Millionaire University How to Run a Successful Dry Cleaning Business in 2026 | Ian Noble
#732 What if one of the most overlooked “boring businesses” is actually one of the most scalable — and most AI-resistant — opportunities out there? In this episode, host Brien Gearin sits down with entrepreneur Ian Noble — founder of Run Steady Investments and former dry cleaning operator who spent 14 years growing, scaling, and ultimately selling his family’s business in Austin. Ian breaks down why dry cleaning is not a laundromat business, why quality control and customer service make or break you, and why buying an existing operation often beats starting from scratch or franchising. They also dive into modern growth levers like centralized plants with retail “drop” locations, pickup-and-delivery routes, wash-and-fold as a major revenue driver, and the power of automated review requests to dominate local search. If you’ve ever considered a “boring” business with real demand and a clear path to scaling, this conversation is a blueprint for how to become a great operator — and build something you can keep long-term or sell for a strong exit!
What we discuss with Ian:
+ Dry cleaning vs laundromats
+ Family business origins
+ Scaling to multiple locations
+ Quality control as a moat
+ Centralized plants model
+ Pickup & delivery growth
+ Wash-and-fold revenue
+ Online reviews & reputation
+ Franchising pitfalls
+ Building for exit or longevity
Thank you, Ian!
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