Mountville CEO Gets TRSA Associate Lifetime Achievement Award
David Hart, chairman, president and CEO, Mountville Mills Inc., LaGrange, GA, recently was named the winner of TRSA’s Maglin/Biggie Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring exceptional lifetime contributions by an associate member to improve the association and industry. Hart will receive his award during the Annual Awards Dinner on Oct. 17, in conjunction with the TRSA Annual Conference at the Meritage Resort & Spa, Napa, CA.
TRSA President and CEO Joseph Ricci recently informed Hart of the decision, noting that, “It gives me tremendous pleasure to notify you that the TRSA Associate Executive Committee has voted to recognize your contributions to the linen, uniform and facility services industry with the TRSA Maglin/Biggie Associate Lifetime Achievement Award, our industry’s highest honor bestowed upon an associate professional in recognition of their exceptional personal service to the industry.”
Hart is known for promoting TRSA’s value to the industry, supporting the association through personal involvement and enabling Mountville management to give their time to TRSA activities. He has been active in many committees throughout the years, including the Associate and Government Relations panels, and participated in numerous conferences and other functions. Hart served on TRSA’s Board of Directors from 2006-’09.
Hart is a graduate of Columbus State University and the University of Georgia School of Law. Upon the completion of law school, Hart joined the family business, Mountville Mills, where he has been employed for the past 39 years. He had the honor of working with his late father, Emmett Hart, for over 20 years; his two sisters, Sherry Hart and Sue Ekkebus; and his niece, Anna Turner. During this time, Mountville has grown from 14 employees to more than 1,100 employees, and has become the leading manufacturer of commercial floor mats. Mountville has locations in the United States, Canada, Belgium and the United Kingdom.
In addition to expanding the company internationally, Hart positioned the company at the forefront of mat developments including washable antifatigue, scraper and graphic tufted logo. He introduced route-building training to increase launderers’ mat sales, and launched the first website and mobile app by a mat company.
The award is named for the late Rudolph A. “Rudy” Maglin, the chemical supplier who finished his career with Dober Group (Spindle Technologies), Woodridge, IL; and James Biggie, the launderer-turned-garment identification specialist for Penn Cos., Philadelphia. Since 1987, Lifetime Achievement awards have been bestowed upon 21 individuals from associate member companies. These business leaders improved TRSA and the industry outside the course of their everyday job responsibilities.