How They Turned a Failing Laundromat Into a Profitable Business!

How This Family Turned a Chicago Laundromat Into a Multi-Stream Laundry Empire | Wash Time + Wash Ferries

In this inspiring video, we take you inside Wash Time on Fullerton—a Chicago-based 24/7 laundromat built by serial entrepreneurs Neil and Kate Shapiro. What started as a way to support their son Michael, who has disabilities, has now grown into a thriving self-service laundry, drop-off wash/dry/fold business, and a full-scale delivery operation called Wash Ferries.

From upgrading decades-old equipment and redesigning the customer experience, to implementing creative marketing, EBT payment solutions, and community-driven features like a kids’ playroom and literacy events—this is not your average laundromat story. It’s a masterclass in entrepreneurship, family, and purpose-driven business.

🚨 Timestamps:
00:00 Intro — Meet the Shapiros and their laundromat journey
02:15 Why They Bought the Store — Creating opportunity for their son, Michael
04:32 Major Upgrades — Lighting, AC, signage, internet & more
06:50 Customer Experience First — Friendly staff, 24/7 service, and clean facilities
08:30 Equipment & Tech — New washers/dryers, card system, EBT acceptance
10:15 Community Impact — Kids area, vending, literacy events, and free laundry days
13:00 From Teaching to Business — Kate’s background in education
14:40 Wash Ferries Delivery — The story behind their growing pickup service
16:20 Operational Lessons — Preventative maintenance and customer care
18:00 Meet Nilsa — The manager who’s run the store for 20+ years
19:15 CLA Involvement — Why industry networking and education matter
20:30 Final Thoughts — Building a business with heart and purpose

🔑 Key Highlights:

✅ Customer-First Philosophy
The Shapiros made their laundromat feel like home—with working machines, bright lighting, air conditioning, a kid-friendly play area, and even free hot dog days advertised on their info screen.

✅ Revenue Growth & Business Model
Their revenue is now 2.5x what it was when they bought it. Between self-service, wash/dry/fold, and pickup/delivery, they’ve created multiple income streams.

✅ Accessible Payment Options
With a modern card system and even EBT acceptance for cash benefits, they’ve made laundry accessible to a broader community.

✅ Delivery Success with Wash Ferries
What began with 80 names has grown into nearly 1,000 customers across Chicago. Wash Ferries is a separate brand with its own identity and loyal client base.

✅ Industry Leadership
Neil now serves as a board member (and chairman elect) of the Coin Laundry Association (CLA), sharing and gaining knowledge from laundromat owners nationwide.

✅ Community Commitment
Beyond laundry, the store gives back through literacy programs, free laundry days, and events that support families in their working-class neighborhood.

👨‍👩‍👦 A Family Business with Purpose
Michael, their son, plays an active role in daily operations—restocking vending machines, maintaining cleanliness, and helping customers. This store isn’t just about profit—it’s about inclusion, opportunity, and making a difference.

📍 Location:
Wash Time on Fullerton
Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL
Serving Belmont Cragin & Humboldt Park

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📌 Join the Coin Laundry Association (CLA) to fast-track your journey!
🔗 [CLA Sign-Up – Scan the QR Code in the Video] or visit https://linktr.ee/claspotlight

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