CHICAGO — Award-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 Jerry Martin, vice president of sales and marketing for Prudential Overall Supply headquartered in Irvine, California.
PRUDENTIAL OVERALL SUPPLY’S GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Prudential Overall Supply, a company with a legacy dating back to its founding in 1932, specializes in delivering reusable rental industrial and cleanroom workwear and associated services to a diverse range of industries.
The company’s commitment to excellence is underscored by its noteworthy achievements in employee satisfaction and sales performance.
In acknowledgment of its dedication to fostering a positive workplace environment, Prudential Overall Supply was honored with the Top Workplaces 2022 distinction by the Orange County Register Top Workplaces. This recognition is particularly notable as it is exclusively based on feedback from employees.
Facilitated by Energage LLC, a trusted employee engagement technology partner, the confidential survey delves into 15 key culture drivers critical to organizational success, encompassing aspects such as alignment, execution and connection.
Additionally, Prudential Overall Supply has solidified its position as a national B2B sales organization leader by securing the fourth spot on the Selling Power 50 Best Companies to Sell For 2023 List.
This marks an impressive sixth consecutive year of recognition on this prestigious list, which has been consistently published by Selling Power for 23 years.
Prudential’s success can be attributed to a combination of key factors, including a focus on employee engagement, the implementation of effective sales strategies, innovation and adaptability in response to market changes, a customer-centric approach, active involvement in corporate social responsibility initiatives, leadership excellence, a commitment to continuous improvement (ISO 9001:2015 certified for all operations and corporate services), and transparent communication practices.
Prudential does its best to practice the guiding principles of its Mission Statement—Prudential Overall Supply is committed to excellence in:
- Delivering quality service and products that meet or exceed customer requirements and earn customer satisfaction.
- Developing all team members to achieve their full potential.
- Providing a safe, clean and efficient work environment.
- Conducting all business relationships with integrity.
In 2000, third-generation CEO John Clark took the helm of the organization with a goal of building on his grandfather’s and father’s legacy to do what’s right for Prudential’s customers, employees and the communities the company serves.
Ultimately, these accomplishments can only be achieved through the work of the entire organization.
Prudential’s Founders statement captures the company’s spirit: “Tell the customer exactly what we can and cannot do. Then, do everything we have promised and expect a fair price for our services. If we all do this, we will grow, retain our customers and prosper.” — John D. Clark, founder.
Click HERE to read Part 1 with thoughts from UniFirst Corp. and HERE for ideas from HLSG and Ecotex.
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Matt Poe at [email protected].
