Speed Queen® Announces Winner of My Success Story Essay Contest
Speed Queen®, a leading provider of commercial laundry equipment, has named Emmanuel and Tyesha Offiong, owners of A&Q Laundry Room in South River, New Jersey, the winners of the 2nd annual “My Success Story” essay contest. Representatives from the commercial laundry manufacturer surprised the Offiongs with the $100,000 grand prize Tuesday.
“Tyesha Offiong, wife and mother of two, and her husband Emmanuel have remained committed to the needs of their community, and recognized the benefit of investing in their laundromat, and therefore their business has thrived.” says Jeff Harvey, brand manager, Speed Queen Financial Services (SQFS). “We are honored to join them on their journey and we are pleased to recognize their accomplishments.”
Jeff Harvey joined by Dick Luca, regional vice president at Super Laundry, the Offiong’s equipment distributor, Andrea Mueller, Speed Queen Commercial brand manager, and John Smith, Speed Queen Commercial regional sales manager gathered at the A&Q Laundry Room in New Jersey to surprise the family with the grand prize.
The Offiongs were named the winners of the contest because of their laundromat’s creative promotions and workshops, use of advanced technologies in managing their business, and dedication to the betterment of their community. For their winning essay, Speed Queen has contributed $100,000 to apply towards their recent loan for new equipment provided through SQFS.
“We could not believe that we had been selected as the winners of the Speed Queen essay contest. We have been so fortunate to own a laundromat in a great community and to have formed such a strong relationship with our manufacturer and distributor,” said Emmanuel. “At A&Q Laundry Room, we strive to be a neighborhood laundry room rather than a commercial laundromat,” adds Tyesha.
Leaving behind her corporate job to spend more time with family, Tyesha decided she and her husband would invest in the laundry industry. The Offiongs soon became the owners of a run-down unattended laundromat with great potential. Their vision came to life after renovating the store and equipping it with brand new Speed Queen machines. The Offiongs chose to invest in a laundromat because of the flexibility it affords them, and have seen great success since opening.
Dan Bowe, North American sales manager, Speed Queen Commercial, says, “Stories like the Offiongs give testament to the return on investment and increased profitability laundry owners can achieve when they renovate their stores with new state-of-the-art equipment. We are proud to be a part of the Offiongs success.”
This is the second year Speed Queen has held its “My Success Story” contest. Between March 1 and June 15, 2015, Speed Queen store owners submitted essays of 500 words or less describing their unique and creative methods of retaining and attracting new customers. Eligible entrants were required to have financed at least $2,500 in new Speed Queen laundry equipment through SQFS during this time.
More than 60 essays were submitted from across the nation and judged based on the most compelling story relative to theme, creativity and clarity of expression. All eligible entrants will receive a $100 gift card to be redeemed at an authorized Speed Queen distributor.
PHOTO: Andrea Mueller, Speed Queen Commercial brand manager, John Smith Speed Queen Commercial regional sales manager, Jeff Harvey, Speed Queen Financial Services brand manager and Dick Luca, Super Laundry regional vice president, surprise Emmanuel and Tyesha Offiong at their New Jersey store, A&Q Laundry Room, and present them with their $100,000 grand prize for winning the “My Success Story” essay contest.
For more information regarding Speed Queen call 1.800.590.8872
Randy Radtke
Global Public Relations Manager, Alliance Laundry Systems
