We recently journeyed to the Chicago suburb of St. Charles, IL, to interview Joseph LaPorta, president and CEO of Healthcare Linen Services Group (HLSG), on issues related to healthcare laundering—as well as the challenges/opportunities facing HLSG as LaPorta completes his first year of leading several laundry operators. The HLSG has four divisions and 10 facilities in four states. They process roughly 185 million lbs. (83.9 million kg) annually.

Not unlike the HLSG’s corporate headquarters, LaPorta himself is a relative newcomer to the textile service side of healthcare. However, he emphasizes that he’s a “healthcare professional,” with many years of experience ...