Nationally, women now represent nearly half of Canada’s workforce, yet remain underrepresented in leadership, holding less than one third of management and senior leadership positions
(Government of Canada, 2025). In industries like commercial laundry, it could be argued that representation of women in leadership may be even lower.
As the industry continues to evolve, so has the representation of women in leadership, and we see that reflected in our own company. Today, women at Quintex hold leadership roles across multiple departments, shaping how the company operates, grows, and collaborates.
In recognition of International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting three women in leadership at Quintex. Together, their stories reveal the different ways leadership takes shape and how it continues to evolve within our organization.
Janette’s 23 year journey at Quintex spans across various areas of the company, starting as an Administrative Assistant and progressing through roles including Customer Service Representative, Customer Service Manager, Vice President of Administration, Executive Vice President, and ultimately COO. That breadth gives her a rare, interconnected view of the organization; an awareness of how decisions flow between teams and how each action impacts another.
One of her first realizations about the industry came early in her career:
“I vividly remember being told when I was first hired that it would take at least a year to truly understand the business. At the time, I naively dismissed that notion, thinking, ‘How hard can it be? It’s laundry!’ Twenty three years later, I am still learning.”
For Janette, that ongoing learning is one of the most rewarding parts of her work. The relationships, the evolving needs of customers and teams, and the complexity of service operations keep her engaged and continually growing. She credits her peer networks within Quintex and across the industry for offering support, perspective, and insight throughout her career.
A consistent thread in her leadership is the emphasis she places on the human experience at work. She believes that enjoyment, positivity, and engagement contribute directly to performance:
“I genuinely believe in the idea of ‘work hard, play hard.’ We perform at our best when we are engaged, motivated, and able to find enjoyment in our roles… I make a conscious effort to bring positivity and a sense of fun to my team and colleagues, even when navigating challenges.”
Her leadership philosophy is grounded in authenticity and the value of leading as yourself:
“One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that we can lead authentically, embracing our natural strengths. We do not need to change who we are. We can be direct yet compassionate, empathetic yet honest. We can be profit minded while remaining deeply people focused. Our perspectives as women are just as valuable as those of our male peers.”
And just as her career has been shaped by the people around her, Janette’s appreciation for her team is central to how she leads. She describes the groups she works with as sources of insight and learning, noting how each department helps her better understand the company, customers, and the needs of the business. That ongoing exchange, learning from others, staying close to the work, and valuing every perspective, is a defining part of how she leads at Quintex.
Tamara’s decade long journey at Quintex began on the evening shift before she transitioned into daytime work, exploring various roles throughout the plant. Joining the stockroom gave her a path to deeper knowledge and greater responsibility — and eventually, the opportunity to lead.
Stepping into a supervisor role wasn’t something she initially envisioned for herself:
“When I first started… becoming a supervisor wasn’t yet in my sights. I felt that I ‘lacked’ the confidence to be a leader; however, I’ve gained confidence through hard work, asking questions, and support from my peers.”
As her confidence grew, so did her willingness to take chances, reaching for new goals both professionally and personally. A pivotal moment came when she visited Roscoe Company’s plant in Chicago, gaining broader insight into how operations run and connect.
One of Tamara’s most significant areas of growth has been learning to navigate conflict with care and clarity:
“Dealing with conflict had always been a struggle for me… Over the years, I’ve learned that conflict doesn’t have to be a bad thing and working through these respectfully with my team and peers has made a positive impact in my role as a leader.”
Through that growth, she developed a grounded perspective on what leadership truly requires:
“Leadership isn’t about having all the answers or being naturally fearless; it’s about the willingness to be uncomfortable.”
Her advice for others reflects that same mindset, encouraging honest growth, vulnerability, and accountability:
“Don’t be afraid to speak up or ask for help! We often feel that we should be able to do it alone or prove that we can. Your voice is your power – don’t be afraid to use it.”
“Mistakes do not define you. In fact, it’s a key to learning. Be patient with yourself as you navigate through your career — remember, mistakes happen. Take accountability, find a solution, and move on.”
Throughout her development, Tamara consistently acknowledges the support surrounding her. She credits the mentors who encouraged her, validated her ideas, and helped build her confidence. Just as importantly, she highlights the strength of her team.
Tamara describes her group as diligent, proactive, and supportive, a team that shares responsibility, steps in without hesitation, and ensures no one is left struggling alone. Their collaboration reflects a culture of mutual respect and accountability; one she is proud to lead and contribute to.
Corry joined Quintex four years ago with more than a decade of experience in dry cleaning and industrial laundry. She began as a production worker before stepping into the evening supervisor role, where she has spent nearly three years supporting a fast moving and diverse team.
Transitioning from a smaller operation to a larger, more complex environment pushed her to learn quickly and adapt to a wider range of processes:
“What I did find challenging here was going from a small company to a much larger scale that does way more than just dry cleaning… This has helped me adapt to learning new processes that I carry within my role.”
As she grew in her role, she discovered a leadership style rooted in supporting others and helping them build confidence in their own abilities:
“A skill I have developed in my time here, is being nurturing and supportive when it comes to working with my fellow team members. I work on helping them build their skills and achieving their goals in the workplace.”
A defining moment for Corry came during employee reviews, when her team described her as approachable, calm, and supportive, recognition that affirmed she was leading in a way that truly made a difference. It reinforced her belief in leading by example and creating a space where employees feel comfortable asking questions and seeking guidance.
She emphasizes the value of remaining open and curious as a leader:
“Something I have learned along the way is to not be afraid to ask questions when you don’t know something. Doing this has helped me throughout my career and has made me thrive in the position I am currently in today.”
This perspective naturally connects to the advice she offers other women — encouraging them to seek environments where they feel supported and able to grow:
“Find a workplace that you love going to every day. Nothing feels better than feeling supported in the work you do day to day.”
Corry also emphasizes how supported she feels by the people she works with, and how she sees that same support reflected across her team. It’s a dynamic she appreciates, one that creates a positive environment where people genuinely look out for one another.
Industrial laundry continues to evolve, and with it comes the growing presence of women in leadership roles. The perspectives shared by Janette, Tamara, and Corry highlight how dynamic and multifaceted leadership can be. Leadership can be authentic—balancing assertiveness with compassion rather than defaulting to one at the expense of the other. It can grow from stepping outside your comfort zone and confronting complex challenges, including resolving conflict. It can thrive with a learner’s mindset: staying curious, asking questions, and recognizing there is always more to understand. Leadership also shows up in the way we elevate our teams—supporting their growth, creating space for them to succeed, and ensuring their achievements drive collective progress. Together, these experiences reflect the strengths that shape how we work at Quintex and how we continue to grow as a company.
Co-CEO Brodie and Head Engineer Frank discuss Quintex’s sustainability journey—from water conservation to energy efficiency—and how continuous innovation shapes our operations today.
Paul explains the differences between cotton, polycotton, and FR work shirts, highlighting why fabric choice matters in safety and comfort for high-risk jobs.
