TRSA Launches Independent Operator Network

TRSA announced the formation of the Independent Operator Network (ION), a new initiative designed to strengthen education, information-sharing and peer collaboration for small, independently owned linen, uniform and facility services companies.

TRSA is developing ION following a year of qualitative and quantitative research examining the needs, challenges and opportunities facing single-plant and emerging linen, uniform and facility services industry operators. TRSA’s research revealed distinct business and workforce priorities based on company size. Companies earning less than $5 million face different management, operational and growth needs than companies earning between $6 million and $20 million, particularly when balancing day‑to‑day operations with long‑term growth. These differences are particularly evident in areas such as efficiency, technological adoption, workforce retention and training, information-sharing, networking and plant tours.

“Independent operators bring energy, innovation and agility to our industry,” said TRSA President & CEO Joseph Ricci. “The Independent Operator Network is designed to provide both established and emerging companies access to practical educational programs, training, information-sharing and peer connections. By establishing this dedicated support ecosystem, we will strengthen long-term industry resilience and broaden the base of successful linen, uniform and facility services companies.”

TRSA will establish an advisory board of owner/operators and executives to guide the initiatives of the new Independent Operator Network, helping to identify topics, issues and opportunities for members to share information and network with similar organizations. These initiatives will include:

• Education and training tailored to the workforce, operational and compliance challenges faced by operators based on size and markets, as well as rental and customer owned goods
• Peer-to-peer information sharing among companies with similar business models and resource constraints
• Networking opportunities through facilitated virtual discussions, webinars and in-person events

ION programming will focus on operational priorities identified through TRSA’s research, including:

• Expanding into new markets and customer segments
• Managing rising input and operating costs
• Production efficiencies, automation and technology adoption
• Growth planning from start-up through expansion
• Staffing, recruitment and retention challenges

If you are interested in serving on the Independent Operator Network Advisory Board or seeking additional information regarding the new network, visit www.trsa.org or contact Ricci at jricci@trsa.org or 703.966.5933.