CINCINNATI – March 16, 2020 – From creating a working kitchen for special needs children to using their own money to buy necessities for students, the top 10 finalists in the 2020 Custodian of the Year contest go above and beyond. Hosted by Cintas Corporation (NASDAQ: CTAS), the Custodian of the Year contest shines a spotlight on the extraordinary yet often invisible heroes who contribute more than cleanliness to their schools. Now through April 17, the public is encouraged to vote for their favorite custodian at custodianoftheyear.com.
“This contest shows just how important custodians are to their schools and communities,” said Christiny Betsch, Marketing Manager, Cintas. “The number of heartfelt stories we received made it almost impossible to narrow down the top 10 finalists. These 10 finalists have hearts of gold, and we’re honored to share their stories with the public.”
The greatest number of public votes determines the winner of the 2020 Custodian of the Year contest. The winner will receive a $10,000 cash prize along with $5,000 in products and services for his or her school from Cintas and Rubbermaid Commercial Products. The winner’s school will also receive a comprehensive training and development package from ISSA, The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association, valued at $20,000. A cash prize of $1,000 each and free tuition to one ISSA Cleaning Management Institute (CMI) training event, valued at $1,500, will be awarded to the remaining nine finalists.
“It was difficult narrowing down thousands of stories to 10 finalists,” said John Barrett, Executive Director, ISSA. “Each custodian has their own unique story, showcasing their astonishing commitment and dedication, which is why these finalists are so worthy of recognition.”
The top 10 finalists in the 2020 Custodian of the Year contest include (alphabetical order):
Howell Beasley – Albertville Kindergarten and Pre-K (Albertville, Ala.)
Cintas Corporation helps over one million businesses of all types and sizes get READY™ to open their doors with confidence every day by providing a wide range of products and services that enhance our customers’ image and help keep their facilities and employees clean, safe and looking their best. With products and services including uniforms, mats, mops, restroom supplies, first aid and safety products, fire extinguishers and testing, and training and compliance courses, Cintas helps customers get Ready for the Workday®. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Cintas is a publicly held company traded over the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol CTAS and is a component of both the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index and Nasdaq-100 Index.
About ISSA:
With more than 9,300 members—including distributors, manufacturers, manufacturer representatives, wholesalers, building service contractors, in-house service providers, residential cleaners, and associated service members—ISSA is the world’s leading trade association for the cleaning industry. The association is committed to changing the way the world views cleaning by providing its members with the business tools they need to promote cleaning as an investment in human health, the environment, and an improved bottom line. Headquartered in Northbrook, IL, USA, the association has regional offices in Mainz, Germany; Parramatta, Australia; Whitby, Canada; Seoul, South Korea; and Shanghai, China. Visit issa.com, join the discussion with ISSA’s LinkedIn group, and follow ISSA on our Facebook page and Twitter account. For more information, visit issa.com, or call 800-225-4772 (North America) or 847-982-0800.
Cintas’ seventh-annual Custodian of the Year contest is now underway
CINCINNATI – Feb. 3, 2020 – Cintas Corporation (NASDAQ: CTAS) is now accepting nominations for its seventh-annual Custodian of the Year contest, which honors the best-of-the-best amongst school custodians. Nominations are being accepted at http://www.localhost:10005/ until March 2, 2020.
Created to celebrate custodians who go above and beyond to support school cleanliness and student well-being, the contest awards $10,000 to the winning custodian and $5,000 in Cintas and Rubbermaid products and services to the winner’s school. The winner’s school will also receive a comprehensive training and development package from ISSA, The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association, valued at $20,000. An additional nine finalists will receive $1,000 each and free tuition to one ISSA Cleaning Management Institute (CMI) training event, valued at $1,500.
“By maintaining school facilities, custodians provide students, staff and visitors with a clean and healthy environment that supports learning,” said Christiny Betsch, Marketing Manager, Cintas. “Many are also the backbone of their school community, going the extra mile in everything they do. This contest highlights the important work custodians do each day.”
The Cintas Custodian of the Year contest is open to all elementary, middle, high school and university custodians who have worked at their school for at least two years. Nominations must be 500 words or less on why the nominee is deserving of the award and submitted by March 2. Cintas is announcing the top 10 finalists on March 16. The public can vote for their favorite custodian through April, and the finalist with the most votes will be crowned Custodian of the Year.
“Custodians do much more than clean,” said John Barrett, Executive Director, ISSA. “They protect children in schools, elderly in long-term care facilities, guests in hotels, visitors in stores and so much more by creating clean, healthy and safe environments. ISSA is committed to changing the way the world views cleaning, and we are honored to help Cintas recognize dedicated custodians across the country.”
Rubbermaid Commercial Products’ Vice President of Marketing, Marta Aebischer, added: “We are proud to partner with Cintas to showcase the 2020 Custodian of the Year. We realize how important their hard work is to our communities and we are committed to providing innovative solutions that make their jobs easier and safer.”
For more information regarding Cintas’ Custodian of the Year contest, please contact Jessie Koerner at [email protected]. A Custodian of the Year logo is available via email or Dropbox at https://www.dropbox.com/s/njrarsdrwbb39ui/COTY2020_Logo_CMYK.JPG?dl=0
About Cintas Corporation:
Cintas Corporation helps more than one million businesses of all types and sizes get Ready™ to open their doors with confidence every day by providing a wide range of products and services that enhance our customers’ image and help keep their facilities and employees clean, safe and looking their best. With products and services including uniforms, mats, mops, restroom supplies, first aid and safety products, fire extinguishers and testing, and safety and compliance training, Cintas helps customers get Ready for the Workday®. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Cintas is a publicly held Fortune 500 company traded over the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol CTAS and is a component of both the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index and Nasdaq-100 Index.
About ISSA:
With more than 9,300 members—including distributors, manufacturers, manufacturer representatives, wholesalers, building service contractors, in-house service providers, residential cleaners, and associated service members—ISSA is the world’s leading trade association for the cleaning industry. The association is committed to changing the way the world views cleaning by providing its members with the business tools they need to promote cleaning as an investment in human health, the environment, and an improved bottom line. Headquartered in Northbrook, IL, USA, the association has regional offices in Mainz, Germany; Parramatta, Australia; Whitby, Canada; Seoul, South Korea; and Shanghai, China. Visit issa.com, join the discussion with ISSA’s LinkedIn group, and follow ISSA on our Facebook page and Twitter account. For more information, visit issa.com, or call 800-225-4772 (North America) or 847-982-0800.
About Rubbermaid Commercial Products:
Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP), headquartered in Huntersville, N.C., is a manufacturer of innovative, solution-based products for commercial and institutional markets worldwide. Since 1968, RCP has pioneered technologies and system solutions in the categories of food services, sanitary maintenance, waste handling, material transport and away-from-home washroom and safety products. RCP, an ISO 9001:2000 manufacturer, is part of Newell Rubbermaid’s global portfolio of leading brands and continues to develop innovative products. Visit www.rubbermaidcommercial.com.
CINCINNATI – [May 15, 2019] – And the winner of the 2019 Custodian of the Year contest is… Aristeo Flores! With over 278,600 votes, Cintas Corporation (NASDAQ: CTAS) today crowned Aristeo Flores of Scotts Valley (Calif.) Middle School the 2019 Custodian of the Year. Aristeo will receive a $5,000 cash prize and his school will also receive $5,000 in products and services from Cintas and Rubbermaid Commercial Products.
“The Custodian of the Year contest celebrates the many ways custodians make a difference in our schools,” said Jillian Bauer, Cintas Marketing Manager. “It’s clear from Aristeo’s win and the support that he’s received from day-one of this contest, that he is not only loved by his school, but by the community as well.”
Known for his warm, kind smile, Aristeo is an integral part of the Scotts Valley Middle School community. His gentle demeanor, sense of humor and hard work has left a positive impact on students past and present for the last 17 years. So when the opportunity came for his town of 12,000 to show him just how much he means to them, they swept the national contest and won with more than 30 percent of the vote.
During a surprise award presentation ceremony at the school, Aristeo was met with 530 overjoyed students who thought they were attending a pep rally. Complete with T-shirt cannons, giant balloons, a staff dance and an ice cream truck with treats for the whole school, it was clear why the 73-year-old isn’t ready to retire – his love of the students.
In an emotional speech from his son Miguel, Aristeo was described as someone who’s been an underdog his whole life. “My dad is an immigrant from Mexico who came here for the American Dream. Now I know why at 73-years-old he never talks about retiring. I get it – this is why he doesn’t retire. You guys are the reason he doesn’t retire.”
“Aristeo represents the best-of-the-best with his attitude, spirit and commitment to maintaining a healthy school for each and every student,” said Michael Halak, President, Rubbermaid Commercial Products. “We’re honored to recognize him today for his achievements and hope to bring a smile to his face like he’s done for so many others throughout the last 17 years.”
Nine contest runners-up will be awarded a $500 cash prize. They will also receive a $1,300 prize package from Rubbermaid consisting of cleaning tools and products.
Cintas Corporation helps more than one million businesses of all types and sizes get READY™ to open their doors with confidence every day by providing a wide range of products and services that enhance our customers’ image and help keep their facilities and employees clean, safe and looking their best. With products and services including uniforms, mats, mops, restroom supplies, first aid and safety products, fire extinguishers and testing, and safety and compliance training, Cintas helps customers get Ready for the Workday®. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Cintas is a publicly held company traded over the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol CTAS and is a component of both the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index and Nasdaq-100 Index.
About Rubbermaid Commercial Products:
Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP), headquartered in Huntersville, N.C., is a manufacturer of innovative, solution-based products for commercial and institutional markets worldwide. Since 1968, RCP has pioneered technologies and system solutions in the categories of food services, sanitary maintenance, waste handling, material transport, away-from-home washroom and safety products. RCP, an ISO 9001:2000 manufacturer, is part of Newell Rubbermaid’s global portfolio of leading brands and continues to develop innovative products. Visit www.rubbermaidcommercial.com.
CINCINNATI – [March 19, 2019] – Who will take home the custodian crown? Hosted by Cintas Corporation (NASDAQ: CTAS), the top 10 finalists in this year’s 2019 Custodian of the Year Contest have true hearts of gold. In its sixth year, the Custodian of the Year Contest aims to draw attention to the extraordinary yet often invisible heroes who contribute more than cleanliness to create a healthy and fun learning environment for students and faculty. Now through April 19, the public is encouraged to vote for their favorite custodian at www.cintas.com/BestCustodian.
“With nearly 4,000 nominations, our contest continues to grow every year, showing just how important school custodians are to their communities,” said Jillian Bauer, Marketing Manager, Cintas. “We received an extraordinary number of inspirational stories from school faculty, parents and students, making it nearly impossible to pick the finalists. This year’s top 10 go above and beyond all expectations and have made a positive impact on their schools, whether they’ve been working there for four or 40 years.”
The 2019 Custodian of the Year winner will be determined by the number of votes. In addition to bragging rights, the winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize along with $5,000 in products and services for his or her school from Cintas and Rubbermaid Commercial Products. A $500 cash prize will be awarded to each of the remaining nine finalists.
The top 10 finalists in the 2019 Custodian of the Year contest include (alphabetical order):
1. Angel Aviles – Main Street School (Irvington, N.Y.)
2. Micah Bootz – Sullivan Elementary School (Green Bay, Wis.)
3. Miguel Cuellar – McKinley Elementary – (San Francisco, Calif.)
4. Howard Edwards – Cardinal John Foley Regional Catholic School (Havertown, Pa.)
5. Aristeo Flores – Scotts Valley Middle School (Scotts Valley, Calif.)
6. Debi Hess – Berry Intermediate (Lebanon, Ohio)
7. Don Killingsworth – Sevilla West Elementary School (Phoenix, Ariz.)
8. Graham McVay – Trenton High School (Trenton, Mo.)
9. Tim Persenaire – Knapp Forest Elementary School (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
10. Nick Sifuentes – Hogan Cedars Elementary School (Gresham, Ore.)
Cintas Corporation helps over one million businesses of all types and sizes get READY™ to open their doors with confidence every day by providing a wide range of products and services that enhance our customers’ image and help keep their facilities and employees clean, safe and looking their best. With products and services including uniforms, mats, mops, restroom supplies, first aid and safety products, fire extinguishers and testing, and training and compliance courses, Cintas helps customers get Ready for the Workday®. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Cintas is a publicly held company traded over the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol CTAS and is a component of both the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index and Nasdaq-100 Index.
CINCINNATI – [Feb. 4 2019] – Do you know a custodian who works tirelessly to keep their school clean and safe for students, staff and visitors? Starting today, Cintas Corporation (NASDAQ: CTAS) is accepting nominations for its sixth-annual Custodian of the Year contest to honor the best-of-the-best amongst school janitors and custodians. Nominations for the $10,000 prize package will be accepted online at www.cintas.com/BestCustodian
through March 4, 2019.
Created to shine a spotlight on custodians who often receive little recognition for their hard work and dedication, the contest will award $5,000 to the winning custodian and $5,000 in Cintas and Rubbermaid products and services to the winning custodian’s school. A $500 cash prize will be awarded to an additional top nine finalists.
“Often the heart of the school, custodians go above and beyond every day to make sure our children have a positive learning environment,” said Jillian Bauer, Marketing Manager, Cintas. “Whether that’s through handing out high-fives or making sure school surfaces are clean and germ-free, we created this contest to thank those that often go unnoticed.”
After nearly 450,000 votes were tabulated following last year’s contest, Bob Cook of Sands Montessori School in Cincinnati was crowned the 2018 Janitor of the Year. Cook accepted his award during a surprise student assembly complete with chants of “Mr. Bob! Mr. Bob!” from family, staff and more than 700 overjoyed students.
Cintas’ Custodian of the Year contest is open to all elementary, middle, high school and university custodians who have worked at their school for at least two years. Nominations must be 500 words or less on why the nominee is deserving of the award.
As a premier sponsor of this year’s contest, Rubbermaid Commercial Products’ Vice President of Marketing, Marta Aebischer, said, “We are proud to partner with Cintas to recognize the 2019 Custodian of the Year. We know that custodians work tirelessly every day to keep school environments safe and clean for students, and they deserve to be recognized for their contributions. Rubbermaid Commercial Products is dedicated to delivering cleaning solutions that help all custodial staff members complete their daily tasks more efficiently.”
The deadline for Custodian of the Year nominations is March 4. The top 10 finalists will be announced on March 19, at which time the public will be asked to vote for their favorite through April 19. The finalist receiving the most votes will be crowned Custodian of the Year.
For more information regarding the Custodian of the Year contest, please contact Jennifer Petersen at [email protected]. High-res Custodian of the Year logos are available via email or Dropbox at LINK.
About Cintas Corporation
Cintas Corporation helps more than one million businesses of all types and sizes get Ready™ to open their doors with confidence every day by providing a wide range of products and services that enhance our customers’ image and help keep their facilities and employees clean, safe and looking their best. With products and services including uniforms, mats, mops, restroom supplies, first aid and safety products, fire extinguishers and testing, and safety and compliance training, Cintas helps customers get Ready for the Workday®. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Cintas is a publicly held Fortune 500 company traded over the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol CTAS and is a component of both the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index and Nasdaq-100 Index.
About Rubbermaid Commercial Products:
Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP), headquartered in Huntersville, N.C., is a manufacturer of innovative, solution-based products for commercial and institutional markets worldwide. Since 1968, RCP has pioneered technologies and system solutions in the categories of food services, sanitary maintenance, waste handling, material transport and away-from-home washroom and safety products. RCP, an ISO 9001:2000 manufacturer, is part of Newell Rubbermaid’s global portfolio of leading brands and continues to develop innovative products. Visit www.rubbermaidcommercial.com
CINCINNATI – [May 3, 2018] – There’s a new royal resident in Cincinnati, and his name is Mr. Bob! With over 446,000 votes, Cintas Corporation’s (NASDAQ: CTAS) today crowned Bob Cook of Sands Montessori School the 2018 Janitor of the Year. Mr. Bob captured more than 40 percent of the vote and will receive a $5,000 cash prize. His school will also receive $5,000 in products and services from Cintas and Rubbermaid Commercial Products.
Mr. Bob, a beloved member of the community, has been with Sands Montessori for eight years and with the district for 17. During a surprise student assembly, overjoyed students were met outside with a firetruck and special banner letting them know their beloved Mr. Bob was the winner. To chants of “Mr. Bob! Mr. Bob!” from family, teachers and more than 700 students, the rain held off just long enough for Mr. Bob to accept his award. Whether he’s planting trees on school grounds over the summer, volunteering his spare time to coach the boys’ basketball team or spending his own money on supplies to keep Sands Montessori clean and tidy, Mr. Bob goes above and beyond.
“Mr. Bob is such a blessing to our school,” said Sarah Lord, Principal of Sands Montessori. “Not only does he keep our school spotless, he ensures every student feels welcome and safe. His uplifting, kind and often goofy personality makes him the perfect role model for our students.”
Nine contest runners up will also be awarded a $500 cash prize. They will also receive a $1,300 prize package from Rubbermaid consisting of cleaning tools and products.
“The Janitor of the Year contest celebrates the custodians that make a positive impact on students and staff every day,” said Jillian Bauer, Marketing Manager, Cintas. “Every finalist demonstrates the many unique ways janitors make a difference in our schools. We’re thrilled to see communities rally behind their janitors across the country.”
“Janitors are the heart and soul of every school, and it’s important to recognize the hard work that goes into maintaining healthy schools,” said Michael Halak, President, Rubbermaid Commercial Products. “We’re thrilled to recognize Bob and the finalists with this incredible achievement.”
For more information about the Janitor of the Year contest, visit www.cintas.com/JOTY.
EDITORS NOTE: To access B-Roll footage from today’s award presentation at Sands Montessori, visit https://www.dropbox.com/
Cintas Corporation helps more than one million businesses of all types and sizes get READY™ to open their doors with confidence every day by providing a wide range of products and services that enhance our customers’ image and help keep their facilities and employees clean, safe and looking their best. With products and services including uniforms, mats, mops, restroom supplies, first aid and safety products, fire extinguishers and testing, and safety and compliance training, Cintas helps customers get Ready for the Workday®. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Cintas is a publicly held company traded over the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol CTAS and is a component of both the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index and Nasdaq-100 Index.
About Rubbermaid Commercial Products:
Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP), headquartered in Huntersville, N.C., is a manufacturer of innovative, solution-based products for commercial and institutional markets worldwide. Since 1968, RCP has pioneered technologies and system solutions in the categories of food services, sanitary maintenance, waste handling, material transport, away-from-home washroom and safety products. RCP, an ISO 9001:2000 manufacturer, is part of Newell Rubbermaid’s global portfolio of leading brands and continues to develop innovative products. Visit www.rubbermaidcommercial.com.
CINCINNATI – [March 19, 2018] – From super heroes to fairy godmothers, this year’s top 10 finalists for Cintas Corporation’s (NASDAQ: CTAS) 2018 Janitor of the Year Contest are extraordinary individuals. In its fifth year, the Janitor of the Year Contest aims to draw attention to the everyday heroes that wear invisible capes and go above and beyond their job description to make schools a clean, healthy and fun learning environment. Now through April 20, the public is encouraged to vote for their favorite janitor or custodian at https://www.cintas.com/JOTY.
“With over 3,200 nominations in total, we doubled in size compared to last year’s contest. There were so many heartfelt stories from students, teachers and parents, making it incredibly difficult to narrow down the finalists,” said Jillian Bauer, Marketing Manager, Cintas. “These 10 janitors stuck out not only because they do their job exceedingly well, but because they have left a positive and lasting impact on their schools. These finalists redefine what it means to be a school janitor.”
The 2018 Janitor of the Year winner will be determined by the number of votes and will receive a $5,000 cash prize along with $5,000 in products and services for his or her school from Cintas and Rubbermaid Commercial Products – not to mention bragging rights. A $500 cash prize will be awarded to each of the remaining nine finalists.
“Now, it’s up to local communities, and the rest of the nation, to support these inspiring custodians and show them just how thankful we are for their hard work and endless compassion,” added Bauer.
The top 10 finalists in the 2018 Janitor of the Year contest include:
Lazaro Calderon – St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School (Miami)
Bob Cook – Sands Montessori (Cincinnati)
Rita Corona – University of Illinois at Chicago (Chicago)
Jeff Crecelius – Francisco Elementary School (Francisco, Ind.)
Frank Hernandez – Kalmiopsis Elementary School (Brookings, Ore.)
Rudy Hernandez – Tozer Elementary School (Windsor, Colo.)
Flora Lara – W.T. Henning Elementary School (Sulphur, La.)
Kris Pomp – East Dale Elementary School (Fairmont, W.Va.)
Dennis “Doc” Stadler – Lake Country (elementary) School (Hartland, Wis.)
Mark Zaidel – Harris Hill Elementary School (Williamsville, N.Y.)
Cintas Corporation helps more than one million businesses of all types and sizes get READY™ to open their doors with confidence every day by providing a wide range of products and services that enhance our customers’ image and help keep their facilities and employees clean, safe and looking their best. With products and services including uniforms, mats, mops, restroom supplies, first aid and safety products, fire extinguishers and testing, and safety and compliance training, Cintas helps customers get Ready for the Workday®. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Cintas is a publicly held company traded over the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol CTAS and is a component of both the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index and Nasdaq-100 Index.
Cintas’ recognizes excellence among school and university janitors
CINCINNATI – [Jan. 29, 2018] – Do you know an amazing school janitor or custodian? Cintas Corporation (NASDAQ: CTAS) is now accepting nominations for its fifth-annual Janitor of the Year contest which honors the “best-of-the-best” school janitors and custodians across America.
Created to shine a spotlight on those who work behind the scenes year-round to make schools a clean, safe and positive place, the contest will award $5,000 to the winning janitor and $5,000 in Cintas and Rubbermaid products and services to the school. Nominations will be accepted online at www.cintas.com/JOTY through March 2.
“Many school janitors and custodians do so much more in our schools and communities than maintain the school facilities,” said Jillian Bauer, Assistant Marketing Manager, Cintas. “This contest highlights the valuable role school janitors play in improving the overall well-being of the school, as well as creating a clean and safe place for our children to learn.”
After nearly 900,000 votes were tabulated following last year’s contest, Ted Qualli of Newtown Elementary School in Pennsylvania was crowned the 2017 Janitor of the Year. Described as someone who does everything from the heart, including handing out vegetable seedlings grown in his home garden to every student each spring, Ted was honored during a surprise school-wide assembly filled with his biggest fans – his students.
Cintas’ Janitor of the Year contest is open to all elementary, middle, high school and university janitors and custodians who have worked at their school for at least two years. Nominations must be 500 words or less on why the nominee is deserving of the award.
As a premier sponsor in this year’s contest, Rubbermaid Commercial Products’ Vice President of Trade Marketing and Brand Activation, Mark Jackmore said, “Rubbermaid Commercial Products is proud to partner with Cintas again to recognize the 2018 Janitor of the Year. We know school janitors and custodians are pivotal in creating a clean and safe environment for students, faculty and visitors. RCP is committed to delivering solutions that make the cleaning our nation’s schools easier, safer and more efficient.”
The deadline for Janitor of the Year nominations is March 2. The top 10 finalists will be announced on March 19, at which time the public will be asked to vote for their favorite through April 20. The finalist receiving the most votes will be crowned Janitor of the Year.
Cintas Corporation helps more than one million businesses of all types and sizes get READY™ to open their doors with confidence every day by providing a wide range of products and services that enhance our customers’ image and help keep their facilities and employees clean, safe and looking their best. With products and services including uniforms, mats, mops, restroom supplies, first aid and safety products, fire extinguishers and testing, and safety and compliance training, Cintas helps customers get Ready for the Workday®. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Cintas is a publicly held company traded over the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol CTAS and is a component of both the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index and Nasdaq-100 Index.
About Rubbermaid Commercial Products:
Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP), headquartered in Huntersville, NC., is a manufacturer of innovative, solution-based products for commercial and institutional markets worldwide. Since 1968, RCP has pioneered technologies and system solutions in the categories of food services, sanitary maintenance, waste handling, material transport, away-from-home washroom and safety products. RCP, an ISO 9001:2000 manufacturer, is part of Newell Rubbermaid’s global portfolio of leading brands and continues to develop innovative products. Visit www.rubbermaidcommercial.com.
Ted Qualli Jr., a beloved janitor and U.S. veteran, takes home the custodial crown
Philadelphia — May 1, 2017 – Make way for the newest custodial celebrity! After a record breaking 898,220 votes in this nationwide contest, Cintas Corporation (NASDAQ: CTAS) today crowned Ted Qualli Jr. of Newtown Elementary in Philadelphia, the 2017 Janitor of the Year. Ted captured more than 40 percent of the vote and will receive a $5,000 cash prize. His school will also receive $5,000 in products and services from Cintas and Rubbermaid Commercial Products.
Ted does everything from the heart, whether he's teaching students about his service to the country on Veteran's Day or handing out vegetable seedlings grown in his home garden to every student each spring. It's clear Ted is a friend and an inspiration in addition to being an excellent janitor. In fact, students spontaneously break into chant, yelling "Qual-li! Qual-li!" any time Ted appears in a hallway or classroom.
"Ted is the glue that holds this school together and a role model to the entire community," said Kevin King, Principal of Newtown Elementary. "Whether we have a student who's concerned about monsters in the restrooms, kick balls stuck on the roof or a staff member with a flat tire, Ted is always there to help out."
Nine contest runners up will also be awarded a $500 cash prize. They will also receive a $1,300 prize package from Rubbermaid consisting of cleaning tools and products to keep their schools in top shape.
"School janitors are the epitome of an everyday hero, going far beyond their requirements to provide students and staff with a clean and safe learning environment," said Jillian Bauer, Assistant Marketing Manager, Cintas. "This contest is a way of shining a much needed spotlight on these hardworking heroes and giving them the recognition they deserve."
"With nearly one million votes, this year's outpouring of support shows the work of a janitor extends far beyond mopping and sweeping; reaching students, faculty and entire communities," said Michael Halak, President, Rubbermaid Commercial Products. "We're excited to award Ted and the nine finalists with this outstanding achievement and look forward to honoring many more janitors as this contest grows."
For more information about the Janitor of the Year contest, visit www.cintas.com/JOTY.
About Cintas Corporation:
Cintas Corporation helps more than 900,000 businesses of all types and sizes get READY™ to open their doors with confidence every day by providing a wide range of products and services that enhance our customers' image and help keep their facilities and employees clean, safe and looking their best. With products and services including uniforms, mats, mops, restroom supplies, first aid and safety products, fire extinguishers and testing, and safety and compliance training, Cintas helps customers get Ready for the Workday®. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Cintas is a publicly held company traded over the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol CTAS and is a component of both the Standard & Poor's 500 Index and Nasdaq-100 Index.
About Rubbermaid Commercial Products:
Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP), headquartered in Huntersville, N.C., is a manufacturer of innovative, solution-based products for commercial and institutional markets worldwide. Since 1968, RCP has pioneered technologies and system solutions in the categories of food services, sanitary maintenance, waste handling, material transport, away-from-home washroom and safety products. RCP, an ISO 9001:2000 manufacturer, is part of Newell Rubbermaid's global portfolio of leading brands and continues to develop innovative products. Visit www.rubbermaidcommercial.com.
CINCINNATI – [March 15, 2017] –An elementary school janitor helps students study for their spelling tests by quizzing them on their weekly words. Another janitor hands out pencils bought with his own money on the first day of every month. These are only two of the 10 amazing individuals for whom the public can cast their ballot in Cintas Corporation (NASDAQ: CTAS) 2017 Janitor of the Year Contest.
The Janitor of the Year contest aims to shine a spotlight on those who work behind the scenes year-round to make schools a clean, safe and positive place. Voting will be open through April 14 at www.cintas.com/JOTY.
“With over 1,200 nominations, it was more difficult than ever to determine our top ten finalists,” said Jillian Bauer, Assistant Marketing Manager, Cintas. “These janitors are the hearts and souls of their schools. From saving the school play to teaching children new languages, each one exudes positivity and acts as a role model. Now it’s up to the schools and communities to rally behind their custodians.”
The 2017 Janitor of the Year will receive a $5,000 cash prize along with $5,000 in products and services for his or her school from Cintas and Rubbermaid Commercial Products – not to mention bragging rights. A $500 cash prize will be awarded to each of the remaining nine finalists.
The top 10 finalists in the 2017 Janitor of the Year contest include:
Wendy Boyden – Essex Elementary School (Baltimore)
John Dawson – Pepin Academies (Tampa, Fla.)
Michael Eldridge – Deer Crossing Elementary School (New Market, Md.)
George Hoffman – Seymour Middle School (Seymour, Ind.)
Sauveur Jean – Woodmere Elementary School (Eatontown, N.J.)
Loy Lopez – Rio Rancho Middle School (Rio Rancho, N.M.)
Cecil Lovett – North Calloway Elementary School (Murray, Ky.)
Fred Nieves – Saint Bridget School (Framingham, Mass.)
Ted Qualli Jr. – Newtown Elementary School (Newtown, Penn.)
Andy Wegner – Big Bend Elementary School (Big Bend, Wisc.)
Cintas Corporation helps more than 900,000 businesses of all types and sizes get Ready™ to open their doors with confidence every day by providing a wide range of products and services that enhance our customers’ image and help keep their facilities and employees clean, safe and looking their best. With products and services including uniforms, mats, mops, restroom supplies, first aid and safety products, fire extinguishers and testing, and safety and compliance training, Cintas helps customers get Ready for the Workday™. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Cintas is a publicly held company traded over the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol CTAS and is a component of both the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index and Nasdaq-100 Index.