Gurtler adds Amir Amini in New England
Gurtler Industries Inc., South Holland, IL, recently announced the addition of Amir Amini to its staff. Amini will be the company’s manager of market development in the New England area, according to a news release.
Amini brings with him 13 years of experience in the laundry industry in Europe and the U.S. He holds a bachelor’s degree in textile – chemistry engineering and a master’s degree in international business and engineering
For more information, visit www.gurtler.com.
GreenEarth Cleaning appointed new Business Development VP
GreenEarth Cleaning has recently appointed Angela Harris as its new business development vice president.
In this role, Harris will lead the process to encourage dry cleaners and other institutions with internal laundry service — including hospitality, commercial real estate and more — to switch over to GreenEarth Cleaning’s silicone-based fluid and cleaning system. Harris’ career began in medical sales in California before entering the dry-cleaning industry in 1999.
Tim Maxwell, the company’s president, got to know and appreciate Angela thanks to meeting her at trade shows and industry events. He looks forward to adding her to the team and is confident in her ability to play a leading role in the company’s growth worldwide.
Gurtler names Mitchell VP of Field Operations
Gurtler Industries, Inc. announced the promotion of Bill
Mitchell to Vice President of Field Operations. Bill brings with him 32
years of experience in the laundry industry.
Girbau North America welcomes Kramer and Paulick
Girbau North America (GNA) recently welcomed Barb Kramer as national accounts coordinator and Paige Paulick as inside sales associate.
As national accounts coordinator, Kramer handles multiple duties in support of national accounts sales and customer relations, including order processing, assisting customers with inventory and product inquiries, and generating and distributing reports. Additionally, she supports GNA’s sales team, interfaces with distributors and customers, and forecasts upcoming national accounts needs.
“As a company, we are lucky to have Barb on our team for many reasons,” said Customer Experience Key Account Manager Alivia Murkley. “Her positive attitude, dedication and hard work shine through in everything she does.”
“What I like most about GNA is everyone has been so friendly and welcoming,” said Kramer. “It’s the little things at GNA that make me smile.”
In her new role as inside sales associate, Paulick is responsible for managing inside sales and lead-qualification processes, as well as juggling customer relations, product pricing and reporting duties. She regularly interfaces with end users, distributors and other GNA staff members; analyzes and reports on industry trends; performs competitive analyses; and assists with product and parts orders and tracking.
She comes to GNA with a strong background in customer service and a proficiency for managing multiple responsibilities simultaneously. Paulick earned an associate’s degree in communications and media studies from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in 2021.
“We are excited to welcome Paige into the GNA family,” said Pam Kuffel, director of strategic business solutions. “With her experience and personality, we are confident she’ll take the inside sales role to new heights – making it even more effective.”
Paulick maintains she was interested in joining GNA in an entry-level role to gain the skills and experience needed for her to pursue a sales or marketing position. “I liked the fact that GNA has a lot of opportunity for growth but still very much has a family friendly culture,” she said.
For more information visit www.gnalaundry.com or call 800-256-1073.
Cintas announces leadership changes
Cintas Corporation announced that Michael L. Thompson, Executive Vice President (EVP) and Chief Administration Officer (CAO), will retire on August 31, 2023. Thompson will cease being an Executive Officer of the Company as of May 31, 2023.
The company also announced that Jim Rozakis, currently President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the company’s Rental Division, will be promoted to Cintas EVP and COO, effective June 1, 2023.
“I want to thank Mike for his tremendous contributions during his incredible 29 years with Cintas,” said Todd Schneider, Cintas President and CEO. “Over his career, Mike has successfully taken on many challenging areas and created opportunities that have made our company significantly better because of his leadership. I value Mike’s perspective, dedication, and friendship and will miss working with him every day. I wish he and his family all the best in the future as they enjoy this new phase in life.”
Thompson joined Cintas in 1994 as a Financial Analyst and has held a variety of ascending roles in the years that have followed, including Director of Corporate Development, Corporate Controller, Vice President & Treasurer, Senior Vice President of Rental Facility Services, Senior Vice President of Business Transformation, Senior Vice President & Chief Information Officer (CIO), and most recently, EVP and CAO. Throughout Thompson’s Cintas career, he helped optimize the company for ongoing growth while also prioritizing the customer experience.
Cintas will not fill Thompson’s CAO role at this time. Thompson’s responsibilities and areas of oversight will be distributed among the company’s executive administration. Rozakis will move into the COO role which has been unfilled since Schneider, the last EVP and COO, was appointed to President and CEO in June 2021.
Rozakis is a 24-year Cintas employee-partner whose strategic acumen and commitment to excellence has continually pushed the company forward. Rozakis came to Cintas in 1999 as a Sales Associate and rose through the Rental Division’s sales and operations ranks, including roles as Sales Vice President, Group Vice President, Senior Vice President and most recently, Rental President & COO, a position he has held since June 2020.
Since assuming his most recent role, Rozakis has led the business to remarkable success. Assuming leadership less than three months into the COVID-19 pandemic, Rozakis guided the Rental Division to record sales and profits through the expansion of new workwear and facility services offerings that helped Cintas customers remain open and operating in a safer, healthier and efficient manner.
“Jim’s vision and focus on our customers and employee-partners has had an incredible impact on the Rental Division and it has created our road map for Cintas’ future,” Schneider added. “Coupled with his drive and his commitment to excellence, Jim is poised to help lead Cintas’ businesses to even greater success in his new role our Cintas Chief Operating Officer.”
LAVATEC welcomes Marco Garcia to the Service Team
Marco Garcia is the newest Service technician at Lavatec. Based in Las Vegas, he has over 25 years of mechanical and technical experience working with industrial machinery.
Joining Lavatec marks his return to the laundry world following a 10-year absence. After serving as an aircraft mechanic in the Honduran Air Force, Garcia moved to the United States and began working at Mission Industries in Nevada in 1997. The industrial laundry operation processes linen for Las Vegas area hotels, and he was responsible for installing, maintaining, and upgrading the equipment and training other workers.
Garcia spent 10 years there and another six as a service technician at Jensen USA before pivoting to similar positions with glass and metal manufacturers. He joined Lavatec after working on industrial machines for one of the largest roofing contractors in the Las Vegas area since 2021.
“I learned early in my career that trying to install equipment in a third world country with the lack of proper tools can be very challenging,” said Garcia. He’s been married for 31 years and is the father to four children, including a 17-year-old son who wants to follow in his footsteps as a career path.
“Working at Mission Industries helped me develop my skills because I learned how to troubleshoot. I was introduced to Lavatec machines in 2000 and I’ve now come full circle to doing what I know best. I hope to retire working on the machines that made me who I am today.”
Kannegiesser ETech promotes Matt Wilson to Director of Engineering and Manufacturing
Matt Wilson recently was promoted to director of engineering and manufacturing at Kannegiesser ETECH, Minneapolis.
The promotion went into effect on Jan. 1. Wilson joined Kannegiesser ETECH in 2014 as a laundry design specialist, and has been leading and managing the Engineering Department in Minneapolis since 2018. Prior to Kannegiesser ETECH, Wilson was an engineering officer in the U.S. Army.
“Matt is a positive leader that brings a wide range of experience and talents into this role,” said Tony Schult, executive VP. “We are excited for Matt to help lead Kannegiesser ETECH and our customers to what’s next in laundry automation.”
MIP Inc. appoints Dean Johnson as President and Chief Executive Officer
MIP Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Dean Johnson to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer. Dean will commence with MIP effective January 23rd, 2023.
Dean brings 20 years of senior executive experience, including a proven track record of leading complex multi-national organizations to drive both financial results and team engagement. His experience spans exposure to the healthcare, hospitality, education, facility management and retail sectors.
Dean was most recently Chief Executive Officer of Alpine Building Maintenance, a national facility maintenance service provider, where he successfully transformed the business through a combination of organic and acquisitive growth. His previous appointments also include Chief Executive Officer of Service Operations for Sodexo North America, Chief Executive Officer Grainger Canada, Chief Executive Officer of Sodexo Canada, and President of Crothall Service Group.
Dean is a purpose driven leader recognized for transformational leadership and support for a diverse and inclusive workplace. He has previously been honoured with the Bay Street Pride at Work Canada Advocate Award and Catalyst Canada Honours Champion.
Dean received a B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering from the University Calgary. He is an Industry Advisory Board Member for the Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary and also sits on the Finance, Investment & Property committee at Wilfried Laurier University.
MIP is excited to welcome Dean to lead it through its next phase of growth, with a continued focus on innovation, quality, and customer service.
For more about MIP: www.mipinc.com
Ecolab names Darrell Brown as President and COO
Ecolab Inc., St. Paul, MN, recently announced that Darrell R. Brown moved into the role of president and COO, according to TRSA. Brown previously served as the company’s executive vice president and president, Global Industrial, according to a news release.
“As Ecolab continues to grow and expand how we deliver on our purpose to protect what’s vital, this enhancement to our management structure will help us maximize our future growth opportunities and is a reflection of our strong leadership team,” said Christophe Beck, Ecolab chairman and CEO. “Darrell’s winning track record, knowledge of our company, focus on talent development and tremendous leadership abilities will provide exceptional execution support and additional focus on the company’s long-term growth and performance. I am fortunate to have Darrell as a partner for the years ahead as we continue to enhance profitability by capitalizing on Ecolab’s significant global growth opportunities.”
Brown, 59, has served as executive vice president and president of the Global Industrial group since 2019. Earlier, he was the executive vice president and president of Ecolab’s Energy Services Division. Brown joined Ecolab in 2002 and has held several leadership positions with the company, including executive vice president and president, Europe; executive vice president, Asia Pacific; and vice president and general manager for Australia and New Zealand.
Jensen announces key executive changes
Tony Biela is to take up the position of President of Jensen USA, Carlos Fernandes is promoted to Senior VP of Sales. Tony Biela and Carlos Fernandes will replace Simon Nield, effective January 1, 2023.
Tony Biela started working for Jensen USA in 2019 as VP Finance. Thanks to his cross-cultural expertise and his experience from executive roles with former employers, he has added a lot of value to our business operations in the USA. His main focus will be on leading the transformation of our operations in Panama City, FL.
The representation of Jensen USA towards our esteemed clients will be attended by Carlos Fernandes, who was appointed as Senior Vice President of Sales. He offers vast knowledge of the Jensen product line combined with an excellent understanding of customer service and relationships. Carlos Fernandes has been serving the laundry industry for more than 37 years.
Carlos has been a fixture in the Canadian laundry industry for many years, and he will continue to represent the company in Canada. He will not be relocating to Florida.
These changes are a direct result of Simon Nield’s decision to step back from his current role as President of Jensen USA. Recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Simon Nield has chosen to focus more of his energy on his personal well-being. A career spanning nearly four decades in the laundry industry is now slowly phasing out. Thankfully, Simon will continue to support our management team as President Emeritus.
Simon Nield’s passion for the laundry industry, our clients, and our team in Florida are beyond exceptional. We would like to thank Simon for all that he has done, and wish him all the best for the future. We are convinced that Tony Biela, Carlos Fernandes, management and staff at Jensen USA will demonstrate the same passion and commitment to the laundry industry as Simon Nield did.
ALM Names New Executive Director
The Association of Linen Management (ALM) is proud to announce and welcome Sarah Brobeck as ALM’s
new Executive Director. An experienced leader and industry professional, Brobeck will succeed retiring Executive Director Linda Fairbanks and assume responsibilities on November 1, 2022.
Fairbanks first met Brobeck when she attended the Laundry & Linen College and described the journey
as “a joy to watch her grow into various aspects of the textile care services industry.” Brobeck has served in roles from laundry operations to vendor sales, providing a unique perspective and in-depth knowledge of the many different aspects of the textile care industry. “Sarah’s first-hand experience will provide a great value to the industry in the days and years ahead. I wish Sarah, the Board of Directors, staff, and the membership the very best,” expressed Fairbanks.
Brobeck has over 15 years of experience working in the textile care industry. Previously, she served as ALM Board secretary and director, taught CLLM reviews, presented at IMPACT, as well as instructed and acted as a facilitator at the Laundry & Linen
College.
“I am honored to join the ALM staff. ALM is an association that is a leader in providing professional development for the textile care industry.” said Brobeck. “This is an important time for ALM to strengthen educational opportunities and resources as well as build a supportive network that will aid in our success.”
Kearns Elected Chair of TRSA Board of Directors
TRSA recently held its Annual Conference in Nashville, TN, where its new board members for the upcoming year were announced.
Jim Kearns, executive vice president and chief financial officer, Alsco Uniforms, was elected chair of TRSA’s Board of Directors during the Annual Membership Meeting on Sept. 15. A graduate of the University of Utah, Kearns joined Alsco Inc. in 1993 as the internal audit director and advanced steadily to his current position in January 2019. Alsco is a global leader in uniform and facility service rental and has been since 1889. They provide these services to over 355,000 customers in more than 180 locations worldwide.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as TRSA chair,” Kearns said. “Over the next two years, I’m going to focus on advocacy and the sharing of best practices to boost the industry as a whole. Our industry provides an essential service, and we need to safeguard the trust of our industry customer base and help solve problems with our products and services.”
TRSA President & CEO Joseph Ricci offered an upbeat assessment of the new chair, and thanked Kearns’ predecessor for her service. “As the linen, uniform and facility services industry continues to pursue renewed growth in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have in Jim Kearns a well-rounded, seasoned executive with a demonstrated record of growth and a knack for working with companies large and small,” Ricci said. “Our thanks go to outgoing Chair Noël Richardson for successfully leading us through the worst of the pandemic. We now look forward to continued progress with Jim Kearns guiding the association.”
In other news from TRSA’s Annual Membership Meeting, Randy Bartsch, CEO of Ecotex Healthcare Linen Service Corp., Vancouver, Canada, was elected vice chairman, while Dempsey Uniform & Linen Supply CEO P.J. Dempsey was elected treasurer.
Additional directors elected during the conference included:
- Pierre Ferron, president, Buanderie Blanchelle, Montreal, Canada
- Bob Hager, president, Miller’s Textile Services, Wapakoneta, Ohio
- Jim Rozakis, president & COO, Cintas Corp., Mason, OH
- Kelsey Van Miert, president of customer relations, Northwest Health Care Linen, Bellingham, WA
In addition, the TRSA Supplier Partner Council has submitted Rick Kelly, VP, sales & marketing, Pellerin Milnor Corp., Kenner, LA, as the director candidate representing the hard goods category and Jake Gurtler, vice president, corporate accounts, Gurtler Industries Inc., South Holland, IL, as the director of other goods.
Tom White passes away
Tom White, an active member of the fabricare industry for over 60 years, passes away on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at the age of 96.
He had a long, successful military career, a passion instilled in him by his family. He joined at the age of 18 and served many years with the 48th Highland Militia, achieving the rank of Major. His career as Divisional Sales Manager with Fabricare Division-Diversey was long and successful, where he developed many lasting friendships with colleagues.
Tom held numerous positions within the Canadian Laundry Allied Trades Association (CLATA), including President and Trade Show Chairman in 1978. He served on the Board of Directors and was Secretary Treasurer until his retirement in 2013 from active involvement in the association.
He and his wife, Gunta, were also involved in the International Drycleaners Congress (IDC) and together traveled the world with top-tier dry cleaners for many years. (Photo below is of Tom, left, with Jill and Tom Hopkins of Gibson’s Cleaners, at an IDC event.)
The visitation will take place Friday, Sept. 9 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Pat O’Connor Funeral Home, 1939 Lawrence Ave. E, Scarborough, ON. Funeral services will be Saturday, September 10 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Judes (Wexford) Anglican Church, 10 Howarth Ave., Toronto, ON.
The CLATA Tom White Golf Tournament, named for Tom, takes place the day before his visitation, and will surely be at time of remembrance for him, as well.
Milnor adds Terry Satchwell to staff
Pellerin Milnor Corp., Kenner, LA, recently announced that it added Terry Satchwell to its staff as vice president of strategic accounts, effective immediately.
Prior to rejoining Milnor, Satchwell served as EVP of engineering & technical services for PureStar Linen Group, Las Vegas, which operates 30-plus facilities across three countries and 26 U.S. markets. In this role, he was responsible for CapEx planning and equipment-optimization programs, and he also initiated a company-wide computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
With more than 35 years of industry experience in creating cost effective and innovative solutions for linen, uniform, healthcare and hospitality operators, Satchwell’s extensive knowledge and technical background will assist national account customers to increase plant growth, efficiency and profitability, the company said.
For more information on Pellerin Milnor, call 504-467-9591 or visit the company’s website at www.milnor.com.
MIP names Nicole Grubich to key US position
MIP, located in Montreal, announced the appointment of Nicole Grubich to the position of Vice President, US Business Unit, effective June 1st, 2022.
Nicole comes to MIP from West Michigan Shared Hospital Laundry, located in Grand Rapids, MI, USA, where she has served as the President and Executive Director for nine years. She holds a B.Sc. from Western Michigan University and is a Certified Laundry and Linen Manager (CLLM), as well as a Registered Laundry and Linen Director (RLLD).
She currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Association for Linen Management (ALM), International Association of Healthcare Textile Managers (IAHTM) and American Reusable Textile Association (ARTA). Nicole has also previously served as a board member of the Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council (HLAC).
With twenty-three years in the laundry industry, Nicole brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She is a seasoned industry executive with comprehensive knowledge and extensive experience in team building, networking, leadership, client relations, sales, strategic planning, laundry operations, employee development, and linen management.
MIP welcomes Nicole with her refreshing new ideas and an energy that will help us build on Mark Mann’s legacy.
Gary Ostrum joins Brim
Brim Laundry Machinery Co. Inc., Hutchins, TX, recently added Gary Ostrum to its team as a regional sales manager for the Northeastern U.S., as well as provinces in Eastern Canada. Ostrum has more than 30 years of experience in the linen, uniform and facility services industry, and brings with him a diverse set of skills and knowledge, according to a news release.
Ostrum’s responsibilities at Brim will include customer service and sales support for textile-related industries requiring the benefits of Brim-built washer/extractors, dryers, and other items from the company’s lineup of industrial products and services.
He had long served as a sales and marketing professional for G.A. Braun Inc., Syracuse, NY, and most recently was VP of sales for domestic and international markets. Ostrum is skilled in sales management and team building, as well as operations management.
Girbau North America
hires James Roberts
Girbau North America (GNA) recently welcomed military service veteran James Roberts as service support technician.
Roberts handles daily communications with GNA product end-users and distributor technicians to help troubleshoot and resolve laundry product technical issues. Additionally, Roberts is responsible for conducting service training, repairing machinery, helping develop training videos and assisting with product improvement and development. He brings 8 years of experience as a generator/power systems technician, and 8 years of experience as a U.S. Army signal system support specialist and individual ready reserve sergeant.
