Public voting is now open for the 12th annual nationwide contest
CINCINNATI, Ohio – Cintas Corporation (Nasdaq: CTAS) today announced the top 10 finalists in its 12th annual Cintas Custodian of the Year contest. This year’s finalists from across the U.S. showcase tremendous dedication and commitment to their schools. From now through April 11, the public can vote for their favorite custodian at custodianoftheyear.com.
“We received thousands of heartfelt nominations and inspiring stories showcasing exceptional custodians nationwide,” said Emily Ramos, Director of Marketing at Cintas. “As always, narrowing it down to the top 10 is a challenge, but this year’s finalists truly stood out for their unwavering dedication to both their schools and communities.”
The greatest number of public votes determines the winner of the Cintas Custodian of the Year contest. Cintas will award $10,000 to the winning custodian and $5,000 in Cintas and Rubbermaid Commercial products and services. The winner’s school will also receive a complete facility assessment valued at $20,000 from The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association, ISSA, along with a pizza party for all staff and students. The other nine finalists will receive $1,000 each and complimentary tuition to one ISSA Cleaning Management Institute virtual training event, valued at $1,500. The finalists’ schools will also receive a cleaning supply package from Rubbermaid Commercial Products. Again, this year, the top three finalists will receive an all-expense-paid trip for two to the ISSA Show North America in Las Vegas in November, where they’ll be celebrated for their accomplishments.
“We’re truly inspired by each of the finalists who go above and beyond for their schools,” said John Barrett, Executive Director of ISSA. “School custodians play a vital role in their communities, serving as role models and leaders that students look up to every day.”
The top 10 finalists in the 2025 Cintas Custodian of the Year contest include (in alphabetical order):
- Brenda “Ms. Brenda” Finkelstein – LSU Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool (Baton Rouge, La.)
- Carlos Aguirre – Quarry Trail Elementary (Rocklin, Calif.)
- Dan Davis – Deerfield Elementary School (Short Hills, N.J.)
- Jennifer Aitken – Arizona Western College (Yuma, Ariz.)
- Jenny Low – University of California, San Francisco (San Francisco, Calif.)
- Keith Wilson – Florida Autism Center of Excellence (Tampa, Fla.)
- Micaela “Mica” Ortiz Arredondo – William G. Hibbard Elementary (Chicago, Ill)
- Robert “Bobbie” Patterson IV – Juanita High School (Kirkland, Wash.)
- Roberto Valdez – Northeastern University (Nahant, Mass.)
- Rosalio “Lio” Rodriguez – Sachse High School (Sachse, Texas)
“We’re honored to celebrate these outstanding custodians for their hard work, talent and dedication,” said Robert Posthauer, Sr. Vice President and General Manager of Rubbermaid Commercial Products.
For more information about the Custodian of the Year contest, contact Christina Burzynski at [email protected]. A Custodian of the Year logo and photos of the top 10 finalists are available via Dropbox here.
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 products and services that help keep their customers’ facilities and employees clean, safe, and looking their best. With offerings including uniforms, mats, mops, towels, restroom supplies, workplace water services, first aid and safety products, eye-wash stations, safety training, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems and alarm service, 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 10,500 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 Rosemont, Ill., USA, the association has regional offices in Milan, Italy; Toronto, Canada; Sydney, Australia; Seoul, South Korea; and Shanghai, China. For more information about ISSA, visit www.issa.com or call 800-225-4772 (North America) or 847-982-0800.
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 washroom and safety, cleaning, waste handling, material transport, and food services. RCP is part of Newell Brands’ global portfolio of leading brands and continues to develop innovative products. Visit www.rubbermaidcommercial.com to learn more.
Contact: Christina Burzynski
Mulberry Marketing Communications