When we arrived for a tour of Health Mats in Chester, PA, near the Philadelphia International Airport, company President Vince Del Rossi greeted us in soiled work clothes. The proverbial “hands-on operator” was fixing a washer/extractor that morning. After a quick change into a sport coat and slacks, we sat down to discuss this company that will mark its 50th anniversary next month.

Like many independents, Health Mats’ success has—at times—hinged on help from industry colleagues, suppliers, customers and others who made it possible for the company to overcome critical business challenges, including two major fires, one of which nearly ...