How Entrepreneur Matt Barnes is Revolutionizing Commercial Laundry Services in Denver

Introduction to Professional Touch Laundry Services

Professional Touch Laundry Services, based in Denver, Colorado, is a traditional commercial laundry business offering a wide range of services. Matt Barnes, the owner, explains, “We specialize in laundering event and hospitality-related linens. This includes food and beverage linens, primarily tablecloths, napkins, drapes, sashes, table runners, towels, and sheets for hotels, towels for fitness centers, and uniforms.” Competing with national brands like Aramark, Cisco, Alsco, and Image First, Professional Touch Laundry prides itself on its high attention to detail and exceptional customer service. “We are small and family-run, which allows us to be nimble and creative in our approach,” Matt adds.

Matt Barnes Journey to Professional Touch Laundry

Matt Barnes and his wife purchased Professional Touch Laundry Services from its founders last year, bringing a fresh perspective to the established business. With a background in the corporate world, Matt had worked in various sectors, including oil and gas, telecommunications, private equity, and consulting, before deciding to embark on the entrepreneurial journey. “I grew weary of working in a corporate setting and wanted to see more tangible value in a business,” Matt shares. His desire to create value for customers and employees led him to the world of commercial laundry.

After an extensive search, Matt found Professional Touch Laundry and saw the potential to enhance and grow the business. “I looked at 500 to 600 businesses in a 75-mile radius around Denver. After a few months, I found this business, put in one offer, and purchased it,” he explains. As the full-time owner-operator, Matt is dedicated to improving and expanding the business, focusing on customer satisfaction and employee empowerment.

The Unique Business Model

One of the key differentiators of Professional Touch Laundry is its business model, which focuses on laundering customer-owned goods rather than providing rentals. “We are a customer-owned goods laundry, meaning we wash what the customer already owns,” Matt explains. This model offers significant cost savings over the traditional rental model. “Renting linens can be quite expensive. By laundering what customers already own, we provide a more economical and efficient solution,” he elaborates.

The cost savings are substantial. “Most of our services cost between $8 and $12 per piece, while rental costs range from $20 to $30. The economics are clear – owning your goods and having us launder them saves a lot of money in the long term,” Matt states. Additionally, Professional Touch Laundry offers temporary storage for linens at no extra cost. “We do temporary storage on the house, which adds another layer of convenience for our customers,” he mentions.

Another aspect of their model is the tagging of linens for easy identification and inventory management. “We install heat-seal labels with the customer’s name, phone number, and linen size. This helps both our process and the customer’s inventory management,” Matt explains. This system ensures that each piece is accurately tracked and easily identifiable, adding significant value for the customer.

Exceptional Customer Experience

Professional Touch Laundry is committed to providing an exceptional customer experience. “We guarantee perfect presentation and attention to detail, ensuring no stains on every piece,” Matt emphasizes. This meticulous approach ensures that every item returned to the customer is in pristine condition. “We can turn around laundry for multiple events in a short timeframe, ensuring that customers can use their inventory efficiently,” he adds.

One unique aspect of Professional Touch Laundry’s service is the process of tagging linens for easy identification and inventory management. “We install heat-seal labels with the customer’s name, phone number, and linen size. This helps both our process and the customer’s inventory management,” Matt explains. This system ensures that each piece is accurately tracked and easily identifiable, adding significant value for the customer.

The attention to detail extends to how the linens are handled and processed. “Every piece comes back clean, and if it’s not, we mark and note all stains and damages. Customers can decide whether to use or replace these items,” Matt says. This level of transparency and communication ensures that customers are always informed about the condition of their inventory. “Our customers love the fact that every piece is guaranteed to come back clean or with a clear indication of any issues,” he adds.

Matt also mentions the high level of customer service they provide. “We answer phone calls within one ring and emails within 15 minutes. This responsiveness sets us apart from larger competitors,” he states. The ability to provide quick and effective customer service is a significant advantage for Professional Touch Laundry. “Our size allows us to be flexible and responsive to our customers’ needs,” he adds.

Success Stories and Customer Satisfaction

One of the most rewarding aspects of running Professional Touch Laundry is the positive feedback from customers. “We have many success stories where our attention to detail and high-quality service have made a significant difference,” Matt shares. One such story involves a local hotel that had been struggling with their linen service. “They were constantly receiving linens with stains and poor pressing. After switching to us, they noticed an immediate improvement in the quality and presentation of their linens,” he says.

Another success story comes from a wedding venue that hosts multiple events each week. “They were having trouble with their previous laundry service not being able to turn around linens quickly enough. We were able to provide a faster and more reliable service, allowing them to use their inventory more efficiently and host more events without worry,” Matt explains.

The feedback from customers has been overwhelmingly positive. “Our customers appreciate the quality of our work and our commitment to customer service. They know they can rely on us to provide clean, perfectly pressed linens every time,” Matt states. This high level of customer satisfaction has led to many long-term relationships and repeat business.

Employee Empowerment and Company Culture

Matt Barnes places a strong emphasis on creating a positive and empowering work environment for his employees. “Our goal is to increase the flourishing of our employees by providing an excellent work environment and opportunities for growth,” he explains. This focus on employee satisfaction is reflected in the company’s culture. “We bring in food consistently, offer tracks for promotions, and create an uplifting environment for our employees,” he adds.

The flexibility offered to employees is another significant aspect of the company culture. “We are very flexible with employee timing and needs. This flexibility helps create a positive work environment and ensures that our employees are happy and motivated,” Matt states. The commitment to employee satisfaction is evident in the company’s low turnover rate and the positive feedback from employees.

Matt believes that happy employees lead to happy customers. “When our employees are satisfied and motivated, they provide better service to our customers. This is a key factor in our success,” he explains. The focus on employee empowerment and satisfaction is a core value at Professional Touch Laundry. “We want to create a workplace where employees feel valued and appreciated,” he adds.

Growth and Expansion Plans

Professional Touch Laundry currently serves the Denver metro area but is open to expanding its service area. “We serve the entire Front Range, from Fort Collins to Evergreen, Aurora, and Castle Rock,” Matt says. The company is also open to expanding further within Colorado and even into other states. “We’d love to grow organically and through mergers or acquisitions. Our brand and process are replicable in other cities and states,” he explains. This openness to growth reflects the company’s confidence in its business model and service quality.

“We’re willing to discuss commercial laundry opportunities in any state,” Matt adds, highlighting their ambition to scale their operations beyond Colorado. The goal is to bring their high standards and customer-focused approach to a wider audience. “As we continue to grow, we aim to maintain our commitment to excellent service and customer satisfaction,” he emphasizes.

The expansion plans include both organic growth and potential acquisitions. “We are open to both organic growth and mergers or acquisitions to expand our reach. We believe our model can be successful in other markets as well,” Matt states. The company’s strategic approach to growth ensures that they can maintain their high standards and quality of service as they expand. “We want to grow, but we want to do it in a way that preserves our values and commitment to our customers,” he adds.

The Impact of a New Small Business Website

The transition to a new website for Professional Touch Laundry has had a positive impact on the business. “The new website has been a game-changer. Customers love the new logo and the clear communication of services,” Matt shares. The updated website has increased customer engagement and sales, thanks to features like an easy quote button and direct email contact. “We’ve seen a significant uptick in new customers since launching the new website,” he adds.

Matt explains how the website transition went smoothly, with the new site being launched in just a few days. “I provided artistic inspiration and branding details, and the team executed it perfectly,” he says. The new website not only improved the visual appeal but also enhanced functionality, such as the ability for customers to pay invoices online. “Offering credit card payment for the first time in 25 years has been a big hit with our larger customers,” Matt notes.

The website’s impact on customer engagement has been significant. “We’ve had five to ten new customers reach out in the first month or two, thanks to the easy contact options on the site,” Matt shares. The clear communication and user-friendly design have made it easier for potential customers to understand the services offered and reach out for quotes or inquiries. “The response has been overwhelmingly positive,” he adds.

Advice for Other Businesses on Website Updates

Matt offers valuable advice for other businesses looking to update or create a new website. “Work with an agency like Layerly for quick changes and clear messaging,” he suggests. The ability to make quick changes and have responsive support is crucial for maintaining an effective online presence. “Clear communication of your services and values is key. Make sure your website reflects your brand and what you stand for,” he advises.

Having a professional and user-friendly website can significantly impact a business’s success.“ Your website is often the first impression potential customers have of your business. Make sure it accurately represents you and your services,” Matt emphasizes. Investing in a well-designed website can pay off in terms of increased customer engagement and sales. “A good website can make a huge difference in how your business is perceived,” he adds.

Recommendation of Layerly

Matt highly recommends Layerly as the website development agency. “I 100% recommend Layerly based on the great experience working with them on the new website,” he states. The quick response time and ongoing support from Layerly have been invaluable. “We look forward to a long partnership with Layerly,” he adds. The positive experience with Layerly highlights the importance of choosing the right partner for website development.

Layerly’s ability to understand and execute the vision for the website was a key factor in the successful transition. “They executed our vision perfectly and made the process smooth and efficient,” Matt says. The collaboration between Professional Touch Laundry and Layerly has resulted in a website that not only looks great but also functions effectively to support the business’s goals. “Layerly has been a great partner, and we look forward to continuing our relationship,” he adds.

The Importance of Small Businesses

In closing, Matt reflects on the importance of small businesses to local communities and economies. “Small businesses are the backbone of America. They create jobs and provide unique services that larger companies often can’t match,” he says. Matt emphasizes the value of supporting small businesses and the impact they have on their communities. “By choosing to support small businesses, you’re investing in your community and helping to create a vibrant local economy,” he explains.

Matt is also open to sharing advice and experiences with other business owners. “I’m always willing to share what I’ve learned and help others on their business journey,” he says. The willingness to share knowledge and support other entrepreneurs reflects Matt’s commitment to fostering a strong community of small businesses. “If anyone is interested in commercial laundry or small business ownership, I’m happy to talk and provide any insights I can,” he adds.

Final Thoughts and Advice

Matt concludes with some advice for new business owners. “Be patient. Success does not happen overnight. Enjoy the work and stay self-motivated through challenges,” he advises. He also emphasizes the importance of networking and building relationships. “Surround yourself with positive influences and people who can help you. Networking has been most impactful for growing our business,” he shares.

The biggest impact on Professional Touch Laundry’s growth has been its commitment to treating every customer as if they are the only customer. “We hold ourselves to a high standard of excellence in every aspect of our business. This has built trust with our customers and contributed to our success,” Matt explains.

In summary, Professional Touch Laundry Services, under Matt Barnes’ leadership, has carved out a unique space in the commercial laundry industry by offering personalized service, attention to detail, and significant cost savings for customers. Their commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction has driven their growth and will continue to be the foundation of their success.

Contact Professional Touch Laundry

To find out more about Matt Barnes and Professional Touch Laundry, visit their website at professionaltouchlaundry.com. You can also follow Matt Barnes on social media and his business on LinkedIn. For direct communication, you can reach out to Matt Barnes and his team through the contact details provided on their site. They are committed to providing exceptional customer service and ensuring that your linens are perfectly presented every time.