This episode features Zac Karlaftis, who left a $100,000 corporate job to start a laundry business with Jim’s.
His journey shows how simple systems, low overhead, and strong customer demand can rapidly scale a service business.
The episode highlights the mindset, habits, and support that helped him grow more than 300% in his first year.
Introduction
In this episode of The Jim’s Podcast, Joel speaks with a former corporate employee who decided to start a laundry business through Jim’s Laundry Services.
He shares why he walked away from a stable salary and how franchising helped him build a fast-growing operation.
Laundry services continue to surge in demand.
Families, busy professionals, and small businesses need reliable wash, dry, and fold support.
This makes laundry a strong option for people seeking recession-proof work and simple business systems.
To explore more opportunities, visit the Jim’s Group franchise page.
His story matters because many Australians want more freedom, higher income potential, and work they can control.
This episode shows what is possible with the right brand and systems.
“Why one franchisee quit corporate life to scale a thriving Jim’s Laundry Services business.”
What Motivated Him to Leave His Corporate Job and Start a Laundry Business?
He worked a comfortable corporate role earning $100,000 per year.
But it left him drained and unfulfilled.
“I did not want to do another thirty years sitting at a desk.”
He wanted more control, more time with family, and the chance to build something with long-term value.
A service business offered a clear path to those goals.
Key motivators:
- Desire for independence
- Low startup cost compared to other franchises
- Clear demand for laundry services
- Predictable weekly income
According to IBISWorld, the Australian laundry and dry-cleaning sector generates more than $2 billion annually, making it a stable local market with strong repeat customers.
What Challenges Did He Face When Starting His Laundry Franchise?
He entered the business with no laundry industry experience.
Everything was new.
What Early Problems Did He Encounter?
- Learning efficient washing and folding systems
- Managing customer expectations
- Handling a heavy workload during growth periods
“I was doing everything myself at the start, but the work kept coming.”
He quickly realised the demand was much greater than expected.
This forced him to build better processes and prepare for rapid expansion.
What Helped Him Overcome These Challenges?
- Support from Jim’s Laundry Services
- Simple, repeatable business systems
- Consistent call centre leads
- Low overhead compared to fixed-location laundromats
These tools allowed him to stabilise operations and grow with confidence.
How Did He Achieve 300% Growth in His First Year?
His business grew more than 300 percent because he focused on consistency, quality, and strong systems.
What Growth Strategies Worked Best?
- Delivering outstanding customer service
- Offering fast turnaround times
- Building relationships with repeat clients
- Raising capacity through better workflow systems
“Once customers knew they could rely on me, the growth just exploded.”
What Role Did Jim’s Group Play in This Expansion?
- Marketing support
- Branding credibility
- National call centre lead flow
- Regular mentoring from divisional leaders
The Jim’s model allowed him to focus on delivering service instead of chasing every customer.
What Advice Did He Share for Anyone Wanting to Start a Laundry Business?
He encourages people with no industry experience to consider laundry because the systems are simple and the demand is constant.
Practical Lessons for New Franchise Owners
- “Say yes, then figure it out” when starting
- Build routines for washing, folding, and delivery
- Track time to improve efficiency
- Hire help sooner than you think
What Mindset Do You Need to Start a Laundry Business?
- Be willing to work hands-on
- Stay organised and punctual
- Communicate clearly with customers
- Keep improving systems every week
“It is not complicated. You just need to care more than the next person.”
Laundry success comes from reliability, consistency, and genuine service.
How Does His Story Help Future Franchise Owners?
His journey shows that anyone can succeed with the right support, even without industry experience.
What New Franchisees Can Learn
- Jim’s provides structure for new operators
- You get immediate access to marketing and leads
- You can scale without high upfront costs
- You build a business that supports family and lifestyle goals
Laundry services offer stable income and strong repeat business, which helps new owners grow confidently.
To learn more about joining a franchise division, visit the Jim’s Laundry Services page.
FAQ
Do I need experience to start a laundry business with Jim’s?
No. Jim’s provides full training and systems for new franchisees.
How much does a laundry business cost to start?
Startup costs are lower than fixed-location laundromats because you operate from home.
Is laundry a profitable service business?
Yes. Laundry provides a reliable weekly income due to strong repeat demand.
How quickly can a Jim’s Laundry franchise grow?
Many franchisees see fast growth because of call center leads and strong branding.
Do laundry services perform well during economic downturns?
Yes. Laundry demand remains steady because people always need clean clothes.
Key Takeaways
- Starting a laundry business is a practical path to independence and income growth.
- You do not need industry experience to succeed with Jim’s proven systems.
- High demand and strong repeat customers drive reliable revenue.
- Jim’s support removes many of the risks of starting from scratch.
- With the right mindset, growth can be fast and sustainable.
Want the full story?
Watch the complete podcast episode to learn how Zac Karlaftis grew his Jim’s Laundry business more than 300%.
Thinking about starting your own laundry business?
Visit jims.net to enquire about Jim’s Laundry Services and speak with your local franchisor.