Wascomat fan wins Compass washer at Ontario Laundry’s open house!

 

  As a long-time customer of Canadian Wascomat Dealer Ontario Laundry Systems, Steve Choi was excited to attend their recent open house and learn more about Wascomat’s Compass Control washers.  After filling in the entry form at the front desk and checking out the very latest equipment, Steve received a tremendous surprise: he won Ontario Laundry’s contest and was now the proud owner of a brand new Wascomat SU620 Compass Control washer!

 

Steve has owned the Plaza Coin Laundry in North York, Ontario for the past eight years. Before that, he owned eight video stores and managed those for about 15 years. He started to research other business opportunities when he realized the video rental industry was dying. He learned about the coin laundry business through some of his successful friends who had opened laundromats and were doing well. Soon, Steve was visiting laundromats all over Canada. He had numerous consultations with Ian Gibson, owner of Ontario Laundry. He even made a trip to New York to see how coin laundries were set up in a big city in the U.S. Finally, he was confident in his decision to open a store and his ability to make it a success. Now the search was on for the perfect location.

With the help of some friends, Steve found a high-traffic location in a shopping plaza next to a Zellers department store (similar to a Walmart store). He knew the landlord and was convinced it was a viable location, just right for a coin store. Steve had learned the importance of location from his years of owning video stores. “Finding the right spot is difficult, but location truly is key,” states Steve.

The next step for Steve was deciding on the right equipment. “I knew a lot of people that were using Wascomats in their laundromats and they all told me they were the best machines to buy,” states Steve. “I went to visit with store owners I knew in Brampton and West Toronto and was able to see some all-Wascomat operations in action. I decided to take their advice. Today, more than eight years later, I can positively say I’m glad I chose Wascomat. The machines are built to take the abuse of a coin laundry environment, my customers love them, and my business is thriving. You may pay a little less for another machine, but then you’ll have to deal with it breaking down. Every time a machine is out of order you are losing time and money. With Wascomat, I don’t worry about those things. I purchased an additional SU675 washer at Ontario Laundry’s recent open house and will probably buy another Wascomat dryer in the near future.”

Steve’s customers rave about how meticulously clean the store is kept. “I have a cleaning woman come to the store every day,” states Steve proudly. “On a daily basis my customers compliment the cleanliness of the store. They say they have never seen a laundromat as spotless as mine, and they appreciate it.” In addition to providing customers with a pleasant, clean environment and high-quality, easy-to-use machines, Plaza Coin Laundry is open from 7am to midnight and offers wash and fold, drycleaning, and alteration services. “After shopping at Zellers, it’s very convenient for my customers to come in and have their clothing altered and hemmed.”

Steve Choi moved to Canada from South Korea in 1973. “I am very happy and grateful,” shares Steve. “I know the economy is difficult for many people right now, and I am very thankful to have a great location, well-working machines, expert advice from Ontario Laundry, and above all – loyal customers. I am also thrilled that I’ve won this brand new Wascomat washer. The Compass technology is incredible and I can’t wait to put it to good use!”

“Plaza Coin Laundry is a beautiful store,” compliments Ian Gibson, owner of Ontario Laundry Systems. “Steve Choi is a smart businessman. He was one of the first laundry owners in Toronto to offer customers a 75lb. machine. Now big machines are more commonplace, but at that time it was a bold move. Steve is forward-thinking. He knows how to run a successful operation.”

Eight years ago, Steve Choi had a goal in mind. With a strong work ethic, he set out to research the best location and highest quality laundry machines needed to develop a strong business. “I’m just a lucky guy,” Steve states humbly, even though it is clear that he worked hard to make smart business decisions at every step along the way. With Steve’s tireless drive, vision, and dedication, Plaza Coin Laundry will no doubt continue to grow and prosper.

Wascomat Dealer:

Ian Gibson

Ontario Laundry Systems

7475 Kimbel Street, Unit 5

Mississauga, Ontario L5S 1E7

Canada

(905)673-1308