Planet Laundry Nov 2020

COVER STORY

CRAIG KIRCHNER, President Dexter Laundry – Fairfield, Iowa

Oregon, for veterans to meet with prospecting companies. During this time, the companies had the opportunity to present themselves and what they offer. This is where I first met Todd Hyrn of Western State Design. WSD offered me the ability to troubleshoot electronics, be self-reliant and enjoy varying day-to-day tasks. And, fortunately, I’ve been in the laundry business now since April 2019. What skills did you learn in themilitary that helped prepare you for success in the business world, as well as in life? In the Navy, I performed either corrective or preventative maintenance on electronic or mechanical equipment used for detection, tracking, recognition, navigation and various systems throughout the submarine. Working with equipment that is energized by multiple sources, we were quickly trained in tagging out, schematic reading and troubleshooting.

Military branch: U.S. Army Years of service: 1979-1981 Career path while in the military: Once basic training and job training were completed at Fort Gordon, Georgia, I was assigned to Pirmasens, Germany, as a telecommunications specialist. Rank upon discharge: E4 Specialist Years in the laundry industry: I was in the home

SHANE DEYO Splish Splash Laundry – Marietta, Ga.

appliance/ retail laundry business for 17 years prior to the commercial laundry business, which I’ve been involved with for 18 years. After your service, what inspired you to get into the laundry business? I started in the industry as a service trainer, teaching technicians on themechanical and electrical aspects of products, as well as how to diagnose problems. I started in the Midwest, and the company gave me the opportunity to relocate to numerous places around the country. I enjoyed being able to help people solve problems. After learning the business from the service side, I moved into sales and finally into management. This is a unique industry in which I have the opportunity to work with true entrepreneurs. What skills did you learn in themilitary that helped prepare you for success in the business world, as well as in life? I was able to learn discipline, self-confidence, organization, structure, cutting-edge technology (for its time) and respect for others. SHANNON ROSE, Technical Service Manager Girbau North America – Oshkosh, Wis.

Military branch: U.S. Army Years of service: 2005-2009 Career path while in the

military: Combat paratrooper with the 173rd Airborne Division. Rank upon discharge: I completed two tours of combat in Afghanistan in 2006 and 2008, and was discharged with a Purple Heart as an E5 Sergeant. Years in the laundry industry: The ink was dry on the purchase of Splish Splash Laundry on January 3, 2020. Heck of a time to go into business, wouldn’t you say? After your service, what inspired you to get into the laundry business? My wife, Sylvia, and I have always wanted to own a business. And my sister, Cortnee, and I are very adventurous. So, we all decided to go for it. The rest is history. What skills did you learn in themilitary that helped prepare you for success in the business world, as well as in life? I learned to suffer. I learned to never quit. No matter what challenges we face at Splish (our customers gave us that nickname), we never ever quit! Failure is just not an option within our family.

Military branch: U.S. Air Force Years of service: 2000-2004 Career path while in the military: Aircraft electrical and environmental systems technician. I troubleshot and repaired the electrical and environmental systems on the F-15 C/D and C-17. Rank upon discharge: Senior Airman

20

PlanetLaundry Magazine

planetlaundry.com

Magazine of the Coin Laundry Association