Fifth-gen family business celebrates 100 years of laundering in Columbus

COLUMBUS, Neb. (KOLN) – In 1924, a mother named Minnie Jackson started making a living by doing laundry in her home. A century later, her business looks much different.

Jackson Services, Inc. is a multi-generational family business in Columbus, focusing on laundering, maintenance and textile rentals.

“We’ve evolved from family laundry, family dry-cleaning, retail to completely commercial and industrial,” said Jay Jackson, the CEO and Minnie Jackson’s grandson.

Jay runs the business alongside his wife Kathy Jackson who he calls the plant’s “cheerleader.” He took ownership of the business in 1975 as a member of the third generation.

“Like my dad said, ‘Do something else, but I’m afraid you might have soap suds in your blood already,’” laughed Jay.

Those soap suds trickled into his children’s blood too. All four of them have a part in the business.

Jason Jackson, Jay’s son, remembers being pushed around in laundry carts as a child.

“It was a lot of fun,” smiled Jason, who is also the general manager. “We really felt a part of the business, even though we were three, four or five years old – not contributing anything other than probably being a nuisance.”

Technology has changed the industry significantly. Jackson Services uses radio frequency identification to keep track of laundry, so it doesn’t get lost. The Jacksons call it the MinnieTrackSM system, named after their company’s founder.

“(The chips) are sewn into each garment and each garment has a serial code on that (radio frequency) chip that is associated with that piece,” Jason explained. “And because each piece of clothing has a unique serial code, we can make sure that everything gets back to our customers.”

Computers even control the detergent mixtures for each laundry load at the Jackson Services plant. However, about 100 employees do the dirty work.

“Basically, the people here get the stuff ready and clean, and we bring the dirty stuff here to get turned,” said Jory Knowlton, driver for Jackson Services. “It’s nice that you can stay local and be able to have good benefits and just keep the ball rolling.”

It’s possible the fifth generation of Jacksons could keep the ball rolling too. Two grandchildren have already been on the Jackson Services payroll.

“It wasn’t until a couple of years ago when I actually got to help in the stock room,” said Eden Jackson, Jay’s granddaughter. “And then I’ve tried pretty much every job from there.”

According to Jay Jackson, the next step for Jackson Services is expanding to places like Sioux City, Kansas City or De Moines. But for now, the Jacksons are celebrating this milestone all year long with family, employees and Columbus.

“It sort of struck me in a weird way that I wasn’t prepared for,” Jason said. “Just to see people come out and see that human part of what we do here.”

You can read more about the history of Jackson Services here.

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