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14 Years in This Business, & Counting

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WJK

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Today is another mile stone. 14 years ago today, I opened my little self-service laundromat in our rural Alaskan community.

My facility that I built wasn't my dream business. I wanted at least 20 washers. The controlling governmental department wasn't even going to let me have 1 washer -- we're on septic tanks rather than a public waste system. Their first response was a resounding no! Laundromats in our situation were not allowed. I spent 6 month of my life talking and talking. I proposed every plan, and twist on those plans, that I could conceive. Finally they granted me the right for 9 washers. I couldn't have a sink or a public restroom. I used every gallon of water for the 9 washers that they would approve. They literally told me to be quiet and go away. They would see me when I was done and ready for their inspection.

So, I spent my money and I built out my little business on some vacant land at the end of my mobile home park. 14 years ago today, I was there waiting for the community to come and see the wonderful thing I had done. The other closest facility is 13 miles away in a neighboring town. How could I lose?

Funny, just about no one came. The community, as a whole, continued to go to town to do their laundry. I advertised. I sent post cards to everyone. I put up flier on the bulletin boards. I passed out discount coupons to all the businesses. And, almost no came. So, I did it all again. And again. And again.

A small trickle of business started with my tenants and few hardy soul from the community. It took 5 years to establish that business.

Flip forward 14 years... Now, when I clean out my cash box at the laundromat, it's my nightly Forest Gump moment. I never know what cash is going to be in that box, but I have good averages after all these years. I think of it as my minimum wage job that takes an average of 45 minutes per day to complete.

I open the doors for that business on my way to my office in the mornings -- it takes me 5 minutes. My husband and I clean and close it each night -- it takes about 20 to 40 minutes. Yes, at times I hire someone else to do the opening, closing and cleaning. There are moments when we have to fix a machine or do regular maintenance items.

In there, I also have a candy machine and a coke machine, which I stock with goodies. Those machines collect just about every coin from the pockets of my customers and tenants. The kids and their friends love those vending machines!

It's just a small dribble of money that comes in day after day. I believe in dribbles. Create a few of those dribbles, and you have a good income stream.
 
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Wisz podi. Xomm vjiz miv zua qav e duop uqisevif wofiu heni op vjisi?
 
Wisz podi. Xomm vjiz miv zua qav e duop uqisevif wofiu heni op vjisi?
Pu, puv xovjuav e tqidoem qisnov. Cav, ov't e huuf ofie. Vjisi't e qsukidv up vji fsexoph cuesf ecuav 3 nomit aq vji suef gsun at -- ep MPH (moraof pevasem het) qmepv, xovj fiiq xevis fudlt vu timm vu Etoe. Og vjev huit vjsuahj, O jewi e nep denq qmeppif xjisi xi'mm jewi tuni ipvisveopnipv -- moli quum vecmit ivd... epf ug duasti, nusi wipfoph nedjopit!
 
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Become a member of the Fastlane Forum, the private community founded by best-selling author and multi-millionaire entrepreneur MJ DeMarco. Since 2007, MJ DeMarco has poured his heart and soul into the Fastlane Forum, helping entrepreneurs reclaim their time, win their financial freedom, and live their best life.

With more than 39,000 posts packed with insights, strategies, and advice, you’re not just a member—you’re stepping into MJ’s inner-circle, a place where you’ll never be left alone.

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  • Powerful Networking Opportunities: Connect with a diverse group of successful entrepreneurs who can offer mentorship, collaboration, and opportunities.
  • Proven Strategies: Learn from the best in the business, with actionable advice and strategies that can accelerate your success.

"You are the average of the five people you surround yourself with the most..."

Who are you surrounding yourself with? Surround yourself with millionaire success. Join Fastlane today!

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