TRSA President & CEO Joseph Ricci shared his perspective on the major forces shaping the linen, uniform and facility services industry, drawing on insights gained from visits to more than 600 operator and supplier partner facilities worldwide.
On the latest episode of Behind the Seams, a podcast hosted by George Courey Inc. President and CEO Jeff Courey, Ricci identified workforce shortages as the industry’s most pressing long-term challenge, noting that declining labor availability is accelerating interest in automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and operational efficiency. While some operators already are integrating AI into daily business processes, he emphasized that many companies are still in the early stages of adoption. To help members navigate the technology, TRSA recently launched a new AI education and benchmarking initiative designed to provide practical guidance and implementation roadmaps.
The conversation also explored other significant industry trends, including consolidation, private-equity investment, supply chain disruptions, globalization and tariff-related uncertainty. Ricci highlighted TRSA’s advocacy efforts in the U.S. and Canada to secure tax incentives, accelerated depreciation opportunities and tariff relief for linen, uniform and facility services operators.
Throughout the discussion, Ricci underscored the importance of industry collaboration, knowledge sharing and workforce development. He pointed to TRSA’s expanding research efforts, new Independent Operator Network (ION) and growing international partnerships as examples of how the association is helping members prepare for the future.
Looking ahead, Ricci said he hopes his legacy at TRSA will be strengthening connections across the industry and fostering an inclusive community where companies of all sizes can learn from one another and thrive.
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