Behind every freshly pressed shirt and neatly folded garment lies a story of hard work, precision, and entrepreneurial spirit. For Obed Dangana, what began as a humble role at the front desk has evolved into a deeper calling—delivering reliable laundry and dry cleaning services with a personal touch and professional flair.
In this exclusive interview, Obed takes us through his journey into the laundry business, sharing the motivation behind his work, the challenges he’s overcome, and the values that keep his customers coming back.
His story is a testament to how passion, persistence, and people-first service can transform even the simplest business into a lasting legacy.
Q1. Can you share the brief story of how you got started in the laundry and dry cleaning business?
“Well, technically I work for someone currently, although I’m planning on owning mine, but financial restraints at the moment.
“So after my service year at Agbor, I went to Bayelsa. Unclear and uncertain of what to do, and also in search of a good-paying job, all to no avail.
“I opted to apply for a vacant position at a laundry and dry cleaning office, and as God may have it, I got the job. I had envisaged working for a couple of months or probably a year, but over time, I started loving the process and the job. More importantly, the dry cleaning sector and I aspire to have mine someday, but in order to do that, I had to learn the pros and cons of the business. It hasn’t been all too rosy as every business does experience its decline period and challenges, but I must say it has truly been enlightening.”
Q2. What motivated you to become an entrepreneur in this line of work?
“First, like all good business owners, it was the demand for it. I’m not saying it’s the most sorted out service here, but it was one of the in-demand businesses that needed to be established”
Q3: What does your typical day look like as a front desk attendant?
“Well, a typical day as a front desk attendant is usually very demanding but achievable. Always look good and presentable, good communication skills, checking customers’ garments properly and documenting”
Q4: What major challenges have you faced in your line of work, and how did you overcome them?
“Well, damaging a customer’s item was the major challenge. Due to the nature of the garment, it reacted with the chemical. In cases like that, there was no solution, so we had to dialogue and replace the garment.”
Q5: How do you ensure excellent customer service and build trust with clients?
“In situations like that, transparency is needed. What we do if we damage an item is to call the customer on time and inform the person so as to be aware before arriving for his or her clothes. In other cases where the customer doesn’t like conversing over the phone, we wait for them to arrive and make sure to tell them about what went wrong rather than just handing their clothes to them.
“This gesture helps to build trust between customers and workers. Plus, we have a complaint box where complaints are kept and handled with seriousness, so the trust is built and in turn promotes continued patronage”
Q6: What makes your business different from others in the same industry?
“Simple, we offer dry cleaning services, not just laundry”
Q7: Have you introduced any unique services or innovations in your business?
“Yes, I have. It had to do with the quality control department. The quality control department aids in checking the items after they are been laundered or dry cleaned before handing them over to the customers.
“So, I introduced a policy where, in order for the front desk operators to be able to locate the items and check how they are put in place, they have to do what is called the pre-railing and end-railing pack. What we do is, we arrange the clothes as they come in, like a first-come-first-served policy.
“However, that is not always the case, so I try to tell them how to arrange these items so that they wouldn’t be difficult to find when customers arrive, thereby saving time and energy”
Q8. What strategies help you manage finances and keep your business profitable?
“Well, we use an online account which does that for us. It records sales and revenue, thereby enabling us to have an updated record of both daily, weekly, monthly and yearly returns.”
Q9: What advice would you give to someone starting a laundry or service-based business?
“Firstly, treat every garment with utmost care, as garments differ and lastly, have a good workforce. The key is having employees who are relatable and innovative in terms of dealing with stubborn stains on garments”
Q10: Where do you see your business in the next few years, and what legacy do you hope to build?
“I see it shooting for the stars. The sky’s the limit. The legacy is becoming a global leader in professional drycleaning and environmental services.”
Obed Dangana’s Primewash Fully Automated Laundry is located in Bayelsa, Port Harcourt, Lagos and Abuja
To reach Obed for his services, visit Primewash Fully Automated Laundry at No. 11 Imgbi Road, Amarata, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State or call: +234 814 022 0523.
