As a “mature” business, today’s linen, uniform and facility services industry boasts few startups. It’s rarer still for a new laundry to not only survive, but thrive in today’s healthcare market. EcoBrite Linen in Skokie, IL, is one such newcomer that has (so far) beaten the odds. CEO Brian Polatsek has relied on a combination of acumen, innovation and a desire to learn from laundry peers, including contacts made through TRSA, to help ensure his company’s success in serving the nursing home laundry market.

Recently, we toured EcoBrite’s 44,288-square-foot plant where the company processes roughly 230,000 lbs. per week. EcoBrite ...