Behind the Seams Episode 1 Recap
At George Courey Inc., we believe that every great story deserves to be told. That’s why we’ve launched the Behind the Seams Podcast, a platform where we pull back the curtain on our world of institutional textiles, share insights from industry leaders, and reflect on the values that have carried us through more than a century of growth.
In our very first episode, Jeff and Rob Courey, fourth-generation leaders of George Courey Inc.—sit down to talk about the company’s 115-year journey, the challenges that have shaped its legacy, and what keeps the business thriving today.
115 Years Strong: A Legacy of Resilience
Founded in Montreal over a century ago, George Courey Inc. began with humble origins delivering fabric door-to-door by horse and buggy. Fast-forward 115 years, and we’ve grown into one of North America’s most trusted healthcare and hospitality linen suppliers.
Throughout the decades, we’ve weathered world wars, recessions, depressions, and most recently, a global pandemic. Surviving and thriving through such challenges hasn’t been easy, but as Jeff and Rob explain, it comes down to one word: resilience.
“We were taught from a young age to be authentic, to stay dedicated, and to put in the work. That dedication is part of our DNA, and it’s what has carried us through four generations.” - Jeff Courey
Culture at the Core
Although George Courey Inc. has grown significantly, the company remains deeply rooted in its identity as a family-owned business. Culture is the thread that ties generations together. From their great-grandfather to today’s team, the Courey family has always prioritized values of integrity, pride, and teamwork.
Rob reflects on the importance of relationship-building:
“We’re not just here to sell a towel or a sheet. We’re here to offer peace of mind. When customers trust us with their linens, we take that responsibility to heart and that’s why they keep coming back.”
This people-first approach extends not only to customers but also to employees and suppliers. With long-standing supplier partnerships, some spanning multiple decades, the company’s resilience is bolstered by a strong, global supply chain that ensures consistency and reliability for clients.
Healthy Competition and Growth
Operating across North America, George Courey Inc. has always embraced competition as a way to push the industry forward. In both hospitality and healthcare textiles, competition drives innovation, quality, and service.
“Healthy competition keeps us sharp,” Rob explains. “It challenges us to do better every day and to keep raising the bar for ourselves and the industry.”
Introducing the Behind The Seams Podcast
So why launch a podcast now? For Jeff and Rob, the goal is simple: transparency and collaboration.
“Our industry is mature, towels, sheets, and gowns aren’t new products. But the way we engage with our clients and peers can be fresh. Behind The Seams is about opening the curtain, showing what goes on behind the scenes at George Courey Inc., and creating a platform for the industry to share knowledge and grow together.”
The podcast will feature not only internal perspectives from the George Courey team but also conversations with customers, suppliers, and industry partners. From tackling supply chain challenges to exploring sustainability in textiles, each episode will provide valuable insights for hospitality and healthcare professionals alike.
Looking Ahead
As young leaders of a 115-year-old company, Jeff and Rob are bringing a fresh perspective to a well-established industry. With a focus on sustainability, transparency, and people-first values, George Courey Inc. continues to set the standard for what a family-owned textile supplier can achieve.
The Behind the Seams Podcast is just the beginning, a new way to connect, learn, and grow alongside our partners.
Check out the full episodes of our podcast Behind The Seams!
YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJxm9u_cwN0bnsq5thf2tO2RFf5p4tsly&si=_xSXEypSgwKa2jBU
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/51WS4qet7nu2p5zYOTTa2V?si=fFGlmoxDSgaViXcxNtzCyw
Stay tuned for upcoming episodes, where we’ll dive deeper into the world of institutional textiles, hospitality linens, healthcare laundry solutions, and the people who keep this industry moving forward.
