Charles Esther
Erin and Jon Carpenter’s journey into the laundromat business wasn’t driven by the promise of profits, but by a genuine desire to make a difference in their Charleston, South Carolina, community.
What began as a simple idea to invest in a business turned into a transformative renovation project that not only revitalized a dilapidated space but also helped them build meaningful connections with their neighbors.
Here’s the story of how they transformed a run-down laundromat into a local hub.
The Beginning: A Unique Idea
It all started with Jon Carpenter’s entrepreneurial spirit.
A background in business school and experience running a marketing company had shaped Jon’s view on what businesses thrive during economic uncertainty.
As inflation surged, Jon began researching recession-proof investments, which led him to laundromats.
Jon recalls, “I had a marketing business that I saved some money from, and I was just seeing it deflate.
I started seeing high inflation numbers at 8%, 9%, and 10%.
That’s when I thought, ‘What’s a good recessionary business that does well?'” After watching countless YouTube videos on laundromats, Jon felt confident that buying one could be a great move.
Taking the Plunge: The Laundromat Purchase
Jon’s enthusiasm quickly turned into a concrete plan.
After finding a laundromat for sale in Charleston, they decided to take the leap.
The laundromat was priced at a little over $50,000, which Jon considered a bargain.
Erin was initially skeptical.
She describes walking into the laundromat and feeling horrified by its condition.
“It was in absolutely horrible condition, and I was horrified. I thought,
‘This is going to be a funny story to talk about later,'” Erin laughs. Despite her hesitation, Jon was sold.
“I love it,” he said, and Erin, realizing they were already invested, agreed to go ahead with the purchase.
Renovating the Laundromat: A Personal Touch
The laundromat was in bad shape. Broken furniture, trash scattered everywhere, and a general feeling of neglect dominated the space.
Despite this, Erin and Jon saw potential in the building.
With their background in residential renovations, they were ready to apply their skills in a commercial setting.
Erin explains, “We didn’t know what we were doing at first, but we just threw ourselves into it.
We put in new flooring, ripped out the old front desk, installed new lights, and even built a back office.
We also gave the dryers a fresh coat of paint.”
Jon adds that the renovation was a learning experience, saying, “We probably put about $75,000 into it over the past three to four years, and the entire renovation took about three months, which was the shortest renovation we’ve ever done.”
From Breakeven to Growth: A Business in the Making
The laundromat didn’t make much money at first.
“When we got it, it was losing $800 a month.
But we eventually brought it to breakeven, then to making $1,000 to $3,000 a month,” Jon recalls.
Despite the occasional setback with broken machines and the costs of repairs, the business steadily grew.
“We’ve had our best months with a net income of $5,000 to $6,000,” Jon says.
The couple also introduced a pickup and delivery service, which has been growing rapidly.
Building Connections: The Heart of the Business
What truly set this laundromat apart wasn’t just the renovated space or the improving financials—it was the people.
Upon taking ownership of the laundromat, Erin and Jon quickly became involved in the community.
Erin shares, “The moment we walked in the door, we met Steve, the attendant who had worked there for 11 years.
And throughout the renovation process, we got to know the locals like Leroy, who is a painter and helped us with the renovation.
His wife Emily would come by and lend a hand whenever we needed.”
They found themselves becoming part of a tight-knit neighborhood.
The couple began hosting free laundry days to give back to the community, an event that grew in popularity and helped them connect with more people.
“We did our first free laundry day, and that’s when we really got to know people.
It felt like it was way bigger than just a laundromat,” Erin explains.
“Since then, we’ve been doing free laundry days about once a month and organizing other community events. It’s been amazing to see the impact.”
A Rewarding Experience: Beyond Profits
While the laundromat does provide a modest income, Erin and Jon say the biggest reward has been the relationships they’ve built with their neighbors.
Erin states, “The laundromat doesn’t make us that much money, but we love the community.
It’s been really cool to see how much of an impact we’ve had, and that’s why we keep it going.”
Jon reflects on the experience, saying, “We went in there with the intention not to make a lot of money, but it’s ended up doing so much good for the community that the money doesn’t matter as much anymore.”
Looking Ahead: Future Plans for the Laundromat
As Erin and Jon look to the future, they’re focused on expanding their business and continuing to serve the community.
“I initially thought $1,000 a month in net income would be a good goal.
We’re doing better than that, and we see even more potential,” Jon says.
For the Carpenters, their laundromat is more than just a business.
It’s a community space, a place of connection, and a source of fulfillment.
They’ve learned that investing in people and relationships can be just as rewarding—if not more so—than chasing financial success.
Conclusion: The Heart of Charleston
Erin and Jon Carpenter’s laundromat journey in Charleston, South Carolina, shows that sometimes the most unexpected investments can lead to the most fulfilling experiences.
By embracing the local community, they’ve created a thriving business that’s more about people than profits.
For them, the laundromat is a reminder that business success can go hand in hand with making a positive impact.
