Congressional Leaders Visit Wildman Headquarters
Wildman Business Group recently welcomed U.S. Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN) and Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-IN-02) to its headquarters in Warsaw, IN. Josh Wildman, the company’s third-generation CEO, has helped grow the family-owned business into a leading industrial laundry serving the Indiana, Michigan, Illinois and Ohio markets. In addition to showcasing the business operation and industry, these two congressional tours highlighted the positive impacts that Wildman makes on people and communities, both in Indiana and around the globe.
The Wildman corporate HQ in Warsaw is one of three plants in Indiana, accompanied by three depot locations that serve more than 11,000 accounts. Thirty of the ninety total routes run out of the Warsaw plant, which processes 78,000 garments and 445,000 lbs. weekly. The company has grown 25 times in the past 25 years, and the expansion is not slowing down, with nine acquisitions in the last five years alone.
In the face of this explosive growth, Wildman has stayed true to its core values of relationships, authenticity, service and excellence. Wildman’s Dream Management program empowers, encourages and engages the company’s employees, helping them set and achieve personal and professional goals. Wildman strives to support the mental, physical, emotional, financial and spiritual wellbeing of its 450 team members. In addition to changing lives, this program has positive impacts on the recruitment and retention of employees. The annual turnover rate is just 9%. Additionally, Wildman fills 70% of job openings by internal promotion, offering development and leadership opportunities to its workforce. Lori Stanger, VP, people and culture, said that the Dream Management program encourages “stronger retention and better results, changing the lives of the team members, customer base and communities.”
Wildman leads by example, committing 20% of profits to community and world missions. Their LoveWorks initiative cultivates a culture of generosity and gratitude within the company, community and beyond by providing hope and light to those in need.
Wildman is a shining example of how the linen, uniform and facility services industry makes a difference in peoples’ lives. During these tours with Sen. Braun and Rep. Yakym, we discussed opportunities in Congress to protect and expand the linen, uniform and facility services industry and its members’ positive impacts – especially in terms of job creation, environmental sustainability, economic activity and textile circularity.
Congressional site visits showcase TRSA members and the linen, uniform and facility services industry to policymakers and helps educate them on the impact their decisions make on our members, businesses and communities. If you are interested in hosting a congressional site visit, reach out to TRSA Advocacy Manager Caleigh McDonough at cmcdonough@trsa.org.