How does an owl relate to laundry? For over a century, a nocturnal bird has been quietly linked to the Quinton family business. This owl became an icon, later earning the name Quincy. As the company evolved into commercial and industrial laundry, Quincy’s presence slowly receded, yet the bird’s gentle influence lingered in the background. Today, as we step into a new year, we revisit the history of Quincy, explore its meaning for our team, and celebrate its ongoing presence at Quintex.
In the early days of the company, Quincy appeared across a wide range of advertising materials. From newspaper ads promoting services back when six-digit phone numbers were the norm, to being printed on the bottom of letterheads with catchy slogans like “Be Wise, Quintonize,” the owl quickly became a recognizable symbol of the business. Quincy also appeared on more unique memorabilia, stamped on matchstick packages, and featured on colouring cards that delighted children and customers alike.
The iconic bird even graced the façade of the building we operate in today. Each panel of the exterior once featured an owl perched on the letter Q, a design that wrapped around the building and made Quincy an unmistakable part of the company’s identity.
When the company shifted its focus toward commercial and industrial laundry, Quincy’s presence naturally became more subtle. While the owl was no longer at the forefront, the qualities that made it an enduring symbol, including wisdom, care, and steady reliability, remained quietly in the background, guiding the company through decades of growth and change.
Quincy has always held a quiet presence within the company, a link to our history that team members were eager to maintain. Over time, advocates emerged to bring the owl back in meaningful ways.
A few years ago, our COO suggested creating a tangible mascot for a charity baseball game, planting the seed for bringing Quincy to life. Last year, one dedicated team member took that idea further, volunteering to fully embody the mascot and bring the iconic owl to life. Through their energy and commitment, Quincy gained a presence and personality that the entire team could celebrate and rally around.
Having looked at Quincy’s history and presence, we return to the overarching question: why the owl?
There are many qualities of the owl that the Quinton family, and our team, have long associated with the company. For one, the Great Grey Owl is the official bird of Manitoba, the province we are proudly rooted in. The owl’s keen eyes, perfectly suited for catching every little detail, perhaps even the occasional stain. But the connection goes much deeper.
The owl embodies traits we admire and strive to emulate, and these qualities also inspired the meaning behind Quincy’s name:
Together, these traits are not just words, they reflect the standards, values, and approach that guide how Quintex works with customers, supports our team, and contributes to our community every day.
For over a century, Quincy has quietly guided the company, from the early days of Quinton Cleaners to the thriving team we are today. What began as a symbol in marketing materials has evolved into a living representation of our culture, values, and approach to service. By celebrating Quincy, we honour our history, recognize the dedication of our team, and reaffirm the qualities that define how Quintex serves its customers and community.
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