Opening a laundromat means answering big questions early: where to build, how to staff and what services to offer. A laundromat franchise gives owners a defined path into the laundromat business, with franchisor guidance, brand standards and operational resources to help shape those choices.
In this episode of the Laundry Nerd podcast, Speed Queen® Laundry franchise owner Jeremy Stroud joins Randy Radtke to share how he launched his Baton Rouge, Louisiana, location, built his team and began planning for a second store.
What Can Owners Learn from a Speed Queen Laundromat Franchise?
In “Franchise Flavor,” Jeremy Stroud shares how he evaluated the laundromat business model, opened his first location and planned for growth.
The episode gives prospective owners a grounded look at the decisions behind the franchise model, including site selection, onboarding, staffing and service offerings. Instead of speaking in theory, Jeremy walks through what those decisions looked like in his own business.
Why the Franchise Model Appeals to Laundromat Investors
Starting a laundromat business can raise immediate questions: Where should the store go? How do I staff it? What should the customer experience look like? How do I add pickup and delivery without creating operational strain?
Jeremy’s story answers those questions through the lens of a laundromat franchise owner who has moved from planning to opening, then toward expansion. His experience shows how a structured model can help owners make informed decisions while staying focused on the day-to-day work of running the store.
Topics Covered in this Laundry Nerd Episode
” I like the franchise model. It’s a built-in network of people who have the exact same machines that you do, that are running very similar processes … that accelerates the learning curve so much. [It was] one of the other reasons I chose to go that route.”
—Jeremy Stroud
Jeremy and Randy discuss:
- Why Jeremy chose the Speed Queen Laundry franchise model
- How site selection shaped the Baton Rouge location
- What onboarding looked like before opening
- How a strong staff leads day-to-day performance
- Lessons learned from launching pickup and delivery
- Practical advice for new laundromat business investors
- Jeremy’s plans for a second Speed Queen Laundry location
Hear the Full Conversation
Jeremy and Randy go deeper on every topic above. Here’s a preview:
Randy Radtke: What about the franchise flavor appealed to you?
Jeremy Stroud: There are a couple of reasons. One thing I learned from a previous business arrangement is how powerful the network of people is that you get to know. I would meet people all over the country doing exactly what I was doing in a very similar way. That was such a powerful resource.
So, one reason I like the franchise model is that beyond the franchisor support, it is a built-in network of people who have the exact same machines that you do, running very similar processes in similar demographics. That just accelerates the learning curve so much.
The other reason I chose to go that route: at the time I started, I was still working a corporate job and putting in my 40 hours a week. I did not feel like I had the time to figure it all out on my own. I was willing to pay someone to show it to me. So those were the two reasons: the network and having a proven roadmap when my time was limited.
Tune in to Laundry Nerd Episode 55, “Franchise Flavor: How a Speed Queen Owner Built Success in Baton Rouge” here, or find the Laundry Nerd Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Frequently asked questions about laundromat franchises
What is a laundromat franchise?
A laundromat franchise is a business model where an owner opens and operates a laundromat using an established brand, defined store concept and franchisor guidance. For investors entering the laundromat business, the model can help with decisions such as site selection, onboarding, equipment mix and customer experience.
Why do investors choose a laundromat franchise?
Investors may choose a laundromat franchise because it offers a more structured path into ownership. In this Laundry Nerd episode, Jeremy Stroud discusses how the Speed Queen Laundry franchise model helped him launch his Baton Rouge location and plan for a second store.
What does Jeremy Stroud discuss in the Laundry Nerd podcast?
Jeremy Stroud discusses why he chose the franchise route, how he approached site selection, what onboarding involved, how his team helped the store run and what he learned from pickup and delivery. He also shares plans for a second Speed Queen Laundry franchise location.
Is a laundromat franchise a good fit for new owners?
A laundromat franchise may be a strong fit for owners who want a structured model, a premium brand position and guidance as they enter the laundromat business. As Jeremy explains in the episode, owners still need to focus on staffing, operations and customer expectations to drive performance.
