The new TRSA Quick Start online training program for route service representatives (RSRs) features two industry veterans credited with developing such personnel for companies recognized for fast growth in uniform and linen rental.
These instructors are from Performance Matters, the Columbia, SC-based consultancy that powers Quick Start for TRSA. They are Caleb Gilmer, sales consulting director (pictured above, right); and Ray Shabandarian, service consulting director (pictured above, left).
Gilmer brought 15 years of B2B sales-management experience to the position in 2021, largely with Wildman Business Group (Warsaw, IN). Shabandarian’s resume had 24 years of industry experience with Cintas Corp. (Mason, OH) and AmeriPride Services and Aramark Uniform Services (consolidated into Vestis Corp., Roswell, GA).
Joining Performance Matters as a senior consultant, Gilmer started with Wildman as a sales rep in 2007, moving into sales management after three years. Next, he would be an assistant VP and advance to VP, specifically for sales in 2020, before moving across the U.S. to support family and seeking out Performance Matters.
Shabandarian’s positions on the way to his current role included service sales rep, certified route trainer, service training coordinator, sales rep, service manager and branch manager. In corporate service training, he developed, rolled out, and managed numerous best practices and service programs across North America.
Gilmer helped a family-owned business expand from 17 to more than 50 routes and grow organically by over 300%. He was responsible for and involved in budgeting, pricing, cost control, major acquisitions and depot openings.
At Cintas, Shabandarian spent eight years building skills and over time delivering key learnings in service to different locations by applying his route-level expertise to broader operational responsibilities. He scaled successful practices across multiple routes and eventually entire branches.
Recruited by AmeriPride, he implemented scalable solutions across all North American locations, leveraging his experience in service process development and operational alignment. This included managing service training and operational improvements for over 1,200 routes.
Quick Start accelerates onboarding of new RSRs and boosts performance for more experienced ones. The self-paced four-to-eight-week program is built on real-world scenarios and guided by industry experts, blending hands-on experience with engaging video lessons. The program includes:
- 52 structured training videos: Sequentially designed to build route skills and reinforce learning.
- Customer-focused delivery: Emphasizes timely, accurate service to meet customer expectations.
- Safety first: Covers critical safety practices in facilities, trucks and customer sites.
- Ethics and core values: Instills the principles that guide daily decision-making.
- Hands-on experience: Includes practical training alongside a Route Training Partner.
Click here for details and registration.
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