For our yearbook class, I had the opportunity to interview the original owners of the Missing Sock, the DeFreece family, as well as the new owners, Trey and Jeremy Marteney, to learn more about the business.
The laundromat started after a fire, when the DeFreeces bought the building and decided to open a business since there weren’t many laundry options in the area. They worked with an entrepreneur in Lincoln and the State Bank of Table Rock to secure funding to get started. In the beginning, they faced challenges such as a lengthy construction process, permits, and inspections from the fire department.
Over time, they expanded by adding larger washers and dryers for blankets and comforters. They also expanded by adding apartments above the laundromat and later purchased the building next door, where they added more apartments and even installed a chairlift. They shared that they really enjoyed owning the business, especially getting to talk with customers and being part of the community.
When asked why they decided to sell, they explained that they were ready to retire and wanted to spend more time watching their grandkids play college sports. Trey and Jeremy Marteney, who had been living in the upstairs apartment, were interested in buying it and saw it as both a business opportunity and an investment.
Since taking over, they have made small updates, such as adding a TV with music and jokes, but their main goal is to keep the laundromat clean and welcoming, just as the DeFreeces did.
Thank you to the DeFreece family, and to Trey and Jeremy Marteney for taking the time to share their story!
