By Jamie Oleka
For Rina White, the journey from Harvard Law to owning a commercial laundry equipment company in Mississippi may seem unconventional—but it was intentional. After years in a high-powered consulting role, including a demanding stint at McKinsey, Rina found herself craving something different: stability, autonomy, and a meaningful life rooted in her home community of Jackson.
“I wanted a more sustainable lifestyle,” Rina explains. “When I was expecting, it became clear I couldn’t continue life on the road four days a week. That’s when I learned about the ‘searcher’ movement—mid-career professionals who look to buy and operate existing businesses rather than climbing the corporate ladder or starting something from scratch.”
This approach—known as entrepreneurship through acquisition—offered Rina a less risky, more structured path into business ownership. In 2020, she acquired Laundry South Systems & Repair, a company that sells, installs, and services commercial-grade laundry machines for laundromats, universities, and healthcare facilities across the Southeast.
Then, just three weeks later, the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
“There’s no remote option for a field service business,” she recalls. “I was figuring out how to run a company for the first time—while trying to navigate health protocols and safety for a workforce that couldn’t work from home.”
Despite those early headwinds, Rina led the business through pandemic-era supply chain challenges and labor shortages, implementing new systems for inventory planning and hiring. Her efforts paid off: Laundry South Systems & Repair earned a spot on Inc. magazine’s list of the 5,000 fastest-growing privately owned companies in America.
De-Risking Entrepreneurship with Smart Money Moves
Rina’s financial philosophy is rooted in calculated risk. “The idea behind buying a business with a solid track record is to de-risk entrepreneurship. It has a customer base and a workforce—you’re not starting from zero.”
Now a partner at Twain Capital, an investment firm that supports lower middle-market businesses across the Southeast, Rina helps other operators and investors pursue similar paths. “I’m drawn to opportunities that offer autonomy, flexibility, and a chance to grow something real,” she says. “But it depends on what you value. If predictability matters most, working for a great employer might be the better choice for you.”
Building Skills—and Pathways—for Workers Without Degrees
One of Rina’s proudest contributions is the workforce she’s built. “None of our technicians have four-year degrees,” she notes. “They’re trained through apprenticeships, certifications, and on-the-job learning.” She sees this not only as good business, but as an investment in people who are too often overlooked.
Through her volunteer work with Innovate Mississippi, Rina mentors aspiring entrepreneurs and advocates for stronger entrepreneurial ecosystems. “It’s helped me see the broader impact of business—not just as profit generators, but as tools for community development and opportunity.”
Lessons from the Laundry Room—and Beyond
Reflecting on her transition from policy and law to business ownership, Rina emphasizes one key lesson: people matter most. “Surround yourself with honest, ethical people who share your values. Whether they’re business partners, employees, or colleagues—that’s what sustains you.”
That people-first mindset extends to how she manages her life as a mother, business owner, and investor. “Work-life balance isn’t perfect,” she admits. “But having flexibility in how and when I work makes a huge difference.”
Rina credits her education at the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard Law School with honing her critical thinking and leadership skills. But she insists the real education came from jumping into the day-to-day realities of running a business. “No class can teach you how to manage payroll or solve a supply chain crisis,” she laughs. “You just have to live it.”
Empowering the Next Generation
As for what’s next, Rina and her colleagues at Twain Capital are building more than a portfolio—they’re building a legacy. “We all left Jackson to get experience in bigger cities, but we came back because we believe in investing here. We want to grow something that’s bigger than ourselves—and inspire others to do the same.”
Her advice to aspiring women entrepreneurs? “Don’t overlook the searcher path. Buying and running a business may not be glamorous, but it can give you the autonomy and impact you’re looking for. Find what aligns with your values and double down on your strengths.”
From laundry rooms to investment rounds, Rina White is proof that the smartest business moves don’t always follow a traditional path—they follow a purposeful one.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jamie Oleka, Christ follower, wife, and mother, has extensive experience in K-12 and nonprofit management having most recently served as a Senior Fellow at Kentucky’s Council on Postsecondary Education. Jamie holds a Masters of Education in Instructional Accommodations from Francis Marion University, Masters of Arts in Teaching, and Ed.S. in K-12 Administration from the University of Louisville.
