Harry Kertenian, the CFO, owner and founder of Magic Laundry Services, one of North America’s fastest-growing hospitality operators, is in the midst of a phase III expansion of a new plant set in the “Inland Empire,” east of Los Angeles. While bullish on growing Magic Laundry’s market share, Kertenian is cautious as to what this new year brings due to a new administration in the U.S.

“The first and second quarters are going to be extremely volatile, says Kertenian, who founded his company in 2004 as an offshoot of his family’s dry-cleaning business. “We don’t know what the political landscape is going to be. We’re hoping that it cools down.”

As for Magic Laundry’s home base in Montebello, just east of Los Angeles, MLS operates three plants. Kertenian says he’s not anticipating any major new regulatory initiatives beyond those now in place. “California regulations can choke you,” he says. “But being here all my life, I’ve figured out how to survive, and I think I’m numb to it.”