Jim Yates of Flint Hill, Va., has fond memories of dirty laundry.
Fifty years ago, Yates learned a lesson amidst soiled shirts, skirts, slacks and socks. It was a simple observation that over time fueled a wildly successful business career: In both your personal life and in business, you can either complain about problems, or you can find solutions.
In 1962, as a young college student in rugged and rural southwest Virginia, Yates quickly grew frustrated with the dysfunctional campus laundry.