full Cycle, host Matt DeWolf and guest Jim Hohnstein take you on a journey through time and transformation. Jim Hohnstein shares the fascinating story of how he turned a historic 1907 bank building in Lafayette, Colorado, into a thriving, modern laundromat with a loyal customer base; some of whom drive over 35 miles just for the experience.

Discover how Jim Hohnstein combines old-world charm, cutting-edge technology, and constant innovation, like ozone cleaning systems and a cozy kids’ library, to create an environment that goes far beyond washing clothes. You’ll also hear about the challenges and adventures of repurposing vintage spaces, the importance of customer experience, and why relentless improvement keeps Jim Hohnstein excited for what’s next in the laundry business.

Whether you’re drawn in by stories of entrepreneurial spirit, interested in the future of laundromats, or just love a good underdog renovation tale, this episode will give you plenty of real-world insights. Thanks for giving us a turn.

 

Guest: Jim Hohnstein Lafayette Econ-O-Wash, Lafayette, Colorado

In this episode of Full Cycle, host Matt DeWolf and guest Jim Hohnstein take you on a journey through time and transformation. Jim Hohnstein shares the fascinating story of how he turned a historic 1907 bank building in Lafayette, Colorado, into a thriving, modern laundromat with a loyal customer base; some of whom drive over 35 miles just for the experience.

Discover how Jim Hohnstein combines old-world charm, cutting-edge technology, and constant innovation, like ozone cleaning systems and a cozy kids’ library, to create an environment that goes far beyond washing clothes. You’ll also hear about the challenges and adventures of repurposing vintage spaces, the importance of customer experience, and why relentless improvement keeps Jim Hohnstein excited for what’s next in the laundry business.

Whether you’re drawn in by stories of entrepreneurial spirit, interested in the future of laundromats, or just love a good underdog renovation tale, this episode will give you plenty of real-world insights. Thanks for giving us a turn.

 

Guest: Jim Hohnstein Lafayette Econ-O-Wash, Lafayette, Colorado

In today’s special segment, "Laundry Leaders Unfolded," join CLA CEO Brian Wallace as he sits down with Alex Jekowsky, CEO of Cents. 

Discover why recurring revenue is the envy of so many businesses, and how memberships -once a novelty - are now becoming an essential part of creating dependable income and deeper customer relationships. Jekowsky breaks down practical examples of successful subscription models, offers actionable tips for laundromat owners, and challenges traditional thinking about self-service innovation.

But that’s not all: The conversation also ventures into the world of private equity, exploring why investors are flocking to laundromats, what this means for independent operators, and how these developments could shape the industry by 2026.

With insights on technology, loyalty programs, and the importance of running great neighborhood laundromats, this episode is packed with real-world strategies and big-picture trend-spotting.

Welcome to the very first episode of the newly rebranded Full Cycle podcast, formerly the PlanetLaundry podcast!

Hosted by Matt DeWolf, this episode sets the stage for a fresh perspective on the laundromat industry—one that digs deep into the stories, insights, and innovations shaping both community and business.

Joining Matt DeWolf is Amanda Sidell, owner of The Laundry Basket in Maine. Amanda Sidell brings a unique background as a clinical social worker turned laundromat entrepreneur. In this episode, she shares her personal journey—serendipitously entering the laundry world during the uncertainties of COVID, putting her psychology and human-centered design expertise to work, and transforming customer experiences in her store.

The conversation explores the power of empathy and psychological safety in business, how a positive environment boosts customer loyalty, and why investing in your staff pays off. Plus, Amanda Sidell dives into community impact, creative ways to give back, and candid thoughts on overcoming the pressures of keeping up in the industry.

If you’re ready to rethink the laundromat experience—from the people who run them to the communities they serve—this episode is the perfect place to start. Let’s go full cycle!

Welcome to the final episode of the PlanetLaundry Podcast, a show that’s been a trusted voice for laundromat owners and industry professionals for years. Today, Matt DeWolf is joined by Brian Wallace, President and CEO of the Coin Laundry Association (CLA), to talk about a big transition: the PlanetLaundry Podcast is evolving into the Full Cycle Podcast, accompanied by a revamped publication and expanded digital resources.

In this episode, you’ll hear about why the CLA is making this change now, what the industry’s shifting landscape means for laundromat owners, and how telling deeper, more personal stories will help elevate the community. The conversation is packed with behind-the-scenes insights about the new quarterly cadence of Full Cycle Magazine, expanded content channels, and a renewed focus on the entrepreneurial and often unexpected journeys of its members.

As the industry continues to grow and modernize, Matt DeWolf and Brian Wallace discuss how the CLA is doubling down on offering practical advice, multiple perspectives, and innovative content across print, podcast, video, and online platforms. Whether you’re a long-time subscriber, a new member, or just passionate about entrepreneurship, this episode sets the stage for an exciting new era in laundromat industry media.

Welcome to another episode of the PlanetLaundry Podcast! In this episode, host Matt DeWolf sits down with Brian Wallace, CEO of the Coin Laundry Association, to unpack all the excitement and key takeaways from the recent Clean Show - the industry's premier event for laundromat owners, operators, and enthusiasts. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned industry veteran, Matt and Brian cover everything from the surge of new faces and exhibitors, to must-have strategies for turning all that post-show inspiration into lasting business improvements.

They dive into the power of peer-to-peer learning, the value of making new connections, and why being present at industry events can totally transform your business. You'll also get a sneak peek at some major changes coming to Planet Laundry’s publications, and plenty of actionable advice to help you grow both personally and professionally in the ever-evolving world of laundry. So settle in and get ready to gain insight into what's driving innovation and community in the laundry industry!

On this episode of PlanetLaundry Podcast  host Matt DeWolf sits down with Saichelle McNeill, founder of WashRoom Laundry in Charlotte, to explore a unique and resilient approach to the laundry industry. Saichelle’s journey is anything but conventional, after facing challenges re-entering the workforce post-incarceration, she carved out her own path by launching a pickup and delivery laundry service. She shares how perseverance, relationship-building, and relentless customer service have helped her turn struggle into opportunity, and how she built a thriving business model based on partnerships and operational efficiency.

This conversation is about more than laundry, it’s a candid look at overcoming adversity, finding the right partners, and why showing a little love and delivering exceptional service can set you apart in any industry. Whether you’re interested in alternative business models, the power of persistence, or simply need a dose of motivation, this episode dives deep into the wins, roadblocks, and lessons that can help anyone on their entrepreneurial journey. So tune in as we unpack Saichelle’s story and draw out actionable insights for your business and beyond.

Welcome to the PlanetLaundry podcast! In today’s episode, host Matt DeWolf sits down with Marcia Spivey, an inspiring entrepreneur who’s reimagining what a laundromat can mean for the community. Marcia isn’t just opening any laundromat—she’s building the Hub Laundromat Cafe in Detroit, a unique brick-and-mortar space that serves as a trifecta: a place to do laundry, grab great food from local entrepreneurs, and connect with resources and people through workshops and events.

From her beginnings in community advocacy to her drive to create catalytic change in her own neighborhood, Marcia shares the story of her journey into the laundry industry. You’ll hear her candid reflections on the challenges and rewards of developing her business from the ground up—navigating real estate, construction, and building community partnerships, all while staying true to her social mission.

Dive in as Marcia and Matt discuss the importance of accountability, creating a hub for connection, and never giving up—plus some practical advice for anyone considering a leap into laundromat ownership. Whether you’re an industry veteran or just love to hear about entrepreneurs making a difference, this episode is packed with insights, determination, and hope for Detroit’s future.