Northeast Production Summit Speakers

Doubletree Philadelphia Center City
Philadelphia, PA
October 22 - 23, 2025

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Speakers

CEO - Inwatec

Mads Anderson

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Mads Anderson

CEO - Inwatec

Mads Andresen is the CEO and founder of Inwatec ApS, a Danish engineering and machinery company redefining efficiency in the industrial laundry industry. Since 2009, his driving vision has been to streamline operations by reducing tedious manual tasks and boosting ergonomics. Starting with mat-rolling solutions, Inwatec has evolved to focus on advanced soiled-side sorting technology, enabling laundries to handle incoming items faster, more accurately, and more hygienically.

Under Andresen’s leadership, Inwatec earned the “Odense Robotics Company of the Year” award in 2019, recognizing its groundbreaking use of robotics and unwavering dedication to innovation. In October 2023, he also assumed the role of Chief Innovation Officer at the JENSEN-GROUP, strengthening the collaboration between the two companies. Supported by his growing team of “Laundrynerds,” Andresen continues to pursue his mission of eliminating “dirty work” through state-of-the-art automation.

Founder & Chief Appreciation Strategist - Grategy

Lisa Ryan

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Lisa Ryan

Founder & Chief Appreciation Strategist - Grategy

Lisa Ryan is an award-winning keynote speaker, best-selling author, and Certified Speaking Professional (CSP). As the Founder and Chief Appreciation Strategist at Grategy®, she helps organizations enhance workplace culture, boost employee engagement, and increase retention. With a dynamic approach rooted in gratitude, Lisa’s engaging presentations empower leaders to create thriving work environments. With over a decade of experience in manufacturing, construction, and long-term care, Lisa’s actionable insights make her a sought-after speaker for industries looking to drive lasting success through people-focused strategies.

Customer Success Representative Manager - Kannegiesser ETECH

Darrin Smith

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Darrin Smith

Customer Success Representative Manager - Kannegiesser ETECH

After high school, Darrin enlisted in the National Guard, where he served with distinction as a Non-Commissioned Officer in the 257th Military Police Company, including deployment during Desert Shield/Storm and being recognized as Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year. With over 20 years of experience in the Point-of-Sale industry, he specialized in equipment installation, troubleshooting, and training.

Since 2017, Darrin has been with Kannegiesser ETECH, contributing to Onsite Coordinating, Service Phone Support, and Customer Success. He furthered his expertise in the laundry industry through continued education with ALM, MTSA, NELA, and I am a proud graduate of TRSA’s CPLM program.

Owner - Safety Solutions for Healthcare

Brian Varner

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Brian Varner

Owner - Safety Solutions for Healthcare

Brian has an extensive background in Safety and Risk Management serving in multiple industries including Linen. He served as VP of Risk and Safety for Compass Group North America for 14 years prior to starting his own company, Safety Solutions for Healthcare. His mission continues to be focused on reducing workplace injuries and exposure through a robust safety and risk program. His leadership has earned him and his team prestigious awards such as the “Teddy Roosevelt Award” (issued by Risk and Insurance Magazine) for demonstrating a significant reduction in workers' compensation claims through innovation and collaboration with field operators.

Brian’s background in auditing and compliance started after becoming a certified ISO Auditor. He recognized that compliance was one of the keys to having an effective safety and compliance program. Over his career he has created point scored compliance audits for the linen industry and authored many Linen compliance manuals, training, and awareness programs to promote safety and compliance. As a result of his commitment to compliance and safety he was the dual recipient of the 2023 TRSA Safety Excellent Award.

Brian resides with his wife and 5 kids in Denver, Colorado. He is an avid skier and outdoorsman. He is also a Certified Tennis Instructor and plays on several men’s tennis teams in the Denver Metro Area.