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DECEMBER 2025 NEWS

IAHTM Names 2025 “Don Pedder Lifetime Achievement Award” Recipients

The  International Association for Healthcare Management (IAHTM) announced the recipients of the 2025 Don Pedder Lifetime Achievement Award: Phil Hart of Kannegiesser and John Wintz, retired from Standard Textile.

Presented during the final night of the IAHTM’s 2025 Annual Education Conference in Fort Worth, Texas, the Don Pedder Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have significantly advanced the laundry industry and exemplify the traits of an ideal manager or sales professional.

Phil Hart
With over 30 years of experience, Phil has demonstrated exceptional leadership and integrity throughout his career. As President of Kannegiesser USA, he helped transform the company from a European supplier into a leading U.S.-based firm, fostering innovation, collaboration, and education across the industry. Known for his “do what’s right” philosophy, Phil has earned immense respect from peers, partners, and colleagues alike.

John Wintz
A respected industry veteran, John has spent decades supporting healthcare facilities with expertise, dedication, and heart. His passion for promoting sustainable textile solutions and mentoring future leaders has made a lasting impact on the industry. Throughout his tenure at Standard Textile, John’s professionalism, generosity, and unwavering commitment to excellence have inspired countless others to follow in his footsteps.

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Arya Cleaners Certified as America’s Best Cleaners Affiliate

Arya Cleaners has achieved official national certification as an affiliate of the dry cleaning industry’s highly respected America’s Best Cleaners.

Founded by the Rahimzadeh family, Arya Cleaners has a rich history focused on quality and dedication to customer service. Owner Sassan Rahimzadeh, the previous President of the Californian Cleaners Association, continues this tradition of excellence in garment care, blending old-world techniques with modern innovations.

Located in San Diego, California, Arya Cleaners offers free pickup and delivery throughout the greater San Diego area. The company specializes in a broad range of services, from everyday dry cleaning and shirt laundry to the meticulous care of luxury and couture garments.

Arya Cleaners continues its quest to be on the cutting edge of convenience and quality for the elite of San Diego. The business is also known for being one of the nation’s first to offer 24/7 services through their dedicated 24/7 Express Store and convenient, stand-alone Kiosks. Its commitment to impeccable craftsmanship, sustainable practices, and personalized service has earned it a distinguished reputation. By joining America’s Best Cleaners, Rahimzadeh aligns with ABC’s ethos of precision, sustainability, and continuous professional growth.

“As the owner of Arya Cleaners, I am committed to preserving our legacy of exceptional garment care while continually enhancing the customer experience. America’s Best Cleaners represents the pinnacle of quality and craftsmanship in our industry, and I am excited to join this prestigious group. With their support, I aim to further elevate our services, blending time-honored techniques with cutting-edge innovations. Our shared commitment to excellence and sustainability aligns perfectly with the values we uphold at Arya Cleaners, ensuring that we continue to offer the finest care for our customers’ most cherished garments,” Rahimzadeh shared.

“Arya Cleaners has a rich history of craftsmanship, making them an ideal candidate for our CoutureCare certification, highlighting the highest standards in luxury garment care. Sassan Rahimzadeh and his team have consistently demonstrated a commitment to quality and innovation—including being pioneers in 24/7 service and we’re excited to support them as they continue to build on their legacy. Together, we will push the boundaries of excellence and sustainability in the industry,” said Chris White, Executive Director of America’s Best Cleaners.

As one of under 50 businesses certified by America’s Best Cleaners, Arya Cleaners joins an exclusive group of elite dry cleaners from over 16,000 establishments in the United States.

About America’s Best Cleaners:

America’s Best Cleaners is a certification agency and an industry-leading team of consultants who assist owners, managers, and team members to realize their full potential while striving for continued personal and professional success. For more information on America’s Best Cleaners and its Affiliates, visit this page.

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DLI’s First-Ever Spanish Stain Removal Course

In an industry first, the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI) launched its all-new Spanish-language Basic Stain Removal Course – taught entirely in Spanish, with no live translation, and designed from the ground up for Spanish-speaking professionals.

Forty-four students from Canada to Curaçao logged in twice a week throughout November for this immersive, hands-on virtual training. Over four dynamic sessions, they mastered stain identification, chemistry, stain board tools, and step-by-step removal processes for everything from ink and nail polish to mustard, red wine, grass, and more.

Big Impact, Immediately Felt

For many attendees, this was the first time world-class technical training had been available to them in their native language.

“Learning such useful tools was exciting to me since I’m new to this industry,” said Ivan Aguilar, Managing Director at VIP Textile Restoration in Guelph, Ontario. “I will replicate what I learned with my employees so they can also benefit from it.” Aguilar reports he’s now removing stains with renewed confidence and is eager for more DLI courses in Spanish.

The impact was just as powerful for seasoned operators.

“This will help me immensely with training,” said Heather Larson, General Manager at St. Croix Cleaners/Treasured Garment Restoration in Stillwater, MN. “A good percentage of my staff does not speak English.” Larson enrolled four staff members—three with more than a decade of experience, and one brand-new hire—and said all left the course energized, equipped, and more strategic in their stain-removal work.

Hands-On Excitement—Even Over Zoom

Instructor Georgina “Gina” Hernandez Loranzo, owner of Ortega Cleaners in San Juan Capistrano, CA, spent more than a year preparing the Spanish curriculum alongside DLI Director of Education & Analysis Brian Johnson. Her preparation included multiple English-language course sessions and attending DLI’s Introduction to Drycleaning Course in Laurel, MD – all to ensure the inaugural Spanish class would deliver the same rigor, clarity, and practical value as the English version of DLI’s Virtual Basic Stain Removal program.

The result: A virtual classroom buzzing with enthusiasm.

“It never gets old seeing the students hold up their swatches when they get the stains out,” Johnson said. “They get so excited—as happy as kids on Christmas morning.”

Hernandez agreed. “The most rewarding part was witnessing the students’ excitement as everything clicked for them,” she said. “Knowing the effort we put in directly empowered people in their day-to-day work was the highlight.”

A Milestone for Accessibility in Fabric Care

Students repeatedly expressed gratitude for having access to professional education in Spanish—many for the first time in their careers.

“Knowledge is power!” Larson emphasized. “Learning in their native language is easiest. Building up my team means a lot to me and shows we value those who choose to work for us.”

Johnson noted the emotional impact on participants who had never before received industry training they could fully understand: “Even as a non-Spanish speaker, I could tell they felt valued. They were engaged, happy, and having a really good time,” he said.

Part of DLI’s Full Line of Courses
DLI offers in-person, online, and on-site courses to cover all aspects of the drycleaning business. Registration is open for all 2026 DLI courses. Learn more and register at DLIonline.org/Education.

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JENSEN NORTH AMERICA ACQUIRES G.A. BRAUN

JENSEN North America, a subsidiary of the JENSEN-GROUP, is pleased to announce the acquisition of the business of G.A. Braun. This strategic move marks a significant milestone in the growth strategy of the JENSEN-GROUP, expanding its manufacturing footprint, product portfolio, and service network across North America.

Founded in Syracuse, New York, G.A. Braun is a respected supplier with a well-established brand in the laundry equipment market in North America. The acquisition reflects JENSEN-GROUP’s strong commitment to the North American market and its long-term strategy to strengthen local operations and manufacturing capabilities.

With this acquisition, JENSEN gains access to Braun’s state-of-the-art production facility with a strong reputation and a loyal customer base. Both brands will continue to co-exist, building on their respective legacy and customer relationships. This approach allows both JENSEN and Braun to preserve what makes each brand unique, while joining forces to deliver even greater value, innovation, and support to customers across North America.

Supporting growth in the U.S. market

With steady and sustained growth in the North American market, the JENSEN-GROUP aims to further enhance its ability to serve customers efficiently and locally. The integration will bring additional production and advanced technology to Braun’s Syracuse facility. Both companies share a deep-rooted commitment to innovation, quality, and customer orientation. These values have guided their success for decades in the laundry industry.

The newly founded company JENSEN Braun LLC will acquire the assets of G.A. Braun. Under the new structure, JENSEN North America will manage both JENSEN Braun LLC in Syracuse NY and JENSEN USA in Panama City FL.

“Our goal has always been to align production capacity with our sales growth,” confirms Jesper Munch Jensen, CEO of the JENSEN-GROUP. “By expanding our manufacturing base in the USA, we can respond faster to customer needs, shorten delivery times, and continue delivering the high quality and reliability that define the JENSEN brand. We are delighted to welcome Braun’s team into our organization and to grow together, driven by our shared commitment to customer satisfaction and continuous improvement.”

“After many successful years in the laundry industry, I am proud to see Braun become part of the JENSEN team” says J.B. Werner, CEO of G.A. Braun. “We share the same values: customer focus, reliability, and a passion for building long-term partnerships. I am confident that our employees and customers are in very good hands and will benefit from the global strength and expertise of the JENSEN-GROUP.”

Unique passion, unique spirit

People are at the heart of every successful company. The employees of G.A. Braun bring decades of experience, dedication, and craftsmanship. These qualities have earned them deep respect across the industry.

“We are truly excited to welcome our new colleagues to the JENSEN team,” says Tony Biela, President of JENSEN North America. “Their know-how, their customer relationships, and their commitment are invaluable to our shared success. Together, we will build on our strengths and create new opportunities for growth, innovation, and personal development.”

“This acquisition combines two strong organizations with complementary strengths,” adds Jesper Munch Jensen. “Together, we are well positioned to support our customers throughout North America with an even broader range of products, services, and technologies.”

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NOVEMBER 2025 NEWS

Scholarship Reflection

2025 DLI Scholarship Recipient

By Nadine Rana, Style & Grace Cleaners

It’s truly difficult to put into words what it means to be chosen as the 2025 Fabricare Canada DLI Scholarship Recipient. I am deeply honored and grateful for this opportunity, and for the sense of community that continues to grow within our industry. The camaraderie among dry cleaning professionals is remarkable, and that shared momentum only strengthens when we take the time to learn from one another and build meaningful relationships as business owners.

My journey toward this scholarship began with something simple—reading Fabricare Canada. Like many owner-operators, I wear what feels like seventeen hats a day, and it’s easy to overlook the importance of staying connected to industry news. But I quickly learned that investing a few minutes to “be in the know” can open doors you never expected.

I first learned about the DLI scholarship when I saw a fellow colleague share their own experience as a past recipient. I was inspired, proud, and motivated to challenge myself by applying. To my surprise—and immense excitement—I was selected! I could hardly wait to book my flight to Maryland and begin a new chapter of learning at the Dry Cleaning & Laundry Institute.

From the moment I arrived, I knew it would be an unforgettable week. I met classmates from across Canada, the U.S., and even as far away as Cambodia. Many were new to the industry, while others had transitioned from entirely different careers. What united us was a shared curiosity—a collective desire to learn the art and science behind garment care in a field often overlooked as “old world.”

Under the expert instruction of Brian Johnson, our group learned far more than just theory. The program was thoughtfully designed to balance classroom learning with hands-on experience—from the spotting board to the utility press. I was in awe of the amount of planning, precision, and care that goes into a DLI training program. It reminded me that excellence in our craft requires both knowledge and practice, and that the best learning happens when we understand why behind each step.

The DLI Institute itself stands as a testament to decades of dedication, innovation, and passion for elevating our profession. It’s one thing to observe how a dry cleaning operation functions, but it’s another to truly learn to do it right—and that’s what DLI offers. I’ve come to believe that if every cleaner invested in this kind of education for themselves and their staff, our industry would be viewed in an entirely new light: one defined by expertise, integrity, and pride in our craft.

Completing the Introduction to Dry Cleaning course changed me. As a second-generation owner, it was a humbling and inspiring experience that broke down barriers I hadn’t even realized were holding me back. I left feeling proud—not just of my family business, but of the industry as a whole. I was reminded that success isn’t achieved in isolation; it grows from being surrounded by passionate mentors and peers who push you to dream bigger.

This may not be a glamorous profession, but it is one filled with purpose. There’s immense satisfaction in knowing that every day, we help people feel confident in their personal style, preserve memories, and uphold the legacy of a trade built on skill and trust.

To Fabricare Canada and everyone involved in making this scholarship possible—thank you. You’ve not only given me an opportunity to learn, but also to fall even more in love with this incredible industry.

The Tom Kimmel Canadian Scholarship is awarded to a Canadian working in the industry each year, and includes either the Introductory or Advanced course. For full details on how to apply, see our Scholarships Page.

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Trillium TLC acquires Suede Master

Trillium TLC of Toronto announced it has acquired Suede Master, both in Canada and the US. Suede Master will now operate as a division of Trillium TLC.

Tony Kantzavelos, owner of Trillium TLC, has over 40 years of experience in the dry cleaning industry. Fabricare Canada has featured stories on Kantzavelos and his company several times, highlighting his long-standing commitment to craftsmanship, consistency and exceptional service. The partnership opens the door for new opportunities for growth and collaboration between Trillium TLC and Suede Master’s current clients.

Trillim TLC encompasses several names within its brand. Love Your Rug (founded 1896) is Canada’s largest rug cleaning and restoration company. Bridal Restore is dedicated to the care and preservation of wedding dresses and couture gowns. Suede Master is Canada’s oldest and most recognized name in leather, suede and specialty cleaning.

Customers will now have access to all these services under one umbrella company, Trillium TLC.

“Our combined network of expert technicians and support professionals becomes an extension of our customers’ own operation,” said Kantzavelos. “That provides confidence and capacity so they can expand. The collaboration gives them access to trusted brand power, proven processes and dedicated marketing support, including signage, product materials and authentic co-branding opportunities,” he said.

Customers of Suede Master will now have a regular scheduled route for pickups and deliveries. In busier city areas they may occasionally be asked to meet drivers at designated locations.

Trillium TLC utilizes a SMRT system to link customers through a personalized portal for faster responses. Incoming Suede Master customers will be given information on joining this portal.

“These changes establish the foundation for a stronger, more profitable partnership,” Kantzavelos said. “By combining our expertise, we’ll help our dry cleaning company customers offer world-class cleaning services with the consistency and reliability their customers deserve.

“We’re also reintroducing the original customer service power system that defined the industry’s golden years—the level of pride, professionalism and personal care that set dry cleaners apart in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s when I first began my career. That’s how I learned this craft and it’s the standard we’re bringing back today,” he said.

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TRSA Holds Successful Canadian/Pacific Northwest Summit

TRSA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Canadian linen, uniform, and facility services industry by hosting the Canadian/Pacific Northwest Summit, held October 1–2 at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown. The event brought together industry leaders from across Canada and the U.S. Pacific Northwest for two days of strategic collaboration, innovation, and insight.

This summit marked a significant investment by TRSA to ensure Canadian members are actively represented at both the association and advocacy levels.

Spotlight on Industry Evolution

The summit focused on the rapidly evolving landscape of the industry, with sessions centered around technology, sustainability, workforce development, and cross-border policy alignment.

The event opened with a powerful keynote from Peter Judge, Hall of Fame coach of the Canadian Freestyle Ski Team, who inspired attendees to “Own Your Podium” by cultivating ethical, inclusive, and high-performance workplace cultures.

Technology and Innovation Take Center Stage

Daniel Gelac of Kannegiesser Canada and Anders Hansen of JENSEN led a dynamic session on automation and robotics, showcasing how advanced technologies are transforming laundry operations and helping address labor shortages.

Advocacy and Sustainability in Focus

Policy experts Nick Koolsbergen (Wellington Advocacy) and Michele Cadario (Vanguard Strategy Inc.) discussed initiatives to support operators through 100% accelerated depreciation, promote reusable textiles, and harmonize regulatory codes across provinces. TRSA’s Vice President of Government Relations, Kevin Schwalb, provided updates on key advocacy efforts in the United States.

Navigating Global Trade and Circular Economies

A session on tariff impacts and global sourcing featured insights from Jeff Courey (George Courey Inc.) and Carter Mills (M+A Matting), offering strategies for managing international trade complexities.

Dave Kasper of General Recycled introduced cutting-edge developments in textile recycling, highlighting the industry’s shift toward circular economy models.

Executive Perspectives and Facility Tour

An executive panel featuring leaders from HLS Linen Services, Cintas Canada, UniFirst, and Service Linen shared perspectives on leadership, operational challenges, and regional growth opportunities.

The summit concluded with a tour of Alsco Uniforms’ Surrey facility—a 62,000-square-foot operation serving over 1,500 customers—demonstrating advanced laundry technologies and sustainable practices in action.

Fostering Collaboration and Regional Insight

Throughout the summit, attendees participated in roundtable discussions and networking sessions designed to foster collaboration and share regional insights. Reflecting on the experience, Michael Ticker of Northwest Linen remarked, “This was a very informed meeting. There was a great deal of information sharing and it was great to see old friends and meet new people.”

The event reinforced TRSA’s dedication to advancing the industry through education, advocacy and innovation.

For details on upcoming TRSA events and initiatives, visit the TRSA event calendar.

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For news earlier than the articles above, please visit the New Archives.