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We’ve all heard the stories of the true-blue battler before. But here at Dependable Laundry Solutions, we’re putting a new spin on it (pun intended).

It took a labour of love, learning – and of course, laundry – to bring our business from a humble side hustle in 1968 to where it is today.

We sat down with Co-owner and Director Gabrielle Worthington to hear all about it.

 

What’s in a name: The early days of Dependable Laundry Solutions

A family business through and through, Dependable Laundry Solutions at first was not Dependable Laundry Solutions at all.

‘David’s father, Clarry Worthington (my father-in-law), started a business called Service Installations in 1968, imagining it would be a side hustle,’ Gabrielle shares. ‘He operated that until 1975.’

Until one day, when David received a phone call from his father.

‘David was working the mines when he got word that his father wanted to retire – and was keen to hand the business over to him,’ says Gabrielle.

So, in 1976, David was at the helm. He worked hard, maintaining the relationships of the company of old while modernising it for our ever-changing industry.

Then 1994 rolled around.

‘David decided that because we sold and also fixed washers, our name no longer reflected our business. So, Service Installations got the boot, and All Commercial Washers was born.’

And it stayed that way for another 15 years – until 2009, when the business got its biggest break yet.

 

Becoming first choice: A marriage with Maytag Commercial

For 28 years, David worked closely with the Western Australia Maytag Commercial distributor, Rick Gardner. Until David got another phone call about an impending retirement.

‘So, do you want to buy the distributorship?’ Rick had asked.

At first, David wasn’t sure. But after giving it some thought – and some sleepless nights – he decided they should have a crack at it.

‘Financially, we were taking a punt,’ Gabrielle admits. ‘But I’ve always said that if David’s okay with something, I’ve believed in him.’

After becoming the sole WA and NT Maytag Commercial distributor, it was time for another name change. The reliable, sustainable and trustworthy Dependable Laundry Solutions was here to stay.

 

America’s sweetheart: USA’s best international partner

It didn’t take much to convince Maytag Commercial, an American brand, to switch distributorship to us for Western Australia.

But then, in 2019, our General Manager, Chad Pilbeam, and National Sales and Marketing Leader, Sam Nolthenius, presented the Maytag Commercial team with a compelling offer – which proved too good to pass up.

‘Chad and Sam stood in front of Maytag Commercial’s entire leadership team and pitched Dependable Laundry Solutions as their sole Australian distributor,’ Gabrielle recalls fondly. ‘One brand, one distributor, one family.

‘I could see the lights turn on in the Maytag Commercial team’s eyes. Sam and Chad just nailed it,’ Gabrielle praises.

And the Australia-wide distributorship was ours.

 

Hello, gorgeous: Dependable Laundry Solutions today

After all our growth as a business, we felt it was about time our space looked the part, too. Which is why we refurbished our offices.

‘We had to try to future-proof a premise with a constantly evolving practice,’ Gabrielle shares. ‘Initially, we had a small area for spare parts. Now, basically our entire downstairs area is spare parts – with the rest of the space for our offices and a whole new workshop down the road for servicing and repairs.’

And it’s not just our space that’s evolved.

‘I’m going out on a limb here by saying that nobody probably says, “Gee, when my kid grows up, I hope they’re a washing machine mechanic,”’ Gabrielle jokes. ‘We know it’s a very unique industry with a very unique skillset – but it is a skillset, somewhere between electrician and mechanic.’

And our team is only growing, getting better and putting down roots, right here at Dependable Laundry Solutions.

‘I’d like to know that each one of our staff members had the opportunity to go anywhere in the world with their talents, but they chose to stay with us.’

Because, as David and Gabrielle always say: no matter how many assets you have in your life – your cars, your houses, your offices – as a business owner, your most valuable asset is your staff.

 

No one loves laundry like we do: Why laundry means more

The Dependable Laundry Solutions team’s passion for the business is evident every day – even when they’re not working.

‘All our kids hate going travelling with us because we always just want to go check out the local laundromats,’ Gabrielle laughs.

Because to David and Gabrielle, laundry carries far more weight than what’s in the basket.

‘For people in a mine site, after working hard for 14 hours a day, 12 days straight, all they want to do at night is take their dirt-caked clothes off, clean them, and go to the mess hall to have a meal. And they don’t want to deal with any laundry issues in the meantime.’

Which means, a good washing machine makes the difference between a good or terrible end to a long day’s work.

What’s more? A good machine can make a difference in someone’s life.

‘I think we all have a social responsibility to give back,’ Gabrielle shares. ‘We’ve been lucky enough to be involved with Comfort Quilts Against Cancer, Shave for a Cure, DV Safe Phone and more, over the years.

‘We also once donated a washer and dryer to a high school – leading to a 68% improved truancy when students were able to wash their uniforms, seeing as this wasn’t possible at home.’

It’s never ‘just a washer and dryer’.

 

What’s next: The future for Dependable Laundry Solutions

Our plan is pure domination. Not kidding.

‘We already have sales reps across the country, but I’d love to keep growing our service teams,’ Gabrielle shares. ‘We’re particularly looking at doubling down on the east coast, considering Western Australia is our bread and butter with over 60 years of history here.’

And we’re backing ourselves in.

‘We know we have the best product, with the best team, who give the best support,’ Gabrielle says. ‘So we just need to figure out how we can keep growing. As soon as you think washing machine, we want you to think Dependable Laundry Solutions.’

The best way to do that? Education.

‘We need to educate people about how a healthy laundry leads to a healthy bottom line,’ she continues. ‘Because if you’re working in laundromats, hospitality, health care, mining, military, veterinary clinics, even education – your role will encompass laundry.

‘And if you buy the right product, you can save your time, save your money and save your outgoings.’

Because, as you can probably tell by now, laundry is always about more than just laundry.

 

Has our story inspired you to upgrade your laundry? Browse our range of laundry equipment today.