Domus and Distributor Michael Gekelman Deliver a Superior Laundry Experience
As the founder and CEO of Superior Laundry Equipment and a multi-store owner, Michael Gekelman knows firsthand what it takes to deliver a top-tier laundry experience. Now, he's taken his expertise to the next level by showcasing the renowned Domus brand in his brand-new Laundromat – Clean & Go by Domus.
Michael’s strategic partnership with Domus began five years ago when he became a distributor, working with laundry owners in New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. “Domus offers the most technologically advanced commercial washers and dryers in the market,” shared Michael. “I’m all about technology that allow owners to efficiently and effectively run their Laundromats.”
All Domus professional washers and dryers come equipped with DomusConnect, a remote-access feature allowing storeowners a new kind of freedom. “I can troubleshoot, analyze data, or program time-of-day promotions or discounts – all from my phone or laptop,” said Michael. “These are the kinds of bells and whistles that truly make a positive impact to storeowners.”
Michael also likes that Domus washers have the highest G-factor in the market. “The higher the G-factor, the greater the water extraction, resulting in lower energy costs,” he said. “Clothes come out of the Domus washers drier, which cuts down on the drying time and saves money.”
What’s more, Domus machines are completely programmable, so store owners can save water and energy while providing their customers with the wash and dry cycles that best meet their needs. “Domus washers and dryers are built to be tough and cost efficient, while providing the best results to the customer,” stated Michael.
Clean & Go and Domus: A Strategic Partnership
Michael’s newest Laundromat, Clean & Go by Domus in Ozone Park, New York, recently underwent a dramatic transformation. On January 2, 2025, the 20-year-old store was devastated by a fire that destroyed everything down to the studs. “Sadly, there was nothing we could do,” Michael recalled. “Nothing was salvageable. So, we signed a new lease and began the task of rebuilding.”
Over the course of five months, Michael and his Superior Laundry team completely rebuilt the 2,700-square-fooot store from the ground up. The new layout was thoughtfully designed to prioritize efficiency, accessibility, and functionality—ensuring a smooth workflow for customers, along with ample space for folding or simply relaxing while laundry is being done. The flagship location features a clean, bright interior and is fully equipped with state-of-the-art Domus commercial machines.
Clean & Go by Domus features an impressive selection of large-capacity equipment, including two 80-pound washers, a 135-pound washer, and a couple of 80-pound dryers. “As a distributor, I value the larger-capacity machines and the extensive self-service features Domus offers—and so do my customers,” said Michael. “They especially appreciate the 135-pound washer and the highly intuitive touchscreen, which makes for a user-friendly and enjoyable laundry experience.”
While the store is designed to deliver a seamless self-service experience, a friendly and attentive staff is always on hand to welcome customers and provide assistance when needed. “I can’t say enough about the importance of having great employees,” said Michael. “There’s nothing like that human touch when it comes to answering customers’ questions and maintaining cleanliness. My staff plays a key role in delivering a positive customer experience.”
Clean & Go by Domus offers a wide range of convenient amenities, including multiple payment options—cash, Apple Pay, debit, and credit cards—along with free Wi-Fi, a large-screen television, a wash-and-fold drop-off service, and parking. “Opening day was a great success,” shared Michael. “It was exciting to see the community’s response.” The project transformed a long-neglected “zombiemat” into a modern, welcoming laundromat, significantly enhancing the laundry experience for the local neighborhood.
Michael’s Advice for Aspiring Laundromat Owners
As both a distributor and a store owner, Michael understands that getting into the Laundromat business can be a rewarding venture – but it requires careful planning and significant investment.
Understand your lease. One of the first and most critical steps is understanding your lease. Securing a long-term lease is essential to protect your investment and ensure long-term success.
Partner with a reputable and experienced distributor. A good distributor will guide you through every phase of the process, including lease negotiations, demographic and site analysis, competitor assessments, store layout, equipment selection, and mix. They’ll also connect you with trusted contractors and engineers, making the development process more manageable and streamlined.
Working with a distributor means entering into a true partnership. Someone to support you beyond the setup phase, offering services like equipment maintenance, marketing strategies, labor warranties, and operational advice. A knowledgeable distributor can also help you establish relationships with vendors for soap, wash-and-fold supplies, and other essentials. From concept to grand opening and beyond, a trusted distributor is a critical piece to opening a successful laundromat.
Location is everything. A great site can make or break your business. You need to thoroughly analyze the demographics – look for areas with a high concentration of rental properties and households earning between $35,000 and $50,000 annually. These are typically strong indicators of a reliable self-service laundry customer base.
Higher-income areas, including those with household incomes around $80,000, can also be valuable markets – especially for pickup and delivery services, which are in growing demand. Ultimately, success comes down to choosing the right location and understanding your market to meet customer expectations.
Choose equipment that offers quality and value. A brand like Domus comes packed with user-friendly features and advanced technology. In addition, the equipment is competitively priced and provides tremendous value.
Another key factor is the support behind the brand. Domus has an in-house service department with experienced technicians on board, which gives us and our customers added confidence. Reliable support and responsive service go a long way in this industry.
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Clean & Go by Domus is located at 127-19 111 Ave, South Ozone Park, New York 11420. Clean & Go by Domus offers a superior Self Service Laundry experience as well as Wash & Fold in a well-maintained facility with state-of-the-art Domus equipment.
Company website: mycleanandgo.com
Domus Equipment Mix:
14 – 25-pound washers
14 – 40-pound washers
8 – 65-pound washers
2 – 80-pound washers
1 – 135-pound washer
2 – 80-pound dryers
12 – 50-pound dryers
42 – 30-pound dryers