In this Member Spotlight, CLA highlights Dimitri Bountouvas and Jeff Antrim, two members who share how they connected with CLA, what inspired their laundromat journey, and the role education and networking have played in their business growth.

How did you first connect with CLA, and what inspired you to join?

While researching post-retirement business opportunities, Dimitri Bountouvas kept coming across the laundromat industry. Through videos and industry content, he repeatedly heard about CLA.

“At first, I assumed it might be outdated based on the name, but I quickly realized it was the opposite. After connecting with Brian Wallace and attending the Nashville WDF Conference, it became clear that CLA is a highly professional organization driving the industry forward—one I’m proud to be part of.”

— Dimitri Bountouvas

What inspired you to open a laundromat? What have you enjoyed most?

For Dimitri, what began as a business opportunity—similar to the evolution seen in self-storage—quickly became much more.

He has come to appreciate how customer experience and community engagement define the brand. Their customer base is diverse and extends beyond the typical trade area.

“The most rewarding part has been the relationships we’ve built. One customer said it best: ‘I used to dread doing laundry—now I look forward to it.’”

— Dimitri Bountouvas

Favorite CLA event or resource?

For Jeff Antrim, CLA events have been valuable for connecting with distributors, manufacturers, and fellow operators—both experienced and new.

“These conversations provide real-world perspective on running the business.”

— Jeff Antrim

For Dimitri, the Nashville WDF Conference was especially impactful.

“The Nashville WDF Conference stood out. It was exceptionally well organized, with strong educational content and networking. That event solidified my commitment to CLA.”

— Dimitri Bountouvas

How has CLA impacted your business?

CLA has been invaluable for building relationships. Through its network, Dimitri and Jeff have connected with vendors, suppliers, and other owners—connections that have directly supported their growth.

“CLA has been invaluable for building relationships.”

— Dimitri Bountouvas

What advice would you give to others?

Jeff encourages owners and prospective operators to understand where their market is headed. That includes researching new developments, infrastructure changes, and housing trends.

“For example, more in-unit laundry may reduce self-service demand but create opportunities for WDF and pickup & delivery.”

— Jeff Antrim

Dimitri emphasizes preparation, relationship-building, and applying advice in the context of your own goals.

“Do your due diligence. Build your network. Learn from others—but apply advice based on your own business plan.”

— Dimitri Bountouvas

How can CLA continue to improve?

Dimitri believes continuing education and networking remain key. He also sees a major opportunity for CLA to help owners with employee retention, particularly by leveraging group buying power for benefits like health insurance.

“For CLA, continuing education and networking is key. A major opportunity is helping owners with employee retention—particularly by leveraging group buying power for benefits like health insurance.”

— Dimitri Bountouvas

Thank you to Dimitri Bountouvas and Jeff Antrim for sharing their insights, experiences, and advice with the CLA community.