Kevin Butorac

“I give a lot of credit to Amex in the success of our business. Without those Amex resources, our growth and success wouldn’t be what they are.”

Kevin Butorac

Real American Express customer who was aware this testimonial may be featured by American Express.

Spin cycle for success: How American Express helps Triad Laundry Equipment thrive

Kevin Butorac’s business journey unfolded in the laundromat, driven by washing machines and a knack for hands-on work.

As a teenager in Akron, Ohio, he watched his parents invest in a small wash-and-dry facility, and Butorac, a natural handyman even in high school, quickly immersed himself in the day-to-day operations. “I’ve always been kind of a DIY guy, like tinkering with things,” he explains. His responsibilities soon extended to cleaning and fixing up the establishment. The need for affordable machinery, however, led him to explore other options. “We wanted to replace the machines, and we found out that new equipment was just really expensive.”

Butorac’s solution was to search for used equipment across the country – machines that had been removed from other facilities, often because of closures or upgrades – and retooling them for a new life. His strategy paid off. By 2010, what started as a high-school hobby for the family business had evolved into a full-fledged enterprise.

Officially launched in 2019, Triad Laundry Equipment provides reconditioned machines to a wide array of commercial services across the country. The business takes its name from its core team – Kevin, his brother Scott Butorac, their close friend Carri Wells – and together, the trio has experienced remarkable success in a runaway market. In an era where passive-income ventures like laundromats are trending across social media and reality television, Butorac reports receiving inquiries “weekly” from would-be proprietors eager to launch their own local laundromats.

Tools to tumble into growth

With a business centered on buying and reselling used equipment, Butorac emphasizes that American Express’s suite of business products has been especially useful. An Amex Member since 2018, he has taken full advantage of the American Express® Business Gold Card and Business Platinum Card®, American Express® Business Checking, and an American Express® Business Line of Credit. He says these tools have been instrumental in helping him and his team manage Triad Laundry and have given them help covering select expenses.

“I use my Business Gold Card primarily for everyday purchases,” Butorac says. “And the Business Platinum for larger purchases.” He appreciates the Membership Rewards® points he earns on the Cards, which have contributed toward many of his frequent travels. “I have redeemed points for vacations, trips, rental cars, and hotels,” he says. “I take full advantage of my Membership Reward points when I can.”

Butorac explains that the Business Platinum Card has been particularly valuable for eligible larger purchases over $5,000, so he can earn 1.5X the Membership Rewards® points up to a points cap. Other Business Platinum perks he enjoys include access to the Global Lounge Collection® and the Card’s up to $200 in statement credits for incidental fees on his selected qualifying airline – plus the personalized customer service he’s encountered over the phone. “Anytime I have a question about something,” he says, “I’m able to get a quick, easy response. No hassle.”

One memorable experience for Butorac was when the company reached out to a machine vendor who didn’t accept his credit cards. “Amex contacted them to learn why they didn’t and see if there was anything Amex could do to get them to accept my Cards,” Butorac recalls. “I was really impressed that they followed up like that on behalf of my business. You don’t see that too often.”

According to Butorac, the Business Line of Credit has also been an enormous support for Triad Laundry. “With a young business like ours, cash flow management is a big issue,” he explains. He says his revolving Business Line of Credit provides the flexibility needed to manage inventory expenses and cover cash flow gaps between buying and reselling equipment. “It’s nice to have the possible funding there when we need it,” he says. “I’ve found the line of credit to be very beneficial.”

Equally appealing has been the digital Business Checking account which he uses for a specific segment of his business. Butorac enjoys that the American Express Business Checking offers a competitive interest rate, zero monthly maintenance fees, and the ability to earn Membership Rewards® points on select Business Debit Card purchases.

A clearer picture of his cash flow

For added convenience, Butorac keeps these business products organized together. The American Express Business Blueprint™ dashboard offers a consolidated view of his select Amex business products, including his Cards, and his linked external business card and bank accounts. “It’s nice to see a fuller picture right in front of me,” he says. “Being able to have my linked products on one screen is just so much easier.”

Looking ahead, Butorac is confident American Express will remain an integral part of Triad Laundry’s success. “Amex wants you to succeed,” he says. “There’s flexibility with everything they’re offering. They actually understand our business and our needs.”