Minnesota Custodian Cleans Up The 2024 Cintas Custodian Of The Year Contest

Bob Galewski is pictured in the middle of a celebration honoring him as the Cintas Custodian of the Year. (Photo courtesy of Cintas).

Congratulations to the 11^th annual Cintas Custodian of the Year contest winner, Bob Galewski, from Wabasha-Kellogg High School, in Wabasha, MN.

After thousands of votes were submitted, Cintas Corporation confirmed Galewski is this year’s grand prize winner. He recently celebrated with students, teachers, administration, and his family in a surprise ceremony. He was also presented with a $10,000 check on behalf of Cintas.

“School custodians do more than keep facilities clean and safe, they’re often support systems for the community,” John Rudy, Senior Marketing Director of Cintas, said. “It’s clear Bob cares about the well-being of each student at his school and does all he can to help them succeed.”

“Bob is not just a custodian. He is a friend, a support system, and the students’ supporter,” according to a press release. “Students say, ‘You can always count on him.’ When they come back late from a track meet, for example, he will go out of his way to unlock the doors so they can gather their belongings before heading home. He views his job as not just about keeping the school clean. He works to make genuine, meaningful connections with each student and staff member. Every year, Bob even gives the dance team an incredible motivational speech to excite student-athletes before competitions. He shows he cares about every single student.”

“Custodians are vital in helping keep school facilities clean and safe,” John Barrett, Executive Director of ISSA, said. “Over the last 100 years, ISSA has been focused on evolving the cleaning industry for the better. Our training services for this year’s finalists will help them improve their skills and elevate their facilities.”

In addition to the $10,000 cash prize, Galewski will also receive $5,000 in Cintas and Rubbermaid Commercial Products and services for his school. His school also receives a complete facility assessment valued at $20,000, in partnership with the Cleaning Industry Management Standard, advanced by the Global Biorisk Advisory Council certification from The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association, ISSA. Cintas will also award the winning school a pizza party for all staff and students.

“And, this year, Galewski, along with the two other 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. Stay tuned for an announcement on who the lucky other finalists are who will join Galewski in Las Vegas,” the release added.

Visit custodianoftheyear.com.