On episode 9 of Behind the Seams with George Courey Inc., Matthew Victor sits down with Sarah Brobeck, President and CEO of the Association for Linen Management (ALM), for an insightful conversation about the power of education, leadership development, and community in the healthcare and hospitality laundry industries.
With more than 20 years of experience in textile care, from running a healthcare laundry to leading one of the industry’s most respected associations, Sarah shares her personal journey and how ALM is shaping the next generation of laundry professionals.
From Operator to Industry Leader
Sarah’s story is one many in the laundry world can relate to, she didn’t plan to work in this industry; she discovered it. Starting in a linen distribution and customer service role, she was soon tasked with running a healthcare laundry with only 18 months of experience.
“I found myself managing a tunnel washer before I even understood how the chemistry worked,” Sarah laughs.
That challenge led her to ALM’s Laundry College, where she earned her Registered Laundry Director (RLD) certification and began teaching others. It was there she found her professional home and a community that encouraged continuous learning.
“When I found ALM, I found my people,” she says. “They became my mentors and the reason I stayed in this industry.”
Why Associations Matter in a Niche Industry
For Sarah, associations like ALM play a critical role in connecting and strengthening the commercial laundry and textile care community.
“We’re a small, specialized industry,” she explains. “Associations bring together operators, suppliers, and newcomers, helping them learn from each other through shared experience and best practices.”
This sense of community, a recurring theme in the conversation is what transforms individual growth into industry-wide progress.
Advocacy, Standards, and Collaboration
While ALM focuses on education and professional development, collaboration with other organizations like TRSA (Textile Rental Services Association) has been key in expanding advocacy for the industry.
“We’re realizing that collectively we’re stronger than individually,” Sarah says.
She highlights the first-ever Laundry Hill Day, a joint initiative where multiple industry associations came together to advocate for the textile care profession in Washington, D.C., a milestone for visibility and unity in the sector.
ALM also plays a vital role in fostering best practices and standardization. While the standards themselves come from industry members, ALM provides the environment and framework for collaboration and shared learning.
Education: From “Trial by Fire” to Structured Learning
In the past, most operators learned through experience, often described as “trial by fire.” Today, ALM is changing that by offering structured educational programs that combine technical training with leadership development.
Sarah points out that many employees are promoted based on their technical skill, but not everyone receives training in management, communication, or strategic thinking.
According to a Gallup study, organizations that invest in training enjoy 11% higher profitability and are twice as likely to retain their employees, proof that education directly supports business success.
“We can’t just train people on machines and chemistry,” Sarah says. “We have to train them to lead, communicate, and think strategically.”
Modernizing Learning for a Changing Industry
As automation, AI, and advanced textile technologies evolve, so too must education. ALM continuously updates its curriculum to match real-world changes, ensuring that new generations of professionals are equipped for the future.
“We’re not just updating what we teach, we’re changing how we teach it,” Sarah explains. “Our goal is to partner with organizations to fill their gaps and help their teams succeed.”
ALM’s programs now include online modules, leadership workshops, and certifications tailored for healthcare laundry operators, maintenance professionals, and textile service managers.
The Power of People and Purpose
For Sarah, the takeaway is simple but powerful: this industry is built on people. Education, community, and mentorship are what sustain it.
“Workforce development will always matter,” she says. “Technology will change, but people remain the core of this business. Our job at ALM is to invest in them, support them, and show them a career path forward.”
At George Courey Inc., that same belief drives everything we do, whether it’s innovating in reusable healthcare textiles, supporting laundry partners across North America, or helping employees grow within a culture of learning and purpose.
Final Thoughts
This episode of Behind the Seams is a powerful reminder that education isn’t just about skill, it’s about building leaders, communities, and careers.
At the heart of every laundry facility, hospital linen program, and textile supplier are people who keep the industry running. And with associations like ALM leading the way, the future of textile care has never looked brighter.
Listen to the full episode of Behind the Seams featuring Sarah Brobeck
👉 Watch on our YouTube: https://youtu.be/jbALtNKkLNE
