Editor’s Note – November/December 2024

Harrell Kerkhoff

There is always a lot to see and do as a trade magazine editor during the annual ISSA Show North America, which recently took place at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, in Las Vegas, NV.

Sponsored by ISSA and organized by Informa Markets, the 2024 ISSA Show North America included over 600 exhibitors from across the cleaning ecosystem to showcase the newest products, technologies, and services available in the cleaning and related industries. The entire event brought together 12,000-plus registered industry professionals from 75 countries, according to ISSA.

Among the many exhibitors was Maintenance Sales News, which has a long tradition of manning a booth on the tradeshow floor. It is always nice to see both familiar and new faces coming by our booth each year to say “hello” and to learn more about our publication, which is in its 41^st year.

As for the show itself, I traditionally attend a few educational sessions, take booth photos of our advertisers that are also exhibiting, and attend the ISSA General Business Meeting. I have been attending the ISSA Show since 1998, missing only once during the span to attend a family funeral. During that time, I have sat through many educational sessions, taken probably over 1,000 booth photos, and met with a lot of great people along the way.

The ISSA Show has always been very educational for me. I have seen many great product advancements made through the years, helping move the cleaning industry forward. And, with the continual progression of AI and autonomous equipment, only time will tell what the cleaning industry will look like in 5, 10, and 25 years.

One important part of this industry, however, will hopefully never change — the abundance of great and dedicated people.

As incoming ISSA President Laurie Sewell said during this year’s General Business Meeting: “People tend to stay in this industry for a long time, and with good reason. Although there is always a spirit of competition within the industry, what stands out is how much we genuinely care about each other and the work that we all do. There is a sense of connection and shared purpose. It’s what makes this industry so remarkable. It’s also a place where people can build incredible careers.”

She added: “I strongly believe that we need to do more to attract young people to this industry. We cannot afford, as an industry, to remain ‘the best kept secret.’ It’s important to highlight all the essential work that we do, and the incredible career opportunities that this industry provides.”

Well said Laurie!

The cover article for the November/December 2024 issue of MSN focuses on Tahoe Supply Company, headquartered in Carson City, NV, which will soon to be celebrating its 45^th year. The jan/san distributorship services a large geographic area and is also a certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE), with Tahoe Supply’s Kelly Spallone serving as President. She operates the business with her husband, Nick Spallone, who is CEO.

“Over the years, Tahoe Supply has expanded its product line to include a broader range of supplies, equipment, and services,” Kelly Spallone said. “That growth has allowed the company to shift from primarily focusing on lodging and casino customers to a more diverse array of industries, including health care, education, corporate and commercial buildings, and industrial and manufacturing. Our company has also integrated into its system emerging cleaning technologies and equipment to cater to clients looking for cutting-edge and high-performance solutions.”

I would like to thank everyone for their continued support of Maintenance Sales News. Please send news items and story ideas to: harrellk@rdgmedia.net.

Harrell Kerkhoff

Editor, Maintenance Sales News Magazine