April 15, 2026
7:00 AM ET
Registration Open
7:00 AM
Breakfast
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
8 AM ET
Collaborative Workforce Strategies: Aligning Employer Needs with Opportunity Pathways
8:00 - 9:15 AM
SPEAKER:
Chief Education and Talent Officer - Detroit Regional Chamber
Chief Education and Talent Officer - Detroit Regional Chamber
Greg Handel is the Chief Education and Talent Officer at the Detroit Regional Chamber, where he leads the TalentEd initiative to help employers strengthen and expand the regional talent pipeline. He focuses on increasing post high school educational attainment to ensure employers have the workforce needed to compete in a global economy.
He oversees the CEO Talent Council, Detroit Drives Degrees, and the Detroit Promise, which provides a tuition free pathway to college for Detroit high school graduates. His work includes advancing education policy, supporting talent retention and attraction, and driving regional strategies that close equity gaps in degree attainment.
April 15, 2026
8:00 - 9:15 AM
This session explores practical strategies to help employers align their workforce needs with effective talent solutions while expanding access to opportunity for both jobseekers and businesses. Featuring insights from both the Detroit Regional Chamber, and the Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation, the session will highlight proven approaches to closing skill gaps through internal development, upskilling, mentoring, education assistance, internships and work-based learning.
SPEAKER:
Chief Education and Talent Officer - Detroit Regional Chamber
9:15 AM ET
Networking Break
9:15 - 9:30 AM
9:30 AM ET
Technology Adoption Challenges
9:30 - 10:30 AM
SPEAKERS:
President - Ellis Ludell
President - Ellis Ludell
Bob Fesmire Jr. is the President of Ellis Corporation, a fifth‑generation family business and long‑established leader in industrial laundry and water‑treatment equipment. Founded in 1898, Ellis has been recognized for delivering durable, long‑term washing, drying, finishing and wastewater solutions for more than a century.
Over his more than two decades with the company, Bob has held several key leadership roles, including Executive Vice President and COO, where he oversaw significant sales growth and strengthened the organization through strategic personnel additions. His family has guided the company since its earliest years, and Bob continues to carry that legacy forward by promoting a strong culture, clear core values and LEAN practices that enhance quality and customer value.
Ellis later expanded its capabilities through its acquisition of Ludell, a long‑standing water‑system manufacturer chaired by Robert Fesmire Sr., strengthening the company’s position in both laundry and wastewater technologies. Today, the combined organization operates as EllisLudell, reflecting the unified strengths of both brands and their shared commitment to innovation and long‑term performance in the industries they serve.
Vice President, SSC Operations - JENSEN USA
Vice President, SSC Operations - JENSEN USA
Anders Hansen brings over 3 decades of hands-on experience and leadership to JENSEN. Serving over 30 years in the industrial laundry industry, he has been a driving force behind the adoption of improved material handling and automation, helping take laundries in North America into the age of automation and innovation.
Anders started his career in the late 1980s in JENSEN’s factory in Bornholm, Denmark, and he transitioned from product development to field service, before moving to JENSEN USA in 1993, where he began supporting larger projects in the service department. Anders was instrumental in launching Metricon’s garment handling systems in North America, now recognized as the gold standard with over 100 installations. Since 2018, he has also championed the rollout of Inwatec’s advanced automation technologies, including soil sorting, stack storage, and mat rolling systems.
Currently, he heads JENSEN’s newly established Automation Team – nicknamed “A-Team”. This task force of experts guides laundry owners through the complicated and frequently changing Automation landscape: from understanding what is possible, to designing tailored solutions, and to embracing the next generation of laundry technology.
Director of Sales - Spindle
Director of Sales - Spindle
Responsible for all aspects of operations, sales and management in the Asian Pacific Market. Provides corporate customer relationships and growth for several major accounts in North America. Specializes in plant operations and engineering management to include production process improvement strategies, utility optimization and consulting services.
Previously managed the project management team that led all facets of hardware and software implementation since inception of Spindle to include development of streamlining installations procedures and training programs. Responsible for bringing success of Spindle’s Operations Management Software to the laundry industry and exploration of other industries.
Prior experience in laundry facility management to include engineering and operations. Retired US Navy Submarine Nuclear Engineer responsible for operation and maintenance of all aspects of a nuclear power plant.
April 15, 2026
9:30 - 10:30 AM
As automation expands across the Linen, Uniform and Facility Services industry, maintenance teams often face the toughest hurdles, including complex systems, steep learning curve and tools that aren’t built with real world service needs in mind. This session dives into the key challenges that slow technology adoption and showcases practical ways to make new systems more intuitive, easier to maintain, and faster to troubleshoot, helping facilities boost uptime and get the most from their investments.
SPEAKERS:
President - Ellis Ludell
Vice President, SSC Operations - JENSEN USA
Director of Sales - Spindle
10:30 AM ET
Networking Break
10:30 - 10:45 AM
10:45 AM ET
Leveraging Technology and Information Sharing to Improve Customer Experience
10:45 - 11:45 AM
SPEAKERS:
Vice President, Corporate Accounts - Gurtler Industries Inc.
Vice President, Corporate Accounts - Gurtler Industries Inc.
Jake Gurtler serves as Vice President of Corporate Accounts at Gurtler Industries, where he represents the third generation of family leadership within the company. Since joining Gurtler in 2008, he has supported the organization’s growth across North America and international markets, helping expand its position as a leading manufacturer of specialized laundry chemical solutions. Jake works closely with major customers and industry partners to deliver service‑driven, innovative programs that uphold the company’s longstanding commitment to quality and performance.
Director of Sales & Marketing - TEXO
Director of Sales & Marketing - TEXO
Eric Smith is a 2nd generation industry supplier, the Director of Sales & Marketing for Alliant Systems, and the host of Laundry Talks, a podcast for the Textile Rental industry. He helps textile rental operators manage and grow their business through technology, training, and best practices.
April 15, 2025
10:45 - 11:45 AM
In a rapidly evolving digital environment, organizations that use technology and share information effectively are better positioned to innovate and make informed decisions. This session highlights practical ways to strengthen communication, streamline workflows, and improve performance through smart digital tools. Participants will learn how to assess current systems, identify gaps, and apply technology that supports transparency, collaboration, and long-term growth. The session offers actionable strategies that can be put to use right away.
SPEAKERS:
Vice President, Corporate Accounts - Gurtler Industries Inc.
Director of Sales & Marketing - TEXO
11:45 AM ET
Lunch
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
SPONSORED BY:
12:45 PM ET
Navigating and Resolving Workplace Conflict
12:45 - 1:45 PM
SPEAKER:
Account Executive - SecurePassage
Account Executive - SecurePassage
Ryan Tucker is an Account Executive at Secure Passage who’s committed to helping organizations create safer, more resilient environments. He partners closely with clients across Arkansas, offering guidance and support as they adopt intelligence driven solutions like Truman Digital Identities, the Haystax Operational Intelligence Center, and Workplace Behavioral Threat Assessment (WBTA). Known for his client first mindset and ability to simplify complex security challenges, Ryan works to ensure every organization he supports feels informed, confident, and protected.
April 15, 2026
12:45 - 1:45 PM
Conflict in the workplace is inevitable, but how leaders and teams respond to it directly influences organizational culture, performance, and psychological safety. This session explores practical strategies to recognize, address, and resolve conflict in ways that strengthen working relationships and support a safe, respectful environment for all employees. Participants will learn how to identify underlying causes of tension, apply effective communication techniques, and foster a culture where issues can be addressed early and openly. The session also emphasizes the importance of maintaining emotional and physical safety during conflict, ensuring that all parties feel supported, heard, and empowered to collaborate on positive outcomes.
SPEAKER:
Account Executive - SecurePassage
1:45 PM ET
Networking Break
1:45 - 2:00 PM
2:00 PM ET
Transforming a Plant: Practical Strategies for Modernization
2:00 - 3:00 PM
3:00 PM ET
Networking Break
3:00 - 3:15 PM
3:15 PM ET
Local CEO /Executive Panel
3:15 - 4:15 PM
SPEAKERS:
President & CEO, United Hospital Services LLC
President & CEO, United Hospital Services LLC
Edward McCauley serves as the president and CEO of United Hospital Services, LLC, in Indianapolis, a role he assumed in March 2005 after joining the company as Vice President and COO in 2002. He has over 40 years of experience in the laundry industry and played a key role in restructuring United Hospital Services from a 501(C)(3) to a for-profit limited liability company (LLC). Under his leadership, the company's annual linen production volume has increased from 27 million pounds to over 60 million pounds annually. He also helped in the design and construction of a second operating facility in Hammond, IN, which officially opened in 2022. Mr. McCauley has made significant contributions to the broader industry through various leadership positions, including serving as the past president and a member of the International Association of Healthcare Textile Managers (IAHTM) and a past president and member of the American Reusable Textile Association (ARTA). Highlighting his deep passion and journey in the field, McCauley authored a memoir titled The Lint in My Veins published in 2024. He also holds a patent for a “Clean Sling with Lint Reduction Cover.
Co-President, Economy Linen & Towel, Inc.
Co-President, Economy Linen & Towel, Inc.
Jason Feldman is Co President of Economy Linen & Towel, Inc., a long standing, family owned provider of linen and laundry services that has served customers for more than 95 years. He brings strong financial and operational expertise to the company, supported by earlier roles as a financial analyst at American Express and positions in business development and financial services.
Jason holds an MBA from the Zicklin School of Business and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Indiana University Bloomington. Working alongside his family’s leadership team, he helps guide Economy Linen’s growth, client service focus and strategic direction.
Senior Vice President, General Linen & Uniform Service
Senior Vice President, General Linen & Uniform Service
John Shoemaker is Senior Vice President of General Linen & Uniform Service, one of the largest privately owned linen, uniform and hotel service providers in the region, known for its five‑star service, attention to detail and 24/7 customer support. Based in Detroit, John has been with the company since 2008, contributing more than 15 years of leadership experience in the textile services industry.
With a strong background in management, business strategy and operations, John plays a key role in guiding the company’s growth and delivering high‑quality service to clients across Michigan and northern Ohio.
April 15, 2026
3:15 - 4:15 PM
This closing session brings together Midwest industry CEOs to reflect on the Summit’s key themes and discuss the trends, opportunities, and challenges shaping the region. Panelists will share high‑level insights on evolving customer expectations, workforce needs, operational pressures, and areas for innovation. Attendees will leave with a clearer view of how leaders are positioning their companies for continued success.
SPEAKERS:
President & CEO, United Hospital Services LLC
Co-President, Economy Linen & Towel, Inc.
Senior Vice President, General Linen & Uniform Service
