WaveMAX Laundry
Jacksonville, FL-based franchisor of semi-absentee, full-attended laundromats equipped with Electrolux commercial washers/dryers, AWS load-weighing, Eco Power drying, and Omni LUX sanitation, selling territories to capitalized investors and operating 75+ locations across 20+ U.S. states.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2012
- HeadquartersJacksonville, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What WaveMAX Laundry does
WaveMAX Laundry (legal entity AU Hydro LLC) is a Jacksonville, Florida-based franchisor of modern, full-attended laundromats founded in 2012 by Mike Roberts. The company packages a semi-absentee retail laundry operating model into a franchised business system, equipping locations with Electrolux commercial washers featuring the proprietary AWS (Automatic Weighing System) that meters water by load weight, Electrolux Eco Power moisture-sensing dryers, and the Omni Solutions LUX advanced sanitation system delivering hospital-grade disinfection, extended garment life, and reduced detergent consumption. Stores operate with trained on-site attendants typically 7am-10pm, free Wi-Fi, and restrooms. Each location generates revenue from self-service washer/dryer cycles, Wash-Dry-Fold drop-off service (priced $0.99-$2.29 per pound depending on market), optional Pickup & Delivery, and commercial laundry. The company reported Item 19 data for 2024 showing an average store gross revenue of $471,201 and median of $436,114 across 50 stores.
The franchise business model monetizes through upfront franchise fees on each $1M-$1.5M unit sale (requiring $400K minimum liquidity and $1M minimum net worth from franchisees), recurring royalties on gross sales, marketing fund contributions, and equipment placement/services. WaveMAX employs a 6-step qualification-to-award franchise sales process spanning 60-120 days and selectively awards territories nationwide with emphasis on underserved Sunbelt, Midwest, and East Coast metros. The company reports 72-75+ open locations across 20+ U.S. states and 200+ units sold across the system, distinguishing itself against so-called "zombiemat" unattended competitors through site-selection discipline, equipment partnerships, and attended service. Total franchisee project costs are funded predominantly (65-75%) through a curated network of laundromat-friendly lenders and SBA-eligible financing partners. Named operational performance benchmarks include 25-35% EBITDA margins for well-operated stores and a 5-7 year payback period.
WaveMAX Laundry firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- WaveMAX Laundry
- Legal name
- WaveMAX Laundry
- Website
- https://wavemaxlaundry.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2012
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Jacksonville, FL-based franchisor of semi-absentee, full-attended laundromats equipped with Electrolux commercial washers/dryers, AWS load-weighing, Eco Power drying, and Omni LUX sanitation, selling territories to capitalized investors and operating 75+ locations across 20+ U.S. states.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
WaveMAX Laundry industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Laundromat Services
- NAICS
- Drycleaning and Laundry Services (8123), Drycleaning and Laundry Services (except Coin-Operated) (81232), Coin-Operated Laundries and Drycleaners (81231)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Attended / Full-Service Laundromats (Self-Service + Assistance) (HSAJAAAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Laundromat + Wash-and-Fold Hybrid Locations (HSAJAAAI), Card/App-Based Self-Service Laundromats (HSAJAAAB)
Keywords
Where WaveMAX Laundry is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Jacksonville
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
WaveMAX Laundry business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Infrastructure, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Self-Service Laundry: Self-service laundry operations where customers use washers and dryers at store locations. Core revenue driver representing brick-and-mortar revenue from coin/card-operated machines
- Wash-Dry-Fold (WDF) Service: Drop-off laundry service where staff wash, dry, and fold customer items. Priced per pound with location-specific minimums. Adds 30-50% higher revenue potential. Typically $0.99-$2.29/lb depending on location
- Pickup and Delivery Services: Mobile laundry services with pickup and delivery to customer locations. Revenue stream that complements brick-and-mortar operations though excluded from Item 19 gross revenue figures
- Commercial Laundry Services: Commercial laundry services for businesses requiring industrial-scale laundry operations
- Franchise Royalty Fees: Ongoing royalty fees charged to franchisees based on gross sales, plus marketing fund contributions
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Wash-Dry-Fold pricing ranges from $0.99 to $2.29 per pound depending on location |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Franchise investment range: $1 million to $1.5 million total investment |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels8 records
WaveMAX Laundry product offering
Product offeringCore offering
WaveMAX Laundry operates a national franchise network of self-service laundromats offering Electrolux commercial washers and dryers, a Wash-Dry-Fold (WDF) drop-off service priced per pound, and Pickup & Delivery laundry services. The company sells laundromat franchise licenses to qualified investors (total investment $1M–$1.5M) and provides site selection, equipment procurement, build-out, training, and ongoing operational support. All locations are equipped with the Omni LUX advanced sanitation system and operate 7am–10pm daily with trained attendants.
Product overview
WaveMAX Laundry operates a modern laundromat franchise network built around three interconnected service layers: (1) the core WaveMAX Laundromat self-service operation — featuring Electrolux commercial washers and dryers with proprietary AWS (Automatic Weighing System) and Eco Power drying technology, attended stores, free Wi-Fi, and 7am–10pm operating hours; (2) the Wash-Dry-Fold (WDF) drop-off service, where staff process customer laundry for per-pound fees with same-day pickup at select locations; and (3) an optional Pickup & Delivery mobile service for door-to-door collection and return. The franchise platform (WaveMAX Franchise) packages these retail services into a scalable, semi-absentee business model for franchisees, including site selection, equipment procurement, store build-out, training, and ongoing support. The Omni LUX sanitation system from Omni Solutions is deployed at all locations as a hygiene differentiator.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- WaveMAX Self-Service Laundromat Full-service self-service laundromat offering modern Electrolux washers and dryers across multiple capacity tiers (single-loaders to 80-lb commercial machines), attended stores, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and amenities. Operates 7am–10pm daily for working-class consumers and households needing laundry services.
- Wash-Dry-Fold (WDF) Service Drop-off laundry service where WaveMAX attendants wash, dry, and fold customer items. Priced per pound ($0.99–$2.29/lb depending on location) with location-specific minimums. Same-day pickup available at select locations.
- Pickup & Delivery Service On-demand mobile laundry service where WaveMAX drivers collect customer laundry and return it clean and folded. Subject to driver availability and route scheduling; same-day pickup depends on location.
- WaveMAX Franchise Semi-absentee laundromat franchise opportunity with total investment of $1M–$1.5M. Includes site selection, Electrolux equipment procurement, store build-out, training, operations manual, KPI dashboards, marketing playbooks, and ongoing coaching. Designed for multi-unit ownership.
Quantifiable outcome
- Average gross revenue of $471,201 across 50 stores in 2024 (Item 19 data)
- +7 more outcomes
Companies that use WaveMAX Laundry
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
WaveMAX Laundry technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
WaveMAX Laundry partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Two partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- ElectroluxcoreNational manufacturer partnership with Electrolux providing preferred pricing on all equipment for franchisees, financing available to cover 65-75% of project cost, nationwide service and parts distribution, assistance with store layouts and marketing, population demographics analysis. Electrolux is described as 'one of the largest commercial laundry manufacturers in the world.' WaveMAX has exclusive access to AWS (Automatic Weighing System) washers and Eco Power dryers through this partnership.
- Omni Solutions (LUX System)corePartnership with Omni Solutions for the LUX advanced sanitation system, providing WaveMAX locations with the highest level of disinfection available. The LUX system delivers hospital-grade sanitation, extends garment life by 20%, and eliminates odor-causing bacteria. This technology differentiates WaveMAX from competitors and is integrated into all store operations.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
WaveMAX Laundry competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- ZIPS Dry Cleaners: ZIPS is a large dry cleaning franchise operating hundreds of locations with a similar 'convenient, modernized experience' positioning. While dry-cleaning-centric rather than self-service-laundry-centric, ZIPS demonstrates the franchise economics available in adjacent textile-care verticals and is relevant for franchise investor overlap and capital competition.
- Coin Laundry Association member operators / large multi-unit independents: Independent laundromat owners, often operating 5-50+ locations, represent the baseline competitor WaveMAX is targeting. They operate similar self-service laundromats with modern equipment but lack the franchisor-provided operating systems, marketing playbooks, and multi-unit development support that WaveMAX packages.
- Speed Queen franchise network: Speed Queen, the dominant commercial laundry equipment manufacturer, supports a network of store owners using its equipment. While not a franchisor in the traditional sense, Speed Queen provides equipment, financing, and site support that overlaps significantly with WaveMAX's Electrolux-driven offering, and represents the most direct alternative for would-be laundromat operators.
- Laundromat (Maytag Commercial / Huebsch) branded stores: Maytag Commercial Laundry and Huebsch (an Alliance Laundry Systems brand) supply equipment and 'store-in-a-store' branding programs that compete with WaveMAX's franchise model. Independent operators using these brands represent the largest pool of competing laundromat storefronts in the US.
Direct peers
- CD One Price Cleaners: A franchise-based, no-coin, attended laundromat concept focused on wash-dry-fold drop-off and self-service. Direct peer to WaveMAX with a similar modern-equipment-and-attendant positioning, though smaller in scale and primarily regional in the upper Midwest.
- Pressbox / Press (dry cleaning franchise): Press is a tech-enabled dry cleaning and laundry franchise combining storefront operations with app-based scheduling and pickup/delivery. Comparable to WaveMAX as a modernized, brand-forward franchise serving both walk-in and on-demand customers, though Press is anchored in dry cleaning rather than self-service.
Emerging players
- WashClub / Rinse: Rinse is a venture-backed on-demand dry cleaning and laundry pickup/delivery service operating in major US metros. It is directly comparable to WaveMAX's pickup-and-delivery revenue stream and represents the app-driven alternative to brick-and-mortar laundromats, particularly for the upscale/professional customer segment WaveMAX is targeting for WDF attach.
- Hamper App / SudShare: On-demand laundry and dry-cleaning pickup/delivery apps that compete for the same convenience-oriented customer that WaveMAX targets with its WDF and pickup-and-delivery service. They represent the digital-native threat to WaveMAX's higher-margin service tiers.
Others
- Omni Solutions / LUX System: Omni Solutions is the supplier of the LUX advanced sanitation system that WaveMAX deploys as a key differentiator. While not a competitor, Omni is the enabling technology partner whose product roadmap and pricing directly shape WaveMAX's value proposition and competitive positioning vs laundromats without advanced sanitation.
Regional players
- Cleaners' World (various regional chains): Regional attended laundromat chains operating modern stores in specific metro areas. They compete directly with WaveMAX franchisees in shared geographies on the same working-class customer base, but lack the franchise-driven unit economics, training systems, and national brand pull.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
WaveMAX Laundry social profiles
Digital presenceWaveMAX Laundry financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
WaveMAX Laundry leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
WaveMAX Laundry funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
WaveMAX Laundry M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about WaveMAX Laundry
What does WaveMAX Laundry do?
WaveMAX Laundry operates a national franchise network of self-service laundromats offering Electrolux commercial washers and dryers, a Wash-Dry-Fold (WDF) drop-off service priced per pound, and Pickup & Delivery laundry services. The company sells laundromat franchise licenses to qualified investors (total investment $1M–$1.5M) and provides site selection, equipment procurement, build-out, training, and ongoing operational support. All locations are equipped with the Omni LUX advanced sanitation system and operate 7am–10pm daily with trained attendants.
Is WaveMAX Laundry a public or private company?
WaveMAX Laundry is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was WaveMAX Laundry founded?
WaveMAX Laundry was founded in 2012. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is WaveMAX Laundry based?
WaveMAX Laundry is headquartered in Jacksonville, United States, in the North America region.
How does WaveMAX Laundry make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Self-Service Laundry is the primary driver. The others are wash-Dry-Fold (WDF) Service, pickup and Delivery Services, commercial Laundry Services and franchise Royalty Fees.
Who are WaveMAX Laundry's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are ZIPS Dry Cleaners, Coin Laundry Association member operators / large multi-unit independents, Speed Queen franchise network and Laundromat (Maytag Commercial / Huebsch) branded stores. Direct peers are CD One Price Cleaners and Pressbox / Press (dry cleaning franchise). Emerging players are WashClub / Rinse and Hamper App / SudShare. Omni Solutions / LUX System is listed as an others. Cleaners' World (various regional chains) is listed as a regional player.
Does WaveMAX Laundry have an API?
No public API is recorded for WaveMAX Laundry.
What industry is WaveMAX Laundry in?
WaveMAX Laundry's product category is Laundromat Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HSAJAAAE, Attended / Full-Service Laundromats (Self-Service + Assistance), with a secondary code of HSAJAAAI, Laundromat + Wash-and-Fold Hybrid Locations. Its NAICS code is 8123.