General Linen & Uniform Service is striving for success as a laundry operator in the “New Detroit” of the 21st century. By “new” we mean that while Detroit remains as a center for the U.S. auto industry, it’s diversified into other areas of technology as well, plus services, such as Quicken Loans, which has its headquarters here. What’s more, as the city’s economic fortunes have improved, it’s drawn chef/entrepreneurs to launch fine-dining restaurants that cater to millennials who are coming to the city to work in high-paying jobs in tech businesses, manufacturing and services.

GROWING PAINS

John Shoemaker, vice ...