CCI Drive Time

Steve Marcionetti

CCI Drive Time is a practical, no-fluff podcast you can listen to between sales calls—real conversations about CCI products, the laundromat business, and how to sell smarter while you’re on the road. 

  1. 3d ago

    Relationships, Retools, and the Future of Laundry Distribution

    Steve Marcionetti sits down with Steve Michalec, Vice President of Sales at The M&L Equipment Company and H-M Company, to discuss how commercial laundry distribution has evolved—and why strong customer relationships remain the foundation of the business. Steve shares how he entered his family’s third-generation company, progressed from sales representative to leadership, and ultimately helped guide M&L through its acquisition by H-M. He explains how the two organizations are combining territories, expanding into new markets, developing salespeople, and balancing opportunities across both vended laundry and on-premise laundry. The conversation also explores how distributors generate leads, compete against lower-cost alternatives, evaluate new-store and retool opportunities, and build equipment packages around demographics, customer needs, and changing consumer preferences. Steve also shares lessons from becoming a multi-store laundromat owner himself, including why he chose larger-capacity machines and a completely coinless payment model. Finally, the two Steves discuss distributor consolidation, the growing sophistication of laundromat investors, and why local sales, service, and support will continue to make distribution essential to the industry. This episode offers practical insight for distributors, sales professionals, manufacturers, and anyone interested in how successful laundromat projects come together.

    Relationships, Retools, and the Future of Laundry Distribution

  2. Jul 17

    Showing Up Wins: Brian Wallace on the Future of Laundry Distribution

    What does today’s laundromat investor expect from a distributor—and is the sales experience keeping pace with the size of the investment? In Episode 17 of CCI Drive Time, Steve Marcionetti sits down with Brian Wallace, President and CEO of CLA, for a wide-ranging conversation about the changing role of laundry equipment distributors. Drawing on more than 34 years in the industry, Brian shares what he hears directly from current owners and prospective investors, including one surprisingly common complaint: they cannot get a distributor to call them back. Steve and Brian discuss why responsiveness, education, follow-through, and a consultative approach remain some of the biggest competitive advantages available to distributors. They also explore: The knowledge gaps facing first-time laundromat investorsHow CLA and distributors can work together to educate and qualify prospectsWhat separates a great distributor event from an ordinary sales showWhy education and relationship-building often lead to future equipment salesThe forces driving distributor consolidationHow private equity and multi-store ownership may change customer expectationsWhy the sales experience should reflect the size of the customer’s investmentHow distributors can support CLA’s legislative advocacyOpportunities to become involved with the LaundryCares FoundationWhat distributors must do to remain relevant in the years aheadIt is a practical conversation about professionalism, partnership, community involvement, and why simply showing up and following through can still win the business.

    Showing Up Wins: Brian Wallace on the Future of Laundry Distribution

  3. Jul 10

    Play Your Own Game: Jamie Sewell on Marketing, Technology, and Building Stronger Laundry Businesses

    In this episode of CCI Drive Time, Steve sits down with Jamie Sewell—laundromat owner, marketing strategist, technology leader, entrepreneur, and the new owner of Laundry University. Jamie shares her journey from technology sales and marketing to the Coin Laundry Association, Washlava, Alliance Laundry Systems, consulting, coaching, and eventually laundromat ownership. Drawing from her experience across nearly every part of the industry, she explains what separates successful operators from the rest: making decisions quickly, testing new ideas, investing in people and processes, and building a business that reflects their own strengths instead of simply copying the competition. Steve and Jamie also discuss the changing role of laundry equipment distributors. Jamie explains why the best distributors act as tour guides, trusted advisors, and long-term partners—helping owners imagine the customer experience they want to create rather than simply selling equipment. The conversation also explores why laundromat owners must treat marketing as a serious investment, how technology is helping operators manage their businesses from anywhere, and why continued consolidation will require independent owners and distributors to sharpen their game. Finally, Jamie introduces Laundry University, an online training and certification platform designed to help laundromat owners consistently train employees, improve wash-dry-fold quality, streamline onboarding, and build more scalable professional laundry operations. It’s a wide-ranging conversation about relationships, differentiation, employee development, technology, and what it will take to succeed in the next generation of the laundry industry.

    Play Your Own Game: Jamie Sewell on Marketing, Technology, and Building Stronger Laundry Businesses

  4. Jul 3

    Why Great Laundromat Distributors Matter with Joel Jorgensen

    For nearly three decades, Joel Jorgensen has helped shape the commercial laundry industry through his work with Continental Laundry Solutions. In this episode of CCI Drive Time, Steve sits down with Joel to discuss what separates great distributors from companies that simply sell equipment—and why strong partnerships remain one of the industry's greatest competitive advantages. Together they explore how distribution has evolved, the importance of training, service, and technical support, and why a laundromat owner's success depends on much more than purchasing the lowest-priced equipment. They also share stories from nearly 30 years of working together and discuss how manufacturers and technology partners collaborate to create better solutions for store owners. The conversation also dives into the future of laundromat technology, including automated chemical dispensing, integrated payment systems, water and energy reclamation, utility cost reduction, wash-dry-fold growth, and the increasing role of automation in modern laundry operations. Whether you're a laundromat owner, distributor, equipment supplier, or someone considering investing in the laundry industry, this episode offers valuable insight into where the industry has been—and where it's headed next. In this episode you'll learn: What makes a great laundromat distributorWhy service and support are more important than equipment priceHow manufacturers and payment providers work together to improve the customer experienceThe future of automated chemical dispensing and integrated laundry technologyWhy utility management and energy recovery will play a major role in the next generation of laundromatsHow successful operators are building businesses beyond traditional self-service laundryIf you enjoy the podcast, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. New episodes of CCI Drive Time are released regularly, featuring conversations with industry leaders focused on helping laundromat owners and distributors build more successful businesses.

    Why Great Laundromat Distributors Matter with Joel Jorgensen

  5. Jun 25

    The Future of Distribution with Mark Gies of Vend-Rite Manufacturing

    What makes a great laundromat distributor? Why has the distributor model remained successful for decades, and what challenges lie ahead as the industry continues to evolve? In this episode of CCI Drive Time, Steve sits down with Mark Gies, who has spent more than 27 years with Vend-Rite Manufacturing, one of the laundry industry's longest-standing manufacturers. Together they discuss why strong distributor relationships continue to be the backbone of the vended laundry industry and what separates the best distributors from the rest.  Mark shares the history of Vend-Rite, how the company has served the laundry industry exclusively for more than 70 years, and why reliable products, exceptional service, and long-term partnerships have fueled its success. The conversation also explores:  Why Vend-Rite remains committed to selling exclusively through distributors  The characteristics that define successful distributors  How distributors create value far beyond simply selling equipment  The evolution of soap vending and customer buying habits  Why service and relationships build long-term customer loyalty  The growing influence of multi-store ownership and industry consolidation  Predictions for where the laundromat industry may be headed over the next decade Whether you're an experienced distributor or just entering the laundromat industry, this episode offers valuable insight into the importance of trusted partnerships, customer support, and the role distributors continue to play in helping laundromat owners build successful businesses.

    The Future of Distribution with Mark Gies of Vend-Rite Manufacturing

  6. Jun 19

    Building a $1.5 Million Wash-Dry-Fold Business with Matt Simmons of Curbside Laundries

    In this episode of CCI Drive Time, Steve sits down with Matt Simmons, co-founder of Curbside Laundries, to discuss how a family-owned laundromat evolved into one of the industry's leading wash-dry-fold and pickup & delivery software platforms.  Matt shares the remarkable story behind Super Suds in Long Beach, California, where wash-dry-fold revenue grew from just $8,000 per month to more than $140,000 per month at a single location. What began as a search for software to manage a growing laundry operation eventually became a business dedicated to helping laundromat owners increase revenue, streamline operations, and successfully launch pickup and delivery services.  Steve and Matt discuss:  How operational challenges led to the creation of Curbside Laundries  The role of wash-dry-fold and pickup & delivery in modern laundromat profitability  Why successful operators should master wash-dry-fold before expanding into delivery services  The value of family businesses and aligning around common goals  How distributors can help store owners build additional revenue streams beyond self-service  The importance of customer success, education, and ongoing support  Lessons learned from operating a high-volume laundry business while developing software  Emerging trends in the industry, including AI, Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), and the future of customer acquisition  The growing partnership between payment systems and wash-dry-fold software platforms Matt also shares insights from working with hundreds of laundromat operators nationwide, explains why pickup and delivery continues to be one of the largest growth opportunities in the industry, and offers practical advice for new store owners looking to maximize revenue from day one.  Whether you're opening your first laundromat, expanding your wash-dry-fold operation, or looking for ways to increase profitability, this episode is packed with actionable ideas and real-world experience from an operator who continues to run and grow his own laundry business. Listen now and learn how today's most successful operators are building profitable service businesses beyond self-service laundry.

    Building a $1.5 Million Wash-Dry-Fold Business with Matt Simmons of Curbside Laundries

  7. Jun 15

    Lessons from 46 Years in the Laundry Industry with Karl Hinrichs

    In this episode of CCI Drive Time, Steve sits down with industry veteran Karl Hinrichs, who has spent more than 46 years helping laundromat owners build, operate, and grow successful businesses. As both a distributor and multi-store laundromat owner, Karl brings a unique perspective on the evolution of the industry and the challenges facing owners today.  Karl shares how the laundromat business has transformed from a largely mom-and-pop industry into a more professional, data-driven business environment. The conversation explores industry consolidation, changing investor profiles, the importance of location selection, and how distributors can create value through consultative selling rather than simply selling equipment.  The discussion also dives into Karl’s experience as a laundromat owner, including the benefits of card-operated stores, customer convenience trends, labor challenges, and how technology has changed the way owners manage their businesses. Karl offers practical advice for new investors, distributors, and sales professionals looking to build credibility and long-term success in the industry.  Whether you're a distributor, store owner, or considering your first laundromat investment, this episode is packed with decades of real-world experience, candid observations, and actionable insights from one of the industry's most respected voices.  Topics covered:  The evolution of the laundromat industry over the past four decades  Why location remains the most important factor in store success  Industry consolidation and changing investor demographics  Consultative selling and building customer trust  Labor challenges and operational best practices  Card systems, customer convenience, and payment trends  Lessons learned from owning and operating laundromats  Advice for new distributors and laundromat investors

    Lessons from 46 Years in the Laundry Industry with Karl Hinrichs

  8. Jun 8

    Building Better Laundromat Businesses with Jason Fleck

    In this episode of CCI Drive Time, Steve Marcionetti sits down with industry veteran Jason Fleck of LaundryLux to discuss the evolving role of distributors, the power of educational events, and the future of the laundromat industry. Drawing on decades of experience, Jason shares how consistency, relationship-building, and a consultative approach continue to drive success in an industry that is rapidly changing.  Steve and Jason explore what makes a great distributor, why "boots on the ground" still matters, and how distributors can help store owners navigate an increasingly complex landscape of equipment, technology, and business decisions. They also discuss the growing importance of customer experience, wash-dry-fold services, and how technology—from advanced machine controls to AI and automation—is shaping the next generation of laundromats.  Whether you're a distributor, store owner, investor, or industry supplier, this conversation offers valuable insights into building stronger businesses, creating better customer experiences, and preparing for what's next in the laundry industry.  Topics covered:  The evolution of laundromat investment seminars and industry events  Why distributor relationships still matter  Sales fundamentals that never go out of style  Creating a premium customer experience  Technology trends in laundromats  Wash-dry-fold and pickup & delivery growth  AI, automation, and the future of store operations  Industry consolidation and what it means for operators Tune in for an engaging conversation packed with practical advice and forward-looking industry insights.

    Building Better Laundromat Businesses with Jason Fleck
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

CCI Drive Time is a practical, no-fluff podcast you can listen to between sales calls—real conversations about CCI products, the laundromat business, and how to sell smarter while you’re on the road. 

Information

  • Creator
    Steve Marcionetti
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 CCI Drive Time
  • Show Website
    CCI Drive Time

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