Betting on Stability: Dalton Bidula’s Journey

In an industry defined by both its essential role to the community and slow pace of change, Dalton Bidula stands out for blending stability with innovation

22 May, 2026 8 min read

Betting on Stability: Dalton Bidula’s Journey

In an industry defined by both its essential role to the community and slow pace of change, Dalton Bidula stands out for blending stability with innovation. From hands-on management to launching new services and embracing emerging technologies, Bidula has built a resilient business by focusing on what people truly need and constantly seeking ways to improve. His journey offers practical lessons for current and aspiring laundry owners, showing that success comes from a commitment to learning and paving your own way.

When you talk to Dalton Bidula, you quickly realize that the laundry industry isn’t just a business, it’s a calling. The way Bidula sees it, the laundry industry isn’t simply about machines and clean clothes; it’s about embracing stability, seeking innovation and serving a fundamental human need. Driven by the belief that “people may not need to buy new clothes, but they will always need to clean the ones they have,” Bidula transformed a simple observation into a thriving career.

Bidula grew up in Colorado City, Colo., before heading off to study business at the University of Denver. While he had other interests initially, his focus shifted to laundromats when he decided he wanted to invest in needs rather than wants.

After Bidula made the decision, he dove in headfirst. Upon graduating in 2022 (after only three years), he reached out to owners in the area noting his interest in the industry and his management experience with other small companies. One took him up on his offer and hired Bidula to manage his three locations. “I believe he saw my enthusiasm to learn, which helped me to get started in the industry,” said Bidula. “That hands-on experience taught me the basics of operations and what it takes to run a strong location.” Bidula took what he’d learned and the passion he’d built in just a year, and decided it was time to apply that experience to his own business. In 2023, at the age of 22, he acquired his first laundromat in Lakewood, Colo.

Around that same time, Bidula discovered that the laundromat in his hometown of Colorado City was in rough shape. He made the decision to acquire that location as well.

“All of this happened when I was 22,” he said. “I opened my first location in 2023 and was signing the lease for my second location, which opened in mid-2024. Since then, I’ve fully renovated the Lakewood location with new, larger machines, and I transformed the Colorado City store from an outdated top-loader operation into a modern self-service laundry.”

Today, Bidula continues to operate and improve both locations while staying active in the broader industry. He’s also maintained his relationship with the owner who helped him get his start: “I actually still help him manage his one remaining location to this day.”

Embracing Pickup and Delivery

One of Bidula’s most recent ventures is a pickup and delivery service — a move that’s both strategic and demanding. “I launched pickup and delivery because it’s an effective way to maximize both the space and the staff,” he said. “It also serves as a long-term strategy to grow the overall portfolio by increasing revenue and reaching customers who prefer convenience.”

But Bidula is quick to point out that this isn’t a path for everyone. The service is labor-intensive and requires a lot of effort up front. “I don’t recommend it for every owner,” he said. “But for operators who are ready to commit, it can become a powerful and scalable part of the business.”

What Makes the Laundry Industry Special?

For many owners and operators, the high speed of change brings an adrenaline rush. But for Bidula, it’s the laundry industry’s stability that excites him most. “If you look at business history, companies and trends can rise and fall quickly,” said Bidula. “But the laundry industry has remained consistent for generations. Disruption happens slowly here, which gives operators time to adapt, innovate and stay ahead. It’s a rare combination of essential service, predictable demand and long-term durability.”

The stability that offers owners the chance to focus their energy on being proactive rather than reactive is part of why Bidula plans to stick around.

“I strongly believe in focusing all my time and resources on this industry for the foreseeable future,” he said. “As the proverb states: A man that chases two rabbits catches none.”

But don’t mistake Bidula’s focus for being content with the status quo. “Even with that focus, there are four key business lines in my laundromats that can constantly be improved and grown – residential pickup and delivery, commercial pickup and delivery, self-service and vending,” said Bidula. “My method for improving these areas is through constant learning and implementation. Excellent ways to learn, especially about new technologies, are through industry publications like PlanetLaundry and by directly connecting with other owners and distributors. These personal connections allow me to ask detailed, nitty-gritty questions that are rarely available in public reports.”

Trends to Watch: Efficiency and Payment Systems

Despite the industry’s stability, there are still emerging trends to watch and prepare for. There are two that stand out to Bidula: soft-mount washers and card-based payment systems.

“Soft-mount washers are becoming increasingly popular because they’re highly efficient,” Bidula said. For Bidula, choosing an experienced washer brand helps put him at ease because he’s seen it pay off.

“Continental has one of the longest track records, with roughly 20 years refining their soft-mount technology,” he said. “Their machines, for example, can reduce utility costs by around 28% on average. That’s something you have to consider.”

Card-reading systems are another major shift. “While the technology isn’t new, many laundromats still haven’t adopted it,” said Bidula. “One of the most common questions customers ask online is whether a location accepts cards. Offering card payments not only attracts more customers but also simplifies accounting through integrated refunds, machine tracking and wash-and-fold credits.”

Bidula’s preferred provider is Tangerpay. “They use cost-effective technology to offer systems at a significantly lower price point while maintaining — and sometimes exceeding — the functionality of competitors,” he said. Bidula’s firsthand experience with the brand goes beyond his own locations. “I’ve installed their systems in both my locations and help with installations across the U.S.,” said Bidula.

Advice for Prospective Owners

For those considering entering the laundry business, Bidula’s advice is clear: learn before you leap. “If you’re looking to get into the laundry business, commit a few months to learning before making your first acquisition,” he said. “That can mean helping existing owners, which is how I got started, or working part-time as an attendant to understand the daily operations. See if the business fits your personality. This is not a passive income stream, especially in the first one to two years, so it’s important to genuinely enjoy the work.”

If on-the-job experience isn’t an option, Bidula has recommendations for other options as well.

“There aren’t many books on this industry, but two stand out: Coin Laundries: Road to Financial Independence by Emerson G. Higdons, and Laundromat Millionaire by Dave Menz. “Coin Laundries is one of the best for understanding the acquisition process,” said Bidula. “It’s out of print, but used copies can still be found online. And Laundromat Millionaire walks through the author’s journey of acquiring multiple laundromats and highlights the tough learning curves operators face.”

Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead

Bidula’s journey is a testament to the value of hands-on experience, adaptability and a willingness to embrace change. From renovating outdated stores to launching new services, Bidula’s approach is rooted in a deep understanding of what makes the laundry business tick and a commitment to helping others succeed.

For current owners, Bidula’s story offers practical insights into maximizing efficiency, adopting new technologies and building a resilient business. For prospective owners, it’s a reminder that success in the laundry industry comes from education and a genuine passion for and commitment to serving people.

As Bidula continues to operate and improve his locations, the message is clear: the laundry industry may be slow to change, but for those willing to put in the work, it offers stability, opportunity and the chance to make a lasting impact.

Betting on Stability: Dalton Bidula’s Journey

Betting on Stability: Dalton Bidula’s Journey

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