At this year’s CSC Annual Conference on March 19th, CITY Laundering President Colin Wetlaufer was named the new President of the CSC Network, a role he’ll hold for the next two years. With a long-standing commitment to collaboration and growth within the independent commercial laundry space, Colin steps into this position with a clear focus: strengthening the network through purchasing, leadership development, and shared knowledge across every level of a company. In his own words, here’s what makes CSC’sso valuable—and why now is the time to get involved.
When I first got involved with the CSC Network, it was through a program called the Next Generation Owner Summit. I was just getting my footing in the family business, trying to understand not only the industry but my place in it. That group—sons and daughters of owners—was a launchpad for so many of us. Today, several of us are now senior leaders in our companies. That kind of transformation, in a relatively short time, shows the power of connection and shared experience.
So, stepping into the role of CSC Network Board President, I’m thinking a lot about that—about how meaningful it is to grow with your peers and how CSC can continue to be the place where that happens for the next wave of leaders.
One of the projects I’m most excited about is the relaunch of that original next-gen group, now opened up beyond just ownership. This isn’t just for people inheriting businesses—it’s for anyone identified as a future senior leader. If your company is serious about developing people, this is where they should be. We’re talking about real conversations, real challenges, and support for people learning the ropes of a 140-year-old industry that still has plenty of room for reinvention.
Another group gaining real momentum is Women in Laundry Leadership. This came straight from our members—women who said, “We want this,” and then put in the work to make it happen. That initiative makes me proud. It’s grassroots, it’s needed, and it’s growing.
CSC has long been known as a networking hub for owners. But what we’re building now is something bigger—a full ecosystem of connection and shared learning. From the SOAPP group in production, to the SECURE group focused on service and retention, to SMART on business development, we’re making space for leaders at all levels to learn from each other.
This year also marks the launch of our first fully formed HR group. HR is critical in our industry—maybe more than people realize. We deal with such a wide range of roles: from entry-level to complex, from route reps to fleet managers, and across all kinds of personalities. Add in safety, operations, and retention challenges, and you’ve got a lot on your plate. CSC can help make that easier through shared resources and real-time insights.
Of course, there’s also the practical side: purchasing. With global uncertainty—tariffs, wars, inflation—our next two years are going to be challenging. But I believe CSC gives us an edge. We challenge our vendors. We ask for more. And we work together to leverage buying power in ways that independent laundries can’t always do alone.
At the heart of it, what makes CSC special is simple: it’s the people. It’s being able to pick up the phone and talk to someone who gets what you are saying.
- Someone who’s solved the problem you’re facing.
- Someone who’s tried and failed, or tried and succeeded.
That kind of networking to me is education and training. It’s mentorship. It’s community. And it’s how we get better—together.
If you’ve got someone in your company who’s a rising star—or if you are that person—plug in. Join a group. Make the call. Show up.
We’re building something powerful here. And I couldn’t be more honored to help lead it.
– Colin Wetlaufer
For more information, visit CSC Network here
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