When Jeffrey Peterson’s son Alexander received his first paycheck, the moment changed everything and ultimately sparked a business venture.

“He said, ‘Dad, I’m working just like you,’” Jeffrey Peterson recalled.

Alexander, now 26, is on the autism spectrum and had found employment through Columbia Ability Alliance, formerly Columbia Industries, helping develop welding hoods for the U.S. Navy. Peterson said his son’s pride and excitement eased long-standing worries about his future.

“That’s when the light bulb came on,” he said.

The moment eventually led to The Wash – High Quality Laundry Solutions, a new laundry business set to open by March 31 in Richland.

“The laundry service in the Tri-Cities is not over-saturated,” he said.

The Wash will serve both small and large customers, handling items such as sheets, towels, uniforms, cleaning rags, tablecloths, entry mats and moving blankets.

Services will include dry cleaning, commercial and self-service laundry, janitorial supplies, wash-and-fold service within a 30-mile radius.

“When customers get their laundry, an employee will have his picture on the laundry pile with a sign that says, ‘I did this for you,’” Jeffrey Peterson said.

The business will use two electric vehicles for deliveries. One vehicle will be driven by Peterson, a disabled Air Force veteran, who will be accompanied by a neurodivergent employee who will deliver or collect laundry.

Cashless laundromat

Located in the same strip mall as the Richland WinCo, The Wash’s storefront takes up 5,840 square feet.

It will have 46 dryers and 43 washing machines at the ready.

“The washing machines are each like a car. I got (a Small Business Administration loan) for them,” Jeffrey Peterson said.

Those using the laundromat will offer a reloadable card to use the machines via a program called Cents Transacts, making the business essentially cashless.

“I didn’t want baskets of quarters here,” he said.

Cents Dispatch will be used to track pickup and delivery orders.

When it opens in March, The Wash will be a 24/7 facility, with attendants available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Pasco’s Culbert Construction is handling the project.

Inclusive workplace

Jeffrey Peterson and his wife Andrea Peterson, also an owner, first met working in management positions in an Atlanta laundry service business years ago. They have four children, two of whom are on the autism spectrum. Their younger son, Christopher, now 22, has found gainful employment as well.

Jeffrey Peterson serves on the Columbia Ability Alliance board of directors, and said his role there motivated him to pursue a business model centered on inclusive hiring.

The Petersons plan to hire employees through the Columbia Ability Alliance and WorkSource programs. He expects The Wash to employ eight to nine people.

The business model has employees working four- to six-hour shifts so that it doesn’t affect their Medicare, Medicaid or disability benefits.

“We understand what it takes involving benefits,” he said.

He presented the concept to CAA’s board.

“We thought it was pretty cool,” said Michael Novakovich, president of CAA. “It’s creating a business to provide employment opportunities for our clients. It also creates awareness in what CAA is doing. It’s really cool, very creative and I love it.”

Novakovich also said the business will become the first ally partner of CAA.

The Columbia Ability Ally program helps local businesses become leaders in inclusive hiring.

“I think in general terms, employers think they have to make some major accommodations. And they don’t,” Novakovich said. “Our clients are so excited to have their jobs. They have an impact on their places of Jeffrey. They’re helping lift morale, and it helps make a solid culture.”

Jeffery Peterson said he hopes other businesses in the community will see the value of inclusive hiring.

“The adults in the CAA program are hard-working, enthusiastic and show pride in their companies,” he said. “It also helps an owner with attrition.”

He’s ready to be the first to dive in on the Ally program.

“Some of the employees we’ll have will be cutting their teeth with me,” he said. “But this will help these employees make a living wage.”

The Wash: 81 Columbia Point Drive, Richland, 1-866-5-WASH4U, the-wash.com.