Care and Community Woven into the Fabric of Paul Bulkley’s Business 

In Grantsville, community service doesn’t always come with a spotlight. A laundry facility would be the last place you might think you would find it.  But a business owner who knows customers by name and really listens to their stories while the dryer runs, is what truly makes this small-town laundromat special. Paul Bulkley, owner of Bulk-ley Laundry and Clothesline Express Dry Cleaning, shows that serving the community is just how he does business. 

The Start of the Journey 

Paul didn’t set out to become a laundromat owner with a grand plan. The journey started in the middle of family life. 

“My name is Paul Bulkley. We have owned Bulk-ley Laundry for the last three years, and my wife and I were looking for a business to invest in. And one day–we had five kids at the time–and we were just overwhelmed with laundry.” 

That overwhelming reality sparked an idea to buy a laundromat— one that almost took the family farther away than they wanted. “We were going to split the family. I was going to move to Denver, Colorado where we had found a laundromat.” 

But a quick drive around town changed everything for Grantsville. “On a whim, my wife said, well, let’s just drive around and see if we can see something. So we drove out here to Grantsville… we just started talking to [the previous owner of the laundromat]… So we made an offer, and he said yes and now we own the laundromat.” 

That decision planted Paul and his family firmly in a community that would come to matter deeply to them.  

A Business Built on Relationships 

Paul’s connection to Grantsville goes far beyond owning the laundromat or running machines. “We just fell in love with the community… it’s small town-ish… and neighbors help neighbors out here.” For Paul, the difference is something you feel the moment you step outside. “Out here in Grantsville, especially, people say hi. People say, how are you? What are you up to?” 

That culture of connection carries straight into his business. “Even my customers who come into the laundromat, I know some of them by first name… they’ve got 45 minutes to kill… and they just say, hey, how’s life?” Those conversations often go deeper than laundry and sometimes they talk about a fight with their ex-wife or the deadline at work hanging over their head. 

For Paul, listening is part of the service. “The community members out here in Grantsville–we really do love them,” he says with a warm, thoughtful smile.

A True Family Effort

While Paul is often the face people recognize, Bulk-ley Laundry has always been a shared effort — especially when it comes to his wife, Liz. From the very beginning, her role was foundational in building both the business and its connection to the community.

“Well, for the first year, she actually ran the entire laundromat. Wash, dry, pick up and delivery, and was instrumental in connecting with the community to begin with.” As the business grew, her involvement never faded — it simply added her service where needed.

“Now, she will jump in at any time and help wash dry or fold.” She also works at learning new skills to help with the dry cleaning–even tackling difficult machines.

All of this happens alongside an already full life.“She’s also a full-time teacher and, of course, a full-time mom.” For Liz, long hours are simply part of supporting the family team.“So a hundred and twenty hours a week is just pretty normal for her, and I appreciate every second of that,” Paul says gratefully. “[She] is always there for me as a support.” Together, Paul and Liz embody what it means to run a truly family-centered business.

Customer Service That Goes Beyond the Transaction 

Paul believes that running a business means respecting people’s time and dignity. “We try to do right by customers.” That philosophy shows up when things don’t go as planned. “We don’t believe in just giving the person a refund. We believe that time actually matters.” 

Instead of exact change, Paul chooses generosity. “So instead of $1.25, we might give them $2.00.” It’s about trust for him — and people notice. 

Meeting Real Needs in a Rural Community 

Paul also looks for ways his business can fill gaps in the community. One example is a service not commonly offered in rural areas. “So we do something that most laundromats don’t do in smaller rural areas. We offer a wash, dry, fold service.” That service is designed for real life. “We will come to your house… pick up the laundry right off of your porch… and we return it back so you can put it in your drawer and have it ready for tomorrow.” 

The same care applies to dry cleaning. “We’ll pick up your suit; we’ll pick up your wedding dress… and we’ll bring it back to you.” 

Paul’s mindset is simple. “Everybody deserves to have clean clothes and not have to pay an arm and a leg for the opportunity to have clean clothes.” 

Quiet Acts of Community Service 

While Paul doesn’t advertise it, his community service is part of his life.“We’ve helped out numerous church groups and individuals who have fallen on hard times and they don’t have the opportunity to clean clothes.” 

He reflects on a family he helped that was in dire circumstances. “We gave a family, I think it was $300 in a washing, wash,dry, fold credit… and they used that for the entire winter… I think it made a big difference in their life.” 

Paul believes in dignity, not handouts. 

“If somebody needs their laundry done and they don’t have the money, they can call me and text me and we’ll work something out.” Sometimes that means exchanging service for service. “Come do something for somebody else and we’ll take care of your laundry for you.” 

For Paul, this isn’t charity — it’s responsibility. He believes in helping out those in need by helping them see the value of service and work. 

Growing with Intention 

Paul wants to see Grantsville grow — but not at the cost of its generous and welcoming community. “I think there’s a wonderful balance… where we can grow, but we don’t have to grow at the same pace… and people still will know their neighbors.” Although growth is booming, his commitment is long-term. “We want to be here for the next 50 years.” 

That commitment shows up in local partnerships with school sports programs who need help with their school uniforms. “We had the opportunity this last year to do the football team’s jerseys… and we’ll be doing the basketball team’s jerseys.” 

“People think of us and go, oh yeah, we know the Bulkleys. They’re decent human beings. They have that laundromat.” Ultimately, Paul hopes his impact is simple and human. That kind of reputation is earned through everyday choices — and Paul Bulkley has earned that reputation in Grantsville by those choices of care and deep love for his community.