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.
“There is no one who can surpass the standard of ethical and intellectual brilliance that Bob has brought to every position he has held in the company,” says Farmer. “I am confident that he, along with my son, Chief Executive Officer Scott Farmer, will see our company to continued success, with our rich culture serving as the foundation of that success.”
Born in Covington, Ky., Kohlhepp joined the company as controller in 1967. In 1979, he was appointed executive vice president, and in 1984, he became president and chief operating officer. In 1995, he became CEO, a position he held until becoming vice chairman in 2003.
Kohlhepp earned his bachelor of science degree in business administration from Thomas More College and his master of business administration (MBA) degree from Xavier University. He is director of Parker Hannifin Corp. in Cleveland, and was appointed chairman of the board of trustees for Xavier in September.
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