Exec Exchange – Operators, Suppliers Seeking Solutions

Posted October 19, 2018 at 1:22 pm



Nearly 20 laundry decision-makers sat down for direct talks with 15 supplier-company counterparts during two rounds of TRSA’s Executive Exchange program on Oct. 17 and 18 during the Annual Conference in Napa, CA.

Keith and Julia Pooler, vice president and president of Sacramento Linen Co., a hospitality operator in California’s capital city, said they liked the sessions because they give both sides an opportunity to zoom in on issues and solutions. “It’s focused on what we’re looking for, rather than them saying something to a group,” said Julia, who’s a co-owner of the company with her husband, Keith. During the exchanges, the couple had one-on-one sessions on both days. The program was scheduled from 7:45-9 a.m. to avoid conflicting with educational and networking sessions at the conference. Each operator participant who completes six exchange meetings will receive a $500 rebate on their conference registration fees.

The vendors that the Poolers met with included JENSEN USA, Hunt Textiles, Leonard Automatics Inc. and WSI. Keith said the meetings were simpler and more direct than calling up a vendor to visit the plant. The couple used this opportunity to meet with new vendors in order to learn what goods and services they have to offer. “It gave us that opportunity to approach them and let them know what we’re into,” he said. Julia added that she views the meetings as mutually beneficial. “It should be good for them; I think it’s definitely good for us.”

Steve Twombly, president of Automation Dynamics Inc., Independence, MO, said when the exchange program was launched in 2016, he was skeptical about the value of vendors like his company participating in the initiative. But now, having participated three times in the program at separate TRSA events, he’s come to appreciate the opportunity it offers his company. “We feel it’s been very, very valuable each time,” he said.

Associate member companies participating in this year’s Exchange meetings included:

  • ARCO/Murray
  • Automation Dynamics LLC
  • Ellis Corp.
  • Ecolab Textile Care Division
  • Fashion Seal, a brand of Superior Uniform Group
  • Girbau Industrial
  • Kemco Systems Co. LLC
  • Hunt Textiles Inc.
  • JENSEN USA Inc.
  • M&B Hangers
  • Leonard Automatics Inc.
  • Lavatec Laundry Technology Inc.
  • M+A Matting
  • Softrol Systems Inc.
  • WSI

TRSA’s next Executive Exchange program is slated for next year’s Healthcare Conference in San Diego. To learn more, contact TRSA President and CEO Joseph Ricci at jricci@trsa.org.

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