Linen, Uniform & Facility Services Podcast - Interviews & Insights by TRSA

Andrew Wittmann, senior research analyst, Robert W. Baird & Co., gives an update on economic trends in the linen, uniform and facility services industry, including an overview of the potential Cintas and UniFirst deal and its impact on the marketplace. Baird partners with TRSA to publish a quarterly report on economic trends in the industry. For more information and to participate in the survey, contact Wittmann at awittmann@rwbaird.com.

At the 14th Annual Healthcare Conference in Boston, TRSA Chair Randy Bartsch, the executive chair of Ecotex Healthcare Linen Service, moderated a panel discussion featuring a dynamic group of industry leaders discussing the evolving landscape of the healthcare market sector. Panelists included Michael Barner, the CEO of CORE Linen Services; Ben Berstein, vice president of corporate development at Nixon Medical; and Phillip Foussard, president at HHS-FMA Laundry. For information on TRSA's 15th Annual Healthcare Conference, scheduled for Oct. 14-15, 2026, in San Diego, visit www.trsa.org/healthcare.

A group of industry veterans that also serve as TRSA's Hygienically Clean Auditors discuss the highlights from the Clean Show floor, including automation, digitalization and more. Recorded live at the recent Clean Show in Orlando, FL, with John Highsmith, Dan Sanchez, Doug Story and TJ Peterson. Questions? Comments? Contact us at podcasts@trsa.org.

Larry Erickson, the chief technology officer at Kannegiesser North America, discusses breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI), the importance of collecting data and using it to improve plant productivity and efficiency, as well as technology that will shape the future of laundry plant operations. View the latest technology in action at Clean Show 2025. For more information, visit www.thecleanshow.com.

TRSA Chair Randy Bartsch, Ecotex Healthcare Linen Service, Vancouver, British Columbia, discusses his goals for the association and the industry during his two-year term as TRSA Chair, the association's expanded advocacy efforts in Canada, the benefits of certification, developing the next generation of industry leaders, healthcare trends and more.

TRSA President & CEO Joseph Ricci gives an overview of the 112th Annual Conference agenda, including several inspiring speakers, a plethora of networking opportunities for attendees, industry award winners and more. For more information on TRSA's 112th Annual Conference, scheduled for May 13-15 near Palm Springs, CA, visit www.trsa.org/annualconference.

TRSA's Vice President of Government Relations Kevin Schwalb gives an update on the latest news impacting the linen, uniform and facility services industry from Washington, DC. He talks about the results of the recent election and its impact on the industry, TRSA's advocacy efforts at both the federal and state levels, as well as what to keep an eye on in 2025. For more information on TRSA's government relations initiatives, contact Schwalb at kschwalb@trsa.org.

Charles Edelman, the corporate safety director at Unitex Healthcare Laundry Services in Elmsford, NY, and the chair of TRSA's Safety Committee, discusses the results of TRSA's Fire Safety Survey. Additionally, Johnny Sandras of Sanico Rental Service in Cottondale, AL, discusses the impact that a devastating fire had on his business and the lessons learned from the experience.

John Shaffer, the CEO and principal chemist for EEC Environmental, shares his thoughts on the sustainability efforts the linen, uniform and facility services industry has made when it comes to water reuse and water recycling. For more information on this topic, contact podcasts@trsa.org.

Several influential voices from the financial sector discuss the impact of private-equity investments on the linen, uniform and facility services industry over the past decade and discuss the implications for the future of companies serving the acute and nonacute healthcare sectors. Recorded live from a panel presentation at TRSA's 12th Annual Healthcare Conference & Exchange in Memphis, TN. Panelists include Ryan Chimenti, the managing director of CIBC U.S. Middle Market Investment Banking; Kiran Prasad, the managing director of Stephens Inc. and Matthew Sznewajs, group head and managing director at Piper Sandler & Co. Andrew Kratky, the president and CEO of Emerald Textiles, moderated the panel. For information on TRSA's upcoming 13th Annual Healthcare Conference, visit www.trsa.org/healthcare.

Michael Flores, the vice president of human resources and a member of the executive leadership team at Prudential Overall Supply, Irvine, CA, discusses how Prudential transformed its human resources department and focused on retaining its best employees in a tough labor market. For information on joining TRSA's Human Resources Committee, visit www.trsa.org/committees.

Several C-suite executives from leading operator companies discuss topics such as industry growth opportunities, safe operations in the plant and on the road, recruitment and retention of employees, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives, and more. Recorded live from a panel presentation at TRSA's 2023 Leadership Summit in Chicago. Panelists include Brian Herington, CEO, PureStar Group; John Ross, CEO, Mission Linen; Jim Rozakis, executive vice president and COO, Cintas Corp.; and Steve Sintros, CEO, UniFirst Corp. The discussion was moderated by TRSA President & CEO Joseph Ricci and Senior Editors Jack Morgan and Jason Risley.

Dr. Mario D. Wallace, the founder of the consulting firm All Things Strategic, discusses fostering a collaborative, inclusive environment at your workplace, as well as aligning your company's human resources initiatives to your organization's overall strategic goals and objectives. Dr. Wallace has more than 20 years of small-business consulting experience and 11 years of healthcare-consulting experience. He is currently the principal strategy consultant at Ohio State University in Columbus, OH.