Laundry Talks Podcast

EP1: Evolution of Technology in the Laundry Industry with Barry Smith

Written by Laundry Talks Podcast | Jun 20, 2023 3:16:58 PM

Episode Recap: In this episode of the Laundry Talks podcast, the host, Eric Smith, interviews his father Barry Smith, an industry veteran who started working at a textile rental company in the late 1960s. They discuss the evolution of technology within the textile rental industry and its impact on route operations.

Barry shares his experiences working with early computer system hardware, like the Univac 9200, and the development of billing systems for textile rental companies. He explains how these systems helped reduce manpower, improve customer relationships, and streamline operations.

Eric and Barry also discuss the introduction of mobile devices in the industry, which allowed for better enforcement of business rules and improved cash management. They touch on the importance of having a strong information and assistance partner for success in the industry.

On a more personal level, Barry talks about the shift in sports affiliations over the years and his continued involvement in the textile industry. Currently, he is working on barcode solutions for textiles, including a new customer printable label that is faster to apply and easier to remove.

Looking for the full transcript? Click here to read it!