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Secrets to becoming an award-winning operation January 2024 • Volume 50, Number 01
The Newspaper of Record for Laundry & Linen Management
Four laundry/linen companies that have garnered honors share how they created high-quality operational cultures BY MATT POE, EDITOR
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ward-winning. Has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? An award-winning laundry/linen service. Some laundry operations consistently earn honors like “best to sell for” and “safest facility” and “trustworthy” and “innovator.” The thing about being an award-winning company is that the honor isn’t about the award; it’s about what the award represents. This includes years of effort to become
the best laundry operation possible, in all areas of the business; satisfied, even ecstatic customers; and well-trained, happy employees. And so much more. So, what does it take for a laundry/linen service to elevate itself from satisfactory to award-winning? American Laundry News reached out to several award-winning laundry businesses to find out how they have achieved, and maintain, their business quality. The following “secrets to success” were shared by Donna Kish, content managermarketing for UniFirst Corp. based in Wilmington, Massachusetts; Brittany Nunez, corporate marketing coordinator for Healthcare Linen Services Group (HLSG) headquartered in St. Charles, Illinois; Bryan Bartsch, CEO of Ecotex with U.S. headquarters in Seattle; and Jerry Martin, vice president of sales and marketing for Prudential Overall Supply headquartered in Irvine, California.
UNIFIRST’S SIX STEPS
At UniFirst, we do more than just talk about our achievements, we live them. With a proven track record of exceptional customer service, impressive sales growth, dedicated employees and commitment to professional development, we are proud to be recognized as an award-winning company. Our accolades not only showcase our dedication to customer satisfaction, quality, and innovation, but they also fuel our passion to continuously raise the bar. We are driven to set new standards of excellence in everything we do. Here’s how we have been able to achieve much of our success. 1. Strong Values and Mission At the heart of UniFirst is our set of founding core values: “Customer Focus,
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(Photo: © Elnur_/Depositphotos)
Respect for Others, and Commitment to Quality.” Our mission is simple yet powerful: “To serve the people who do the hard work; helping them succeed and deliver for what gives their lives meaning.” By aligning our work with our core beliefs, we are able to gain a clear sense of direction that guides every decision we make. This value-driven approach inspires our employees, attracts loyal customers, and distinguishes us from our competition. (Forbes: America’s Best Large Employers; Forbes: Platinum 400Best Big Companies; Glassdoor: 25 Best Companies for Career Opportunities and Highest Rated CEO; TRSA Diversity Award; Named a Winning Company by 2020 Women on Boards) 2. Exceptional Performance and Results Award-winning companies always deliver exceptional performance and tangible results. We go above and beyond industry standards, setting new benchmarks for excellence. Whether it’s exceeding service levels and sales targets or achieving high customer satisfaction ratings, we are a performance-driven company. (Selling Power’s 50 Best Companies to Sell For; Seismic: Content Management Master Award for sales enablement; Boston Globe 100: Best Performing Company) 3. Innovation and Adaptability To thrive in a rapidly changing market, successful companies embrace innovation and adaptability. At UniFirst, we foster a culture of empowerment that encourages employees to think outside the box and find innovative solutions to complex challenges. By staying ahead of the curve and embracing change, we ensure that we
See Winning on Page 6
LATE NEWS Alsco Uniforms donates $50,000 to Maui Strong Fund SALT LAKE CITY — Alsco Uniforms reports that at its recent Managers Meeting in Maui, it donated $50,000 to Hawai’i Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund. The donation will provide vital financial resources for both immediate and long-term recovery efforts in the wake of the destructive Maui wildfires during August 2023. The Maui Strong Fund serves as a beacon of hope for communities grappling with the aftermath of the devastating wildfires. The $50,000 contribution from Alsco Uniforms aims to assist affected individuals and places, fostering resilience and aiding in the reconstruction of Maui’s vibrant landscapes. “Alsco Uniforms is deeply invested in the well-being of the communities we serve,” says Honolulu Branch General Manager Brian Arkle. “The Maui Strong Fund aligns with our values, and we are honored to contribute to the restoration and rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of the Maui wildfires.” Harmony Hallas, donor relations officer for Hawai’i Community Foundation, says, “We’re very appreciative of Alsco Uniforms’ commitment to Maui by holding their Manager’s Meeting at the Hyatt Regency Resort in Maui and providing this additional support to help the families recover from this tragedy.”
12/13/23 10:11 AM