Author Bios
Tyler is the vice president of government operations for Georgia-based Encompass LLC, a manufacturer and marketer of woven and nonwoven products for the healthcare and hospitality industries.
But he may be best known for having managed the entire textile and laundry operations for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for 23 years. Earlier, he was the director of textile and uniform operations for the Department of the Navy, where he was responsible for all fleet and base laundry operations. He retired from the VA in 2000, ending 35 years of government service.
A decorated combat veteran, Tyler also retired from the U.S. Marine Corps with 27 years of total service.
Tyler planned and managed the design and construction of some 57 VA laundries and consolidated operations that resulted in cost benefits reaching $250 million. He established quality standards for laundry system inspections. He received numerous awards, including special recognitions from U.S. presidents.
Today, he remains active through his role with Encompass, and serves on the Government and Healthcare committees of the Textile Rental Services Association (TRSA) and an industry liaison group for the American Society for Healthcare Environmental Services (ASHES). He's also an industry adviser to the General Services Administration, a member of The Joint Commission's Environment of Care Industry Task Group and an advisory subcommittee member to the Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council (HLAC).
CHICAGO — If one has never designed a laundry or been involved in such a process directly, they should make a concerted effort to locate someone with that expertise and experience to accomplish such an effort.
CHICAGO — A government manager seeking help for himself and his organization contacted me the other day. Because of recent drastic budget cuts and subsequent mandatory furloughs for employees (i.e., about 22 days of unpaid leave each year), this organization clearly needs to make major adjustments to its structure and processes and essentially recreate itself so it can operate successfully under a revised mission.
CHICAGO — Based on discussions over the last several years with folks having just completed educational programs sponsored by various entities, I am astonished that many managers in the laundry industry are still unable to complete essential tasks that are key components to making them a success.
CHICAGO — I continue to be astonished at the lack of etiquette regarding use of the cellphone, a device that has become commonplace in the workplace. No matter if you are in an office, the airport, a social environment or just sitting down with your family at dinner, you should show common courtesy and follow proper etiquette.
CHICAGO — Several key factors contribute to the success of any organization, and one of the major deciding elements is creativity. Organizations that will survive into the future will not be those with the most revenue, but those that apply creativity from the grass roots level, the workforce. If a leader is going to leave anything to an organization after he or she departs, it should be a group of individuals who take steps to achieve and promote a creative environment.
