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April 30, 2012
Career Track: Companies Announce New Hires, Promotions

CHICAGO — Kannegiesser, Braun, others report personnel moves

KANNEGIESSER PROMOTES HART TO EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas — The owner of Herbert Kannegiesser GmbH recently promoted Phil Hart to executive vice president of Kannegiesser USA.

Phil HartDuring the company’s recent Canadian sales meeting, owner Martin Kannegiesser announced that Hart’s role in the company will expand, moving him into supervisory positions with different departments, while continuing to be responsible for the company’s daily operations.

Hart joined Kannegiesser USA in 2004 as vice president of marketing, bringing with him more than 10 years of industry and product experience.

TURN-KEY INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING HIRES BERNSTEIN AS SENIOR VP

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — A veteran of the textile industry, David Bernstein recently joined Turn-Key Industrial Engineering Services as senior vice president. Bernstein’s role will be in business development, consulting, and adding new services to the firm’s lineup.

david bernsteinThe fourth generation of his family in the textile rental industry, Bernstein brings a unique perspective and a diverse work résumé to his new position. He has more than 20 years experience, including stints as president of Consolidated Laundry Machinery Co., as director of the Uniform and Textile Services Association (UTSA), and as chief operating officer of F-MATIC.

“All of us at Turn-Key are ecstatic to be welcoming David as a member of our team,” says Chip Malboeuf, Turn-Key president. “His experience, skill set, intelligence and enthusiasm for the industry will not only enhance our current offering, but will also allow us to provide our clients with additional services to increase their revenue and improve their operations.”

In addition to his professional experience, Bernstein is two-time chair of the UTSA Plant Operations Committee, an inductee into the Plant Operations Hall of Fame, an instructor and task force member for the Production Management Institute (PMI) and Maintenance Management Institute (MMI), and a former member of the board of directors of the Western Textile Services Association (WTSA). He resides in Park City, Utah.

TINGUE, BROWN & CO. PROMOTES LAVIGNA TO PURCHASING DIRECTOR

SADDLE BROOK, N.J. — Paul LaVigna has been promoted to the role of purchasing director for the TB division of laundry industry supplier Tingue, Brown & Co. He will work out of TB’s satellite office in Clifton Park, N.Y.

paul lavignaLaVigna brings extensive experience to his new role, much of it gained through his years with the U.S. Army, where he was a procurement and logistics officer. More recently, he was an operations manager for a nationwide retailer. He has been in corporate operations with TB since August 2010.

A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, LaVigna lives in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., with his wife and two children.

“I am grateful for the opportunity this new position provides,” LaVigna says, “and I look forward to working with all of Tingue, Brown’s partners in the laundry industry.”

VENUS GROUP HIRES INDUSTRY VET MCBRIDE AS SALES MANAGER

FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif. — Venus Group has a new Midwest regional sales manager. With more than 30 years of industry experience, Mike McBride is now responsible for the textile company’s sales and growth efforts in the Midwest.

mike mcbrideHis diverse résumé has allowed him to meet many Midwest dry cleaners and laundry owners as well as people with national textile chains. He started with Procter & Gamble as a field representative and trainer, then moved to Cleaners Hangers Co. as a sales representative. His most recent post with Cleaners Hangers was as vice president of sales and marketing.

McBride earned a degree from the University of Notre Dame, where he was also a member of the 1973 NCAA national champion football team.

G.A. BRAUN ADDS SLETTE TO FINISHING EQUIPMENT TEAM

matt sletteSYRACUSE, N.Y. —The G.A. Braun Finishing Equipment Engineering Team has a new member. Matt Slette brings to the product development team a diverse experience in modeling components in 3D and developing 2D working drawings, bill of materials, and assemblies for production, Braun says.

Slette graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering technology from California Polytechnic State University. He is based at Braun’s corporate headquarters in Syracuse.

January 30, 2012
Career Track: New Hires and Promotions at Lavatec Laundry Technology, Ellis, Tingue Brown and IPA

Lavatec Laundry Technology Hires Washbrook as VP of Operations

BEACON FALLS, Conn. — Lavatec Laundry Technology continues to expand company resources with the addition of Tom Washbrook as vice president of operations.

washbrookWashbrook brings 40 years of industrial laundry experience in multiple disciplines, including machinery manufacturing, facilities and process design, construction management, laundry plant operations, equipment sales management and marketing.

His activities within the laundry community have spanned the globe, as he has provided various sales and technical services throughout North America, Central America, the Middle East, Asia and the South Pacific, the company says.

Fesmire Jr. Returns to Ellis Corp.; Mundt Also Joins Company

ITASCA, Ill. — Bob Fesmire Jr. has returned to the staff of Ellis Corp. in the newly created position of bob fesmire jr.vice president of customer support. Joining him will be Craig Mundt, recently hired as director of customer support, also a new position.

Fesmire worked 13 years for Ellis, rising to vice president and chief operating officer, before leaving to work for Ecolab as corporate account manager and business improvement/SAT lead.

“I am thrilled to have Bob back in the organization,” says Bob Fesmire Sr., president/CEO of Ellis and Bob Jr.’s father. “This business is his passion, and we are very happy that he has returned. Bob will be heading a newly reorganized customer service group to place a stronger emphasis on our customer visibility within our organization.”

craig mundtMundt brings more than 30 years experience in sales, service and marketing in the laundry industry. Most recently, he was vice president of sales for Amko America. He is a former president of C&W Equipment, capital equipment manager at ARAMARK, and vice president of sales and marketing for American Laundry Machinery.

“With his years of industry experience on the consultant, customer and supplier side, he is a perfect fit,” Fesmire Sr. says of Mundt.

Tingue, Brown Appoints Bridge as Sales Representative in Northeast

SADDLE BROOK, N.J. — Tingue, Brown & Co. has appointed Jamie Bridge as sales representative serving the growing region of Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire and Rhode Island, the company says.

jamie bridgeBridge brings 22 years of laundry experience to his new assignment. Most recently, he spent eight years as general manager of a group laundry for a Boston-based restaurant chain. This operation processed and delivered table linen and uniforms to restaurants all along the East Coast.

“I’m very pleased to have Jamie Bridge join the Tingue, Brown team,” says Mitchell Strauss, Tingue’s North Region sales manager. “His decade-long experience in the laundry industry will strengthen our ability to serve our New England customers.”

Bridge lives in Dracut, Mass., with his wife and two children. In his spare time, Bridge coaches youth sports and has served on the board of directors for Dracut’s youth football program.

IPA Hires Hawthorne as Marketing Specialist

DULUTH, Ga. — Innovative Product Achievements (IPA) has added Kera Hawthorne, marketing specialist, to its expanding kera hawthorneteam. Her responsibilities are to evaluate, develop and execute on marketing initiatives relative to the mission of the organization, the company says.

Hawthorne has considerable experience overseeing marketing strategies, with recent experience at SunTrust Bank and a large consulting firm within the Manpower Group, says the maker of automated scrub suit and linen dispensing systems for the healthcare market.

Hawthorne is a graduate of Columbia College Chicago with a degree in marketing communications. She has also served on the American Marketing Association Young Professionals committee as the chair of graduate student recruitment.

December 7, 2011
Career Track: New Hires and Promotions at Chicago Dryer Co., Alliance and Softrol

Chicago Dryer Co. Hires Anderson as Regional Sales Director

CHICAGO — Chicago Dryer Co. (Chicago®) has hired Chuck Anderson as sales director for the company’s Western U.S. region.

chuck andersonAnderson has been in the laundry industry for more than 23 years, most recently with Ellis Corp. He will work with Chicago®’s established distributor network to increase sales and provide additional customer support services. Anderson was a contributing member to the American Laundry News Panel of Experts in 2011.

“We feel that Chuck’s extensive experience on the equipment specification/sales, chemical, and service sides in a wide variety of laundry environments will be of great value to our commercial, industrial and on-premise laundry customers,” says Tom Egebrecht, Chicago®’s sales director.

Alliance Promotes Brooks to UniMac National Sales Manager

RIPON, Wis. — Alliance Laundry Systems has promoted Bill Brooks to national sales manager of UniMac, the company reports.

Brooks will be responsible for overseeing sales of the UniMac brand of heavy-duty commercial laundry equipment in the United States and Canada.bill brooks

He joined Alliance in 1990 and has held several positions during his tenure. He most recently was the national accounts sales manager. He is an expert in the OPL industry and has provided counsel to many national hotel and healthcare chains on issues that impact a laundry’s operating costs, Alliance says.

“Bill’s track record of success with Alliance made him an ideal candidate to lead UniMac,” says Jeff Brothers, Alliance’s senior vice president of sales, North America. “We look forward to his continued success and congratulate him on his new venture.”

“I look forward to continuing and strengthening existing relationships with our distributors and establishing new connections,” says Brooks. “I’m excited to be part of a brand that is known for its quality equipment and expertise in the on-premises market.”

Brooks has a bachelor’s degree in business administration (minor in marketing) from Concordia College, St. Paul, Minn.

He also serves as a lieutenant with the Berlin Fire Department and Rescue Squad, where he has volunteered for 22 years.

Softrol Hires Grandy as VP of Sales and Marketing

ACWORTH, Ga. — Softrol Systems has added Tim Grandy to its staff as vice president of sales and marketing.

tim grandyGrandy’s experience that will help strengthen and grow the company’s position in its core marketplace, as well as initiate penetration into markets other than textile rental and textile manufacturing, Softrol says.

He has more than 14 years of business development, product development, engineering, technical support, and sales management experience. He’s held management posts at General Electric, Siemens Energy and Automation, and Lutron Electronics.

November 29, 2011
In Memoriam: Gerald ‘Jerry’ Lieberman, Founder, B&G Lieberman

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Gerald “Jerry” Lieberman, founder of B&G Lieberman, died Thursday at his home while surrounded by his family. He was 86.

Lieberman was born Dec. 2, 1924, in Munich, Germany. He immigrated to the United States in 1939, was drafted in 1942, and was given his citizenship. He volunteered to the MISB(A), the Soldiers of the 7th Military Information Battalion, and was trained as an interrogator of German soldiers captured during World War II.

In 1949, he started his B&G Lieberman Co., which today is a distributor of sewing equipment and supplies to dry cleaners and tailors. He was a community and environmental activist, serving in various capacities for many organizations during his lifetime.

A memorial service celebrating his life is scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday at Piedmont Unitarian Universalist Church in Charlotte, with military honors to follow.

Memorials may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region, 1420 E. 7th St., Charlotte, NC 28204.

October 5, 2011
Swisher Hygiene Acquires Go! Hospitality Services

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Swisher Hygiene, a provider of essential hygiene and sanitation products and services, reports that it has acquired Go! Hospitality Services, a Georgia-based linen services company.

Go! Hospitality provides linen rental, supply and laundry services throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area and surrounding markets, primarily to customers in the food-and-beverage and hospitality industries.

Concurrent with the acquisition, the founder and president of Go! Hospitality, Michael Brosius, will join Swisher Hygiene and contribute to the continued growth of its linen services business.

“We continue to expand our presence in the linen services industry and the acquisition of Go! Hospitality is a key part of expanding our offering in the Southeast,” says Steven R. Berrard, CEO of Swisher Hygiene. “We are very pleased to be able to cross-sell a complete range of linen services to our existing customers in Georgia and the Carolinas while also being able to offer our hygiene products and services to Go! Hospitality’s growing customer base.”

Total consideration paid by Swisher Hygiene in connection with the acquisition includes $2.85 million in cash, the assumption of certain liabilities, the issuance of 170,940 shares of Swisher Hygiene common stock, and a promissory note that may be converted into common stock.

October 3, 2011
Career Track: IPA, Alliance, Leonard Automatics, Venus Group

DULUTH, Ga. —IPA, makers of scrubEx and alEx™, has named Sarah James its sarah jamesdirector of product management. Serving in a new position created to capitalize on growth opportunities, James is responsible for complete product positioning and strategy for the company.

James earned her MBA from King College in Bristol, Tenn., and has six years of healthcare laundry experience. She has also served on the Board of Directors for the Association for Linen Management (ALM) and is currently the chair of the marketing committee.

IPA manufactures automated scrub suit and linen dispensing systems for the healthcare market.

RIPON, Wis. — Alliance Laundry Systems has promoted Jennifer Whitney to financial services manager.

jennifer whitneyWhitney will continue to work with all of Alliance’s finance groups, including Speed Queen Financial Services, UniMac Funding, Huebsch Financial and IPSO Finance. In her new role, she will be responsible for all equipment loan underwriting and origination, finance program and promotion development, marketing services support, and distributor and customer relationship development.

For more than 13 years, Whitney has been a key member of Alliance’s finance team. She recently worked in a dual role where she successfully developed Alliance’s acquisition financing portfolio and worked as a liaison to marketing services and ALSU.

“We’re extremely honored to offer Jennifer this opportunity, especially since she’s played such a key role in our division,” says Todd Rice, director of Financial Services for Alliance Laundry Systems. “We look forward to her continued success and congratulate her on a job well-done.”

Whitney received her B.B.A. in finance and business administration from Valparaiso (Ind.) University. Prior to joining Alliance, she worked for JP Morgan Chase, formerly known as Bank One.

DENVER, N.C. — Leonard Automatics has added two new employees to its staff, the company reports.

ron wilkinsRon Wilkins (left) joins the company as mechanical engineer. He brings years of engineering and design experience to Leonard, in addition to an understanding of industry-standard software packages and mechanical processes.spradley

Robert Spradley (right) is the company’s newest service technician. He is a career service tech who has worked in high-tech environments all over the world, Leonard says. As a specialist in system installation and integration, he brings years of experience and a wide range of knowledge to the company.

FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif. — David N. Page has been selected as the new vice president of healthcare for the Institution Division of Venus Group, the company reports.

david pageHe has been in the healthcare industry for more than 25 years, including 11-plus years with Medline and 10 years with Angelica.

He brings to Venus Group a wealth of knowledge covering topics from utilization of management programs to optimize operational efficiencies and reduce total linen program costs, to product knowledge within the industry, to having key contacts in some of the larger healthcare facilities and buying groups.

Page is a member of several healthcare associations, and the company plans to draw upon his expertise to develop its healthcare business.

September 19, 2011
American Dryer Corp. Promotes Bazzinotti; Kannegiesser USA Hires Rakow Jr.

FALL RIVER, Mass. — Following three years of ownership by Stonebridge Partners, American Dryer Corp. (ADC) has named Joe Bazzinotti its new president and CEO, the company says. Bazzinotti has brought four years of positive change to ADC while playing a number of vital roles, including vice president of operations, chief operating officer and president.

“We have gained a tremendous amount of respect for Joe and his exceptionally capable management team,” says David Schopp, a partner in Stonebridge Partners, a New York-based private equity firm. “We believe that ADC is well positioned to take full advantage of the rebounding economy and look forward to renewed growth in the business.”

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas — Don Rakow Jr. has joined the staff of Kannegiesser USA as project engineer, the company says.

He comes to Kannegiesser with more than 10 years of project engineering experience.

His background ranges from performing single machine installations to total plant design and machinery installation. His projects have taken him around the world to locations in South America and Asia, which will serve him well with the company’s German manufacturing and North American installations, Kannegiesser says.

Rakow Jr. has a bachelor of science degree in industrial engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington. He is also a registered professional engineer.

August 18, 2011
Laundrylux Hires Shady As Senior Executive VP

INWOOD, N.Y. — Laundrylux has hired Kim Shady as senior executive vice president for OPL and National Accounts, the company reports.

Shady has more than 23 years of experience in the on-premise laundry sector, and previously worked as North American sales manager for UniMac. He serves on the Textile Care Allied Trades Association board of directors and has been a member for more than 15 years.

“We are delighted to welcome Kim Shady, a highly respected industry leader, to Laundrylux to lead the growth and expansion of our OPL and National Accounts business,” says Laundrylux CEO Neal Milch. “Kim will be working closely with Dan Goldman as they expand our sales force to ensure national coverage for both the Electrolux and Wascomat OPL product lines.”

“Kim has been an OPL sales leader for many years, and we have always respected him as a competitor,” adds Howard Herman, Laundrylux president. “Laundrylux and Electrolux Professional are totally committed to OPL as a pillar of our business, and Kim Shady is the ideal professional to lead the charge.”

Shady called his new post “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

“I never anticipated changing affiliations after so many years, yet I have watched with admiration how the Electrolux brand has steadily succeeded in appliances and professional coin laundry,” Shady says. “I know it has incredible potential in OPL and National Accounts.”

August 16, 2011
ALM Makes Board Changes After Resignations

RICHMOND, Ky. — The Association for Linen Management (ALM) named Cindy Molko senior vice president, filling the position vacated by Tom Mantey in July. Molko moves into the role after serving as vice president for the organization.

Richard Griffin, manager of Keystone Laundry in Colorado, will fill Molko’s vacated position as vice president.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to serve ALM at the national level and believe my experience in hospitality laundry services will provide a valuable addition to ALM’s outstanding educational programs,” says Griffin.

Meanwhile, Sarah James has resigned from her board position as administrative secretary. Her resignation is in compliance with ALM’s bylaws, which hold that only regular members—those serving in laundry operations/distribution role—are eligible to serve on the board of directors. James held her post on the board while serving as the director of medical laundry at TriCities in Bristol, Tenn., but has accepted the position of senior project manager with IPA in Duluth, Ga.

“Even though I will not be serving ALM from a position on the board of directors, I will continue to support the organization and our mission,” says James.

Judy Murphy, director of laundry services at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, Miss., will replace James as administrative secretary. Murphy began at North Mississippi as a staff nurse, transitioning to the clinical liaison for materiel management, where she provided clinical consulting services to the laundry.

August 4, 2011
In Memoriam: Leonard Frushtick, Leonard Automatics

DENVER, N.C. — Leonard Frushtick, founder of Leonard Automatics, died Monday at age 80, the company reports.

Frushtick started his career selling buttons to the garment manufacturing industry, and later expanded the business to include a variety of machinery.

In 1969, he moved his family to North Carolina to be closer to the garment industry and founded Leonard Automatics. As garment manufacturing began to decline in the mid-’80s, Frushtick migrated to the laundry industry. His creativity gave him the ability to develop new technologies involved with garment finishing, and has lent itself to promoting an atmosphere of creativity and innovation at Leonard Automatics that exists to this day, the company says.

Frushtick became a prolific painter after his retirement, and he and his wife, Phyllis, traveled extensively, providing a wealth of experiences for him to express on canvas.

A private memorial service for Frushtick is scheduled for Friday in Bluffton, S.C. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice Care of the Low Country, 119 Palmetto Way, Bluffton, SC 29910.

Surviving are his wife of 60 years, Phyllis; daughters, Sue Jones and Geri Bland; son, Jeffrey Frushtick; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

June 22, 2011
HLAC Names Baras Executive Director

CHICAGO — The Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council (HLAC) has named Regina A. Baras, CAE, its new executive director. The council selected Baras from an extensive field of experienced association executives.

“The executive director is critical to the smooth and efficient operation of the Accreditation Council,” says Nancy Bjerke, HLAC chair. “Ms. Baras has the experience and expertise required for the position, and the HLAC Board looks forward to advancing the HLAC vision and mission with the leadership and assistance of Ms. Baras.”

Baras has more than 25 years association experience, most notably at Altrusa International and the Emergency Nurses Association. As a certified association executive (CAE), Baras brings strong organizational management skills, innovative thinking, problem solving and governance team building with associations and their volunteer constituents, HLAC says.

Baras replaces Kathy Tinker, who left the organization in late January to pursue other interests and opportunities.

June 7, 2011
ALM Promotes Fairbanks to Executive Director of Academic Affairs

[Editor's Note: This article was updated June 8 to correct the type of accounting system utilized by the association.]

LAS VEGAS — Linda Fairbanks, the director of academic affairs for the Association for Linen Management (ALM) for several years, has been promoted to executive director of academic affairs, ALM Board President Randy Wendland announced at the Clean Show.

Executive Director Jim Thacker resigned unexpectedly in February, and the ALM board decided to consolidate the position with another and promote Fairbanks rather than hire a replacement.

Fairbanks has overseen ALM’s educational offerings, including the American Laundry & Linen College (ALLC), and now finds herself heading an association that faces mounting financial problems and dwindling membership numbers.

During Sunday’s annual business meeting, it was revealed that ALM has approximately $100,000 in unpaid bills. Chief Financial Officer Paul Jewison says the association is shifting from a cash accounting system to an accrual based system to better track spending.

March 30, 2011
DLI’s Fisher Out; Scalco to Lead Association

LAUREL, Md. — The board of directors of the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI) announced Monday that Chief Executive Officer William (Bill) Fisher is leaving his position at the association. Senior Vice President Mary Scalco will become acting CEO to ensure a seamless transition, DLI says.

“We would like to thank Bill for his years of service and dedication to the industry and our institute,” says DLI President Rick Kasperbauer. “His contributions have been enormous over the last four decades.”

February 10, 2011
ALM Executive Director Thacker Resigns

RICHMOND, Ky. — The Association for Linen Management (ALM) announced via press release late Wednesday afternoon that Executive Director Jim Thacker had resigned.

“We thank Jim for his service and his recent chairmanship of the Clean committee,” ALM President Randy Wendland, CLLM, said in the press release. “Mr. Thacker served ALM over 10 years, and ALM wishes him the best in his new endeavors. Jim is currently exploring other professional opportunities.”

February 7, 2011
Alliance Laundry Systems Promotes Schoeb to CEO

RIPON, Wis. — Alliance Laundry Systems LLC has promoted Michael D. Schoeb to chief executive officer. All executive staff will report to Schoeb in his combined role as president and CEO.

Thomas F. L’Esperance will become vice chairman of the board of directors of parent company ALH Holding Inc. L’Esperance joined Alliance in 1996, having previously served as president of Amana Home Appliances and Caloric Corp. and as a senior executive of Raytheon Co. He will continue to serve as a director and will maintain his office here.

February 2, 2011
Dawson Retires from R.R. Street & Co.

NAPERVILLE, Ill. — After a career with Naperville, Ill.-based R.R. Street & Co. that has spanned more than 35 years, David Dawson announced his retirement from the company last month.

NAPERVILLE, Ill. — After a career with Naperville, Ill.-based R.R. Street & Co. that has spanned more than 35 years, David Dawson announced his retirement from the company last month.

December 15, 2010
Ostrow Elected TRSA Chair, Will Push for Greater Industry Visibility in Primary BtoB Markets

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Pledging to enhance the Textile Rental Services Association’s role in representing the industry to customer businesses and government, Woody Ostrow was elected chairman of the TRSA board during the association’s recent Annual Convention in California.

June 14, 2010
Landers-Mills is ALM’s Manager of Year, Wendland Elected President

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — While attendance at this weekend’s Association for Linen Management (ALM) Annual Conference was down from previous years, Executive Director Jim Thacker called the 70th annual event that ended Sunday “the smoothest conference we’ve ever run” and reported “nothing but positive” comments from attendees about the conference’s location and educational content.
 

May 18, 2010
Private Investment Firm Acquires Consolidated Laundry Machinery Co.

LOS ANGELES — Private investment firm Carlin Capital Partners (CCP) has acquired Consolidated Laundry Machinery Co. (CLM) from its president and founder, Leonard Bernstein, CCP announced May 17. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

CLM is a manufacturer of industrial-grade dryers and related finishing equipment, primarily serving the textile services industry. It was founded in 1962.

March 2, 2010
TRSA Names Ricci President

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The Textile Rental Services Association (TRSA) has named Joseph Ricci, a 20-year association executive, as its new president. He will begin serving Monday.

December 1, 2009
ASHES Elects Nemetz 2010 President, Adds Two Board Representatives

CHICAGO — The American Society for Healthcare Environmental Services (ASHES) board of directors has elected Fiona Nemetz, CHESP, society president for 2010. Nemetz is serving as vice president, and her year-long term as president begins Jan. 1.

Nemetz is director of environmental services, patient transportation, safety, and parking at Saint Joseph’s Hospital of Atlanta. She has been an ASHES member since 1993 and has 25 years of environmental services experience. She began her career in 1982 in hospitality and transitioned to healthcare in 1993.

November 9, 2009
Cintas Founder Farmer Retires as Chairman of the Board

CINCINNATI — Cintas Corp. founder Richard T. Farmer has retired as chairman of the board, assuming the role of chairman emeritus and remaining on the board of directors. The board elected Vice Chairman Robert J. Kohlhepp to replace him as chairman.

Farmer established Cintas Corp. in 1968. The company grew from a small uniform- and towel-supply company to the nation’s largest uniform company and a leading business-to-business services provider with sales approaching $4 billion annually, the company says.

October 1, 2008
Investment Funds of Patriarch Partners Acquire Best Textiles International

ROSWELL, Ga. — Investment funds managed by Patriarch Partners LLC has acquired all of the assets of Best Textiles International Ltd. from GHCL Inc. As part of the Textile Platform of the Patriarch portfolio of operating companies, the new company will be known as Best Textiles LLC.

“The acquisition of Best was a strategic decision, as the company exponentially enhances specific synergies with other textile operations within our platform,” says Lynn Tilton, chief executive officer of Patriarch Partners.

April 21, 2008
Survey: McCain Would Be Most Favorable to Business, Economy

CHICAGO — Republican John McCain would be the most favorable to business and the economy if elected president, according to the majority of respondents who took April’s Wire survey.

McCain, the presumptive GOP nominee, received 65.7% of the vote, well ahead of Democrats Hillary Clinton (20%) and Barack Obama (14.3%), who are battling for their party’s nomination. There were no votes for a third-party candidate.

February 21, 2008
In Memoriam: John (Jack) S. Spence, David J. Costabile

KANSAS CITY – John “Jack” S. Spence, 80, retired president of Faultless Laundry Co., Kansas City, Mo., died here Friday, Feb. 15.

Spence represented the third generation in the family business, working several years with his father, John B. Spence, and his grandmother, Cora Spence. He became president in 1962, marking a time in which he would start to aggressively grow the business for the next 30 years.