ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The 112th edition of TRSA’s Annual Conference offered a diverse array of activities for attendees, from dynamic speakers and interactive networking events to a gala honoring distinguished executives for their lifetime contributions to the linen, uniform and facility services industry.
The Palm Springs, California, conference opened May 13 with a welcome reception, after productive meetings of the TRSA Board of Directors and Supplier Partner Council.
The next day, Nolan Bushnell, founder of Atari and Chuck E. Cheese, delivered the keynote address. He shared his entrepreneurial journey and stressed the importance of passion in business.
“Passion drives everything,” Bushnell says. “My best hires were those with a sparkle, willing to give their all to the company.”
Jim Buik, president/owner of Roscoe Co. in Chicago, reflected on the keynote, highlighting the unique insights and historical context Bushnell provided.
“He told a compelling story and gave us a great message about innovation and embracing ‘happy accidents,’” Buik says.
Educational sessions continued with Mark Kowalski, managing partner of Envise Partners LLC, discussing business growth strategies, and a panel on succession planning moderated by TRSA Chair Randy Bartsch. Panelists Jennifer Peroli, David Struminger and Sarah Wrubel shared their experiences transitioning leadership within their family businesses.
Bartsch praised the panelists for their thoughtful approaches to developing the next generation of industry leaders.
“It was a privilege to moderate a discussion with Jennifer, David and Sarah as they shared their unique journeys into leadership within their family businesses,” Bartsch says.
The final day of the conference featured educational sessions led by Thomas Vozzo, former Aramark executive and current CEO of Homeboy Industries, who shared lessons from his nonprofit work.
Andrew Wittmann, senior research analyst at Robert W. Baird & Co., provided an update on key economic indicators and the state of publicly traded uniform rental operators.
Dr. Kevin Elko, a best-selling author and sports psychology consultant, delivered the closing keynote, sharing insights on achieving success through vision and accountability.
“You live with vision or you live with circumstance,” Elko says.
A Lifetime Achievement and Board Recognition Dinner closed the conference.
Woody Ostrow of CleanCare, Pittsburgh, received the TRSA Operator Lifetime Achievement Award, while David Tingue of Tingue, Brown & Co., Peachtree City, Georgia, was honored with the Maglin-Biggie Supplier-Partner Lifetime Achievement Award. Both awardees have a long history of service to the industry and association, following in the footsteps of their fathers who also had received Lifetime Achievement Awards.
There was a silent auction, featuring items donated by TRSA members, during a cocktail reception prior to the dinner. Nearly $13,000 was raised to support the Textile Rental Education and Research Trust (TRERT), funding TRSA’s scholarship, internship, and research initiatives.
Networking events included the TRSA Golf Classic, Pickleball Palooza and the Minute 2 Win It team-building event. Attendees’ spouses and significant others enjoyed a tour of celebrity homes in Palm Springs, including Frank Sinatra’s residence.
Chris Welch, president of Prudential Overall Supply, emphasized the importance of the annual conference for industry insights and networking: “The conference has great speakers, events, and beautiful locations. It’s a fantastic opportunity to exchange ideas and connect with industry peers.”
Nick Schrader, regional sales manager at Royal Basket Trucks, also praised the event: “I am thankful to TRSA for hosting another impactful and engaging annual conference in beautiful Palm Springs. From insightful sessions to inspiring conversations, it was a fantastic opportunity to connect with industry leaders, learn about emerging trends, and exchange ideas that will shape the future of our industry.”
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Matt Poe at [email protected].
