My name is Kevin Lawson, and I am obsessed with dry cleaning and laundry equipment

When I was five, I often visited King Auto Parts in King, North Carolina with my Grandfather. King Auto Parts, my Grandfather’s favorite hangout, was where he bought me my first ever SK ½ Drive Socket and Ratchet Set. I’ll never forget how excited I was as I carried that set in the green metal case home. I still have it today. In all seriousness, that ratchet set changed my life. As soon as I got home, I began taking apart and reassembling everything within reach. Figuring out how things work became my passion.

After high school I held a few jobs before joining A Cleaner World in 1983 as a dry cleaning plant manager. This position not only allowed me to continue dabbling with mechanical stuff but it also allowed me to fulfill another passion. I like to talk, and I like people. As the years went by, my role expanded to include managing multiple locations, scouting for new locations, and dealing with franchisees. In 2000, I was asked to head up the maintenance division of A Cleaner World which at that time included over 40 locations. It was a dream come true.

Since then, Tri-State Laundry Equipment Company has gone from being the maintenance division of A Cleaner World to a business that also designs, installs, services, and sells all kinds of dry cleaning and laundry equipment including Parker Boiler, Electrolux, Wascomat, Unipress, Kleen-Rite, and more. Plus over the years I’ve hired guys just like me – guys with a passion for solving mechanical problems. In fact, I’ve seen them perform some pretty amazing feats in rather unique circumstances. I look forward to sharing some of those stories with you.

It is my sincere hope that this blog will be able to provide answers to common questions and problems associated with dry cleaning and laundry equipment while having a little fun along the way. And when I say I really like to talk and I really like people – I really do. I hope to hear from you.