Meet Connor Curran | Chief Laundry Folder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Connor Curran and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Connor, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I decided to start my own business, the thought process was driven by a combination of personal passion, market opportunity, and a desire to create something meaningful. Here are the key factors that influenced my decision:

1. Passion for Community and Quality: I have always been passionate about building communities and creating high-quality products. I wanted to combine these passions to create a brand that not only offered exceptional clothing but also contributed positively to the community. This led to the founding of Local Laundry, a brand that focuses on Canadian-made apparel and community building.
2. Identifying a Market Gap: I noticed a gap in the market for premium, locally-made clothing that resonated with customers’ values of quality and community engagement. There was a growing demand for products that people could feel good about wearing, knowing they were supporting local businesses and sustainable practices.
3. Desire for Impact: I wanted to create a business that went beyond just selling products. I envisioned a company that could make a significant impact on the local community, support charities, and promote social responsibility. This vision shaped the core values and mission of Local Laundry and CDN.
4. Entrepreneurial Spirit: I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit and a drive to build something from the ground up. Starting my own business allowed me to channel this energy into a venture where I could implement my ideas, take risks, and innovate in ways that aligned with my personal and professional goals.
5. Control and Flexibility: Owning my own business provided the control and flexibility to make decisions that were best for the company and its stakeholders. It allowed me to create a work environment that reflected my values and provided a great experience for employees and customers alike.
6. Long-Term Vision: I had a long-term vision of creating a sustainable, ever-growing company that could expand across Canada and into the US. This vision included not only growing the business but also making strategic acquisitions and building a brand portfolio similar to successful models like LVMH.

Starting my own business was a thoughtful and deliberate process, combining my passions, market insights, and a strong desire to make a positive impact. It has been a rewarding journey, and I am excited about the future possibilities and growth opportunities for Local Laundry and CDN.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At Local Laundry and CDN, we are dedicated to creating high-quality, community-focused apparel that not only looks great but also supports local economies and sustainable practices.

What Sets Us Apart:

What truly sets us apart is our commitment to community and quality. Every piece of clothing we produce is crafted with care, using premium materials that ensure comfort and durability. Our products are designed to bring people together, celebrating the spirit of community and shared values. We are incredibly proud of our Canadian-made apparel, which reflects our dedication to supporting local manufacturing and reducing our environmental footprint.

Proudest Achievements and Excitement:

We are most proud of the strong sense of community we have built around our brand. From collaborating with local charities to supporting various community initiatives, we strive to give back and make a positive impact.

Business Journey:

Getting to where we are today has been a journey of passion, hard work, and continuous learning. It wasn’t easy, and there were numerous challenges along the way. In the early stages, we faced the typical struggles of a new business—building brand recognition, securing funding, and managing production logistics. However, we overcame these challenges through perseverance, strategic partnerships, and a relentless focus on our core values.

Overcoming Challenges:

One of the biggest challenges was ensuring consistent quality while scaling our operations. We addressed this by partnering with trusted local manufacturers and investing in quality control processes. Additionally, navigating the competitive landscape required us to be innovative and responsive to market trends. We leaned heavily on feedback from our community to refine our products and services.

Lessons Learned:

Throughout our journey, we’ve learned several key lessons:

1. Community is Everything: Building a loyal customer base requires more than just a great product; it requires a genuine connection with your audience.
2. Adaptability: The market is always changing, and being able to adapt quickly to new trends and customer needs is crucial.
3. Persistence: Success doesn’t come overnight. It takes time, effort, and a lot of resilience to build a sustainable business.
4. Collaboration: Working with other businesses, organizations, and mentors has provided invaluable insights and opportunities for growth.

Our Brand and Story:

We want the world to know that Local Laundry and CDN are more than just clothing brands; they are movements aimed at fostering community and supporting local economies. One of our most ambitious goals is to raise over $1 million for local charities by 2030. This mission showcases that just because we’re a small business doesn’t mean we can’t have a big impact. We are committed to sustainable practices and creating products that our customers can feel good about wearing. Our story is one of passion, dedication, and the belief that business can be a force for good.

We are excited about the future and the potential to expand our impact even further, both within Canada and beyond. We invite everyone to join us on this journey and be a part of something meaningful and impactful.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting Calgary for a week, I’d make sure they experienced the best the city has to offer. Here’s a fun and exciting itinerary:

Day 1: Welcome to Calgary

• Morning: Start the day with a delicious brunch at OEB Breakfast Co.. Their creative breakfast dishes are a perfect way to kick off the trip.
• Afternoon: Head to Prince’s Island Park for a relaxing walk along the Bow River. If it’s summer, we can rent a paddleboard or kayak.
• Evening: Dinner at Model Milk, a trendy spot with a farm-to-table menu that’s sure to impress. End the night with drinks at The Rooftop, which offers fantastic views of the city.

Day 2: Cultural Exploration

• Morning: Visit the Glenbow Museum to explore its extensive art and history collections.
• Afternoon: Lunch at Charbar in the East Village, followed by a stroll through the Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre.
• Evening: Catch a performance at the Arts Commons, whether it’s theater, music, or dance. Post-show drinks at Proof Cocktail Bar to unwind.

Day 3: Outdoor Adventure

• Morning: Drive out to Banff National Park for a day of hiking and exploring. Start with a hike at Johnston Canyon.
• Afternoon: Lunch at The Bison in Banff, then take the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain for breathtaking views.
• Evening: Return to Calgary for a casual dinner at Native Tongues Taqueria for some of the best tacos in town.

Day 4: Food and Shopping

• Morning: Breakfast at Monki Breakfastclub & Bistro, followed by a visit to the Calgary Farmers’ Market.
• Afternoon: Explore the shopping districts along 17th Avenue and Inglewood. Stop for a coffee at Analog Coffee.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at Ten Foot Henry, known for its vegetable-forward dishes and stylish atmosphere.

Day 5: Day Trip to Drumheller

• Morning: Head out early for a day trip to Drumheller. Visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum to see incredible dinosaur fossils.
• Afternoon: Explore the Hoodoos and have a picnic lunch.
• Evening: Return to Calgary and dine at Calcutta Cricket Club for a vibrant, modern take on Indian cuisine.

Day 6: Relax and Unwind

• Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Alforno Bakery & Cafe.
• Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at the Calgary Zoo or the Devonian Gardens.
• Evening: Have a fun dinner at The Guild and then head to Pin-Bar for some arcade games and drinks.

Day 7: Farewell Calgary

• Morning: Brunch at The Beltliner.
• Afternoon: Visit Heritage Park Historical Village for a glimpse into Calgary’s past.
• Evening: Wrap up the trip with a memorable dinner at River Café in Prince’s Island Park. It’s the perfect spot for a final toast to a fantastic week.

Throughout the week, we’d meet some of Calgary’s friendliest and most interesting locals, from chefs and bartenders to artists and shop owners, all of whom contribute to the city’s vibrant culture. Calgary’s mix of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and culinary delights makes it an exciting and welcoming destination.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When it comes to recognizing the support and encouragement that has contributed to our success, it’s impossible to overstate the importance of our community. From the very beginning, the backbone of Local Laundry and CDN has been the incredible support we’ve received from our customers, partners, and corporate clients.

First and foremost, I want to give a huge shoutout to our loyal customers. Their enthusiasm for our brand and commitment to supporting local, high-quality products have been instrumental in driving our growth. Every purchase, every positive review, and every piece of feedback has helped shape our company into what it is today. They are not just customers; they are part of our extended family and community.

Equally important are our corporate custom clothing clients. The businesses and organizations that have trusted us with their custom apparel needs have provided not only financial support but also validation and visibility in the market. These partnerships have been a cornerstone of our business, allowing us to expand our reach and impact. Their confidence in our products and services feels like having the community in our corner, cheering us on every step of the way.

Our journey has also been shaped by the broader community of Calgary and beyond. The local support has been phenomenal, from participating in community events to collaborating with local charities. This sense of community has given us the strength and motivation to keep pushing forward, knowing that we are part of something bigger than ourselves.

Lastly, I’d like to mention the mentorship and inspiration we’ve drawn from other local businesses and entrepreneurs. Sharing experiences, learning from each other’s successes and challenges, and fostering a spirit of collaboration has been invaluable.

In essence, the success of Local Laundry and CDN is a collective achievement. We are profoundly grateful for the unwavering support, love, and encouragement from every individual and organization that has been part of our journey. Together, we are building something truly special, and we look forward to continuing this journey with the community by our side.

Website: https://locallaundry.ca/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/locallaundry

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/local-laundry

Twitter: https://twitter.com/locallaundry

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/locallaundryapparel

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSTG04j85DfTWGVIeUfrdUw

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@locallaundry