This Connections is free and open to single-plant operators.
For independent, single-plant laundry operators, recovering from a disaster can be one of the greatest challenges a business will ever face. This Connections will provide a forum for operators to discuss lessons learned from natural disasters, fires and other unexpected events that disrupt production, impact customers and threaten business continuity.
Participants will share real-world experiences, recovery strategies and practical approaches to minimizing downtime, protecting employees, maintaining customer relationships and rebuilding operations after a loss. The discussion will also explore the importance of proactive disaster recovery planning, including risk assessment, insurance considerations, backup production options, communication plans and mutual support within the industry.
Joining this Connections discussion are Paul Kihslinger, Vice President and Partner, Robertson Ryan & Associates, and Andrew Leonard, Executive Leader of Operations, Gunderson Uniform & Linen Rental who will help facilitate an open exchange among independent operators on disaster preparedness and recovery.
Through open peer-to-peer dialogue, attendees will gain valuable insights that can help strengthen resilience and better prepare their organizations for future emergencies.
This event is part of TRSA’s new Independent Operator Network (ION) initiative designed to strengthen education, information-sharing and peer collaboration for single-plant, independent linen, uniform and facility services companies. Both TRSA members and non-members are invited to participate.
When you register, you will receive a Zoom link for your calendar and agenda updates. Connections are not recorded.
Speakers
Paul Kihslinger, Vice President and Partner, Robertson Ryan & Associates
Paul was born in Watertown, Wisconsin and grew-up on the northwest side of Milwaukee, attending Custer High School and Marquette University for Journalism. Active in sports his whole life, he played four sports in high school and later coached grade school and AAU basketball for 24 years. Paul remains an affirmed “basketball junky”. He started his insurance career in 1985 with Northwestern Mutual Life, and joined Robertson Ryan in 1988 as an agent. Property and Casualty insurance is a specialty, both commercial and personal, with special expertise in all areas of the hospitality industry and employee benefits.
Andrew Leonard, Executive Leader of Operations, Gunderson Uniform & Linen Rental
Andrew Leonard is Executive Leader of Operations at Gunderson Uniform & Linen Rental, where he oversees operational performance, process improvement and team development. With more than a decade of leadership experience in the industrial laundry industry, including previous management roles with Aramark Uniform Services, Leonard brings expertise in production management, employee training, operational efficiency and customer service. He is an active member of TRSA’s Next-Generation Executives Network and is passionate about developing future industry leaders.
Mark Carter
Mark Carter is the former President and CEO of Up To Date Laundry, a leading provider of commercial laundry and linen services. Under his leadership, Up To Date Laundry has grown into one of the largest healthcare laundries on the East Coast through strategic growth, operational excellence, and industry innovation. He previously worked at G&K Services as a General Manager for the Mid-Atlantic Region.
Chris Moore
Chris Moore is the former President and Chief Strategy Officer at Wildman Uniform & Linen and has built a career in business leadership, with experience spanning multiple industries including manufacturing, healthcare, and supply chain management.
Sponsorship Options
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