TRSA’s Independent Operator Network Gets Underway

The launch of the TRSA Independent Operator Network (ION) marked a defining moment for independent, owner‑operated laundries seeking a stronger voice and more relevant engagement with TRSA.

With a shared mission shaped by experienced and emerging operators that understand both the challenges and the potential of running smaller, entrepreneurial laundry businesses, the ION creates a space purpose‑built for independent operators – those who often felt underserved by programs designed for larger, multiplant operators.

The ION Advisory Board includes the following industry leaders:

• Peter Allen, The Laundry Doctor
• Russ Ballard, Low Country Medical
• Steve Disser, Nashville Towel & Laundry Services
• Amy Doody, Amy’s Laundry
• Becky Hughes, Hughes Customat
• John Johnston, Physicians Wear (PW)
• Randy Roberts, Columbus Express Laundry

The board was joined by longtime industry operators and consultants Chris Moore, G&K Services and Wildman Uniform & Linen; and Mark Carter, Up-to-Date Laundry. Operator Kelley Dixon, St. Croix Linen, also joined the call.

Advisory Board members shared why independent operators need content that reflects their realities – lean teams, hands‑on ownership, modest capital budgets, and the constant balancing act between growth and stability. Topics ranged from defining what it truly means to be an independent operator, to whether the network should be further stratified by company size, so discussions remain relevant and actionable.

“The ION will be a community that helps operators working in the business to spend more time working on the business,” said TRSA President & CEO Joseph Ricci. “I am taking a personal interest in creating an environment for information-sharing among small, independent operators and creating resources that help sustain their growth.”

Operational best practices quickly emerged as a central theme. These included:

• Developing scalable processes for production and routes
• Hiring and retaining versatile employees
• Cost-effective efficiency-based automation
• Reducing energy costs
• Benchmarking and identifying key performance indicators (KPIs) as essential tools for improvement

ION’s initial virtual, facilitated interactive discussion will cover KPIs and Benchmarking for Succes. The session is scheduled for Tuesday, June 30, at 3 p.m. EDT. It will be free to all operators and kick off with an overview of the objectives and resources of the ION to encourage further participation and information sharing. Several industry leaders have stepped forward to facilitate this session, including Carter and Moore.

TRSA staff members on the call included Ricci; Ken Koepper, director of industry relations and membership; and Meredyth Ellington, membership manager. The trio reinforced the association’s commitment to making ION successful. Plans were outlined for a dedicated online resource hub, facilitated networking events and educational programming designed specifically for the independent community.

Single plant, independent operators, regardless of their membership in TRSA, are encouraged to contact Ricci at [email protected] to help define the future of ION within TRSA, share insights, help shape programming, host discussions and pilot new ideas.