By Christopher White, Executive Director, America’s Best Cleaners

In an industry focused on automation, artificial intelligence, labor shortages and the next generation of technology, it’s easy to believe longevity comes from investing in equipment.  Technology will continue to reshape how we operate. But after more than 20 years in this industry, I’ve come to believe something equally important.  The businesses that will endure won’t simply have the newest machinery—they’ll have the strongest people, the best-trained teams, and leaders committed to continuous learning.

When I think about longevity in our industry, one person immediately comes to mind: Liz Davies.

Investing in People, Not Just Equipment 

For more than 35 years, Liz has dedicated her career to helping garment care professionals become better at what they do. During the past decade as Senior Consultant for America’s Best Cleaners, she has become one of the industry’s most respected educators, mentors, and implementation specialists. Her calendar is routinely booked eight months or more in advance, not because she teaches people how to finish garments, but because she helps businesses build cultures of excellence that continue long after her visit is over. 

Her career began at just fifteen years old at Humphrey’s Cleaners in Vancouver, Washington, where she quickly developed a passion for garment care. That passion led her through every level of the business—from equipment operation and production management to owning Market Place Cleaners before transitioning into consulting and technical training for leading equipment manufacturers. Those experiences gave Liz something that cannot be learned from a manual: the perspective of someone who has lived every challenge her clients face.

More Than Technical Expertise

Since joining America’s Best Cleaners in 2015, Liz has become an integral part of our consulting and educational programs. Many know Liz for her expertise in bridal and couture finishing, vintage textile restoration, advanced wet cleaning, stain removal, workflow optimization, quality control and preservation. Yet I’ve always believed her greatest contribution extends well beyond production.  Liz develops people.

Whether she’s standing beside a new presser learning proper finishing techniques, coaching a production manager on workflow improvements, mentoring an owner through organizational change, or helping prepare the next generation of leaders, she has an extraordinary ability to meet people where they are and help them discover what they’re capable of becoming.

Her goal isn’t simply to solve today’s problems. She builds systems, confidence and accountability so businesses continue improving long after the consulting engagement ends. 

Developing the Next Generation 

As our industry continues to evolve through consolidation, changing workforce demographics, and rapidly advancing technology, Liz has expanded her focus even further. Today, much of her work centers on leadership development, coaching emerging managers, improving communication throughout organizations, and helping teams successfully adapt to new technologies and modern management practices. She understands that sustainable businesses are built by developing leaders at every level of the organization—not just owners.

Perhaps what I admire most about Liz isn’t her technical knowledge, although few can match it. It’s the relationships she has built over the course of her career.

Many of the clients Liz began working with decades ago continue to seek her guidance today. In many cases, she’s now coaching the sons, daughters, department managers, and future leaders of those same businesses. Many of the clients Liz began working with decades ago continue to seek her guidance today. She doesn’t simply consult for companies—she becomes a trusted extension of their leadership team.

I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Liz for nearly two decades, and during that time I’ve watched her continually challenge all of us—including me—to raise the standards of professionalism throughout our industry. Her influence can be seen not only in cleaner garments and more efficient production plants, but also in stronger organizations, more confident leaders and healthier workplace cultures.

A legacy worth celebrating

The affiliates of America’s Best Cleaners have been incredibly fortunate to benefit from Liz’s knowledge, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Her contributions have helped our affiliates strengthen their businesses, develop future leaders, improve profitability, and create organizations that are prepared to thrive for years to come.

The Lesson for Every Operator

There is an important lesson in Liz’s story for every garment care professional. If you want your business to endure, invest in your people as intentionally as you invest in your equipment. Become actively involved in local, national and international trade associations. Attend workshops and conferences. Participate in certification programs and benchmarking groups. Learn from consultants, educators, allied trade partners and fellow operators who are willing to share their experience. Our industry has always been strongest when we learn from one another. 

In a world where so much has become disposable, knowledge, craftsmanship, mentorship, and relationships remain enduring assets. Professionals like Liz Davies remind us that the future of garment care won’t be shaped only by innovation—it will be secured by experienced professionals willing to pass their knowledge to the next generation. That commitment to developing people is, and always will be, the greatest investment we can make in ensuring the longevity of our businesses and the future of our industry.

Christopher White is Executive Director of America’s Best Cleaners, a certification and consulting organization serving the professional garment care industry. 

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