2008 Woodie Awards
Laundry service thriving after a year
Ben Herbst
Issue date: 10/12/07 Section: Features
- Page 1 of 1
|
The original impetus for the company was that if friends King, Russell and Solar had so much trouble with their laundry, others must be dealing with the same inconveniences. After some research and working with a local laundrymat, Highlander Laundry, the three launched the service in every campus residence hall in the fall of last year.
The program was successful from the start, and they have been able to double their numbers each semester. "It's nice to see positive remarks and word of mouth spreading in our favor," King said. Currently there are about 125 active customers and their goal is to have 250 by the end of the year. Mullins joined the company when Solar went abroad to China last spring, and stuck around to help out this year.
"I personally have found great pride in owning and operating a company which has enabled me to gain both monetary and experiential benefit," Mullins said. "My favorite part has been improving the hygiene of my friends and associates," Solar said.
Each week all four of the owners get involved in the pick-up and delivery, and haul about 1000 pounds of laundry back and forth. With pick-ups on Tuesday and Wednesday, and deliveries on Wednesday and Thursday, they each keep busy, putting in about 8 hours a week for the company on top of various other commitments from athletics to academics to activities.
While experience and money is great, they all say there is something more to be said of their business venture.
"Helping a local business and helping to promote positive relations between Colby and the town has been very rewarding," Russell said. Mullins added that "Working with a local business has taught me the value of capitalizing on services which benefit all involved parties."
The group hopes to find a successor for after they graduate, and are considering selling the company at the end of the year to younger students.
Be the first to comment on this story