How Mark Mraule Built Sacramento’s Premier Laundry Service

In this interview, we sit down with Mark Mraule, the owner and operator of Greater Sacramento’s leading wash-and-fold laundry delivery service and laundromats, At Your Service Laundry. Serving commercial, residential, and public sectors, Mark has built a reputation for providing efficient, high-quality laundry solutions. He shares his journey from identifying a need in the community to growing a successful business that caters to a diverse clientele, along with the challenges and rewards of running a laundry service in today’s market.

The Beginnings of At Your Service Laundry

SBS – What inspired you to start At Your Service Laundry, and how did you identify the need for a laundromat in West Sacramento? Why did you choose that specific location?

Mark – My cousin owned a laundromat in Foster City and was able to put her daughter through college as a single mom. At the time, I was a corporate banker, growing more dissatisfied each year. Despite moving through four different banks and increasing seniority and responsibilities, I wasn’t happier. I was traveling four to five days a week and missing time with my small kids. We purchased the West Sacramento laundromat opportunistically and grew it by over 250%. Later, we bought another location in Sacramento, which allowed me to leave banking for good.

Choosing Location

SBS – How did you source your laundry machines, and what factors influenced your decision? What features do you consider essential for customer satisfaction with your laundry machines?

Mark – I followed my cousin’s advice and started with SpeedQueen. These machines are comparable to Dexter, which I use in my other store. The most essential features for customer satisfaction are having a clean, well-lit space with reliable machines. While being fully staffed is ideal, it’s not always financially feasible.

Overcoming Challenges

SBS – What challenges did you face when establishing your business, and how did you overcome them?

Mark – Homelessness is a significant issue. I found that being present more often or having the laundromat fully attended was necessary to manage the situation.

Creating a Welcoming Environment

SBS – What strategies do you use to maintain a clean and welcoming environment for your customers?

Mark – Keeping the place fully staffed and paying close attention to details is key. Success in this business isn’t just about collecting quarters; it requires time, effort, and a willingness to learn the mechanical side of operating a laundromat.

Balancing Self-Service and Full-Service

SBS – How do you manage the balance between self-service and full-service laundry options?

Mark – It’s a natural balance. We maximize full-service through targeted advertising while also promoting the self-service side. For self-service, creating an inviting space with features that appeal to the local market is crucial.

Marketing Strategies

SBS – What marketing strategies have proven most effective in attracting new customers?

Mark – Online marketing works best for us, though we’ve had some decent results with print ads. Television, however, isn’t cost-effective.

Safety and Security

SBS – How do you ensure the safety and security of customers’ belongings in your laundromat?

Mark – For full-service, we take possession of the items and store them securely. For self-service, customers are responsible for watching their own belongings.

Staffing and Training

SBS – How do you manage staffing and training to ensure excellent service?

Mark – It’s a learn-by-doing approach, with assistance from me and experienced staff.

Maintenance Matters

SBS – How do you handle the maintenance of your machines to ensure they remain in good working order?

Mark – I use a local mechanic but have also learned to handle most repairs myself.

Integrating Technology

SBS – How do you integrate technology into your laundry operations beyond payment processing (like the PayRange app)?

Mark – PayRange came about when they offered a rebate to laundromat owners. It works through a Bluetooth sensor in the payment system. Other tech integrations are considered on a case-by-case basis and are fairly limited.

Balancing Business and Life

SBS – How do you maintain a work-life balance while running a business?

Mark – I’m still figuring that out! Fortunately, I have someone I trust to handle the cash services when I’m on vacation, and the staff can manage almost everything else.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

SBS – What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the laundry business?

Mark – Buy an existing laundromat and remodel it. In the long run, it’ll be cheaper. However, this industry can be financially prohibitive unless you find a defunct location to rehabilitate. This isn’t a hands-off business — successful laundromats require nurturing. Never ask someone to do a job you’re not willing to do yourself. You’ll occasionally deal with some unpleasant situations, so buy gloves!