When Barry Oakley opened the doors to Loads of Clothes Laundromat, it wasn’t just about clean laundry—it was about continuing a legacy built on love, hard work, and family. A third-generation entrepreneur from Middle Tennessee, Barry found inspiration not only in a vacant building but in a deeper desire to build something meaningful with—and for—his children.
Barry’s three adult sons—Colton, Hudson, and Breckman—have always been his motivation. “I’ve always wanted them to be successful in whatever they chose,” Barry says. “The goal was to expose them to different experiences so they could find something they truly loved—something that never felt like just a job.”
That philosophy was passed down from Barry’s father, B.N. Oakley—known as “Chief.” Born in 1925 and raised on a Depression-era farm in Hillsboro, Tennessee, Chief survived being a POW during WWII and returned home to start B.N. Oakley Construction in 1947. The business—and his values—were passed on to Barry, who started working with his dad the moment he could hold a hammer.
The laundromat idea came from both practicality and vision. Barry and his sister Kathy co-own a commercial building in Hermitage, where a run-down laundromat next door was surprisingly successful despite poor upkeep and management. “If that place could make it,” Barry thought, “surely we could do better.” With a desire to diversify income, serve the community, and create a lasting opportunity for his sons, Loads of Clothes was born.
The business started as a side project while Barry continued to run Oakley Construction. But when the second location opened, Colton stepped in full time. “We realized the business needed daily involvement,” Barry explains. “Colton became vital—especially in launching our full-service and delivery laundry options.”
During the pandemic, Colton had been delivering food between shifts, which sparked the idea: if they could deliver food, why not deliver laundry? “It just clicked,” Barry says. “Working with my son—it’s an honor and a bonus in life.”
The generational dynamic has strengthened the business in unexpected ways. “I push for using technology wherever we can,” Barry says. “Colton and the younger generation naturally embrace it.” Today, technology powers nearly every aspect of their operations—from machine monitoring and multiple payment methods to scheduling services, routing vans, and communicating with customers.
Colton also brings a modern focus on sustainability. “He’s committed to environmental responsibility,” Barry says. “We offer reusable laundry bags, and we work hard to extend the life of customers’ garments.” This attention to detail aligns with Gen Z’s values and strengthens their connection with the community.
Still, working with family brings its own challenges. “Balancing being a dad and a boss isn’t always easy,” Barry admits. “We have different work styles and perspectives. But we’ve learned to respect each other and work as a team. It takes effort, but it’s worth it.”
Community is at the heart of Loads of Clothes. “We don’t want to be just a place to wash clothes—we want to be a hub,” Barry says. They support local schools like DCA, Goodpasture, and West Elementary, partner with churches on outreach, sponsor youth sports, and participate in festivals that give back to local causes. Future plans include educational workshops, family days with food trucks and games, and even special events for retirement home residents.
As the business looks ahead, growth remains a priority. “Our five-year goal is to be the cleanest, most reliable laundry service in the region,” Barry says. “We plan to open more locations and keep pushing technology to improve our services.”
But at the center of it all is family. “The best part is getting to work with my sons,” Barry reflects. “Watching them grow as leaders, seeing their hard work pay off—it’s incredibly rewarding.”
As Barry prepares to celebrate what would have been Chief’s 100th birthday this May, his thoughts turn to legacy. “I hope he’d be proud,” Barry says. “We’re not just running a business—we’re carrying forward the values he taught us: integrity, resilience, and love for family. I hope I can pass those on to my boys, just like he did for me.”