Richard Warren a recently retired general manager at Linen King’s Conway, AR, plant, says the key lesson he’s learned after 53 years in the laundry business is the need to encourage both employees and management to commit to success—both on an individual and corporate level.

“I do think, in this business, companies need to foster commitment from the employees,” said Warren, who acknowledged there’s no magic formula for doing that. That said, important steps should include recognizing success and finding ways to show people you care. “You have to make jobs in the laundry industry something that is viewed as ...