LAUREL, Md. — Peter Blake, association manager for the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI) and the executive director of the Mid-Atlantic Association of Cleaners (MAC), NorthEast Fabricare Association (NEFA) and South Eastern Fabricare Association (SEFA), was recently inducted into The Route Pros Hall of Fame at The Route Pros Spark & Start Conference in Dublin, Ohio in May.

Mark Albrecht, DLI’s allied trades director and The Route Pros manager, says Blake earned the recognition through his “integrity, character, work ethic” and service to the industry through the years.  

“His longtime impact and service to members of The Route Pros Association have been above and beyond,” Albrecht says. “There has been no stronger ally to many than Peter. His time and expertise given to others are second to almost nobody.”

Blake says the recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the value of association work across the industry.

“This is a tremendous honor for me,” he says. “I am only the eighth person to receive this recognition — and the first recipient from outside The Route Pros customer network. That makes it especially meaningful to me.”

James Peuster of The Route Pros said Blake stood out because of his long-standing support and work connecting allied trades, route professionals and cleaners through DLI and the regional associations he manages. He described Blake as someone who “puts unity in community” first and said others can learn from his example of “serving instead of participating.”

As association manager, Blake leads training efforts, educational events, member outreach and plant visits. 

“What I love most about my job is the diversity of what I do,” Blake says. “I try to do everything I can to make us all stronger. One day I may be leading training programs or educational events, and the next I may be visiting cleaners and helping them identify opportunities to improve and grow.”

Blake has served the drycleaning industry for nearly 40 years, beginning his career in November 1987. He said his love for the people in the industry keeps him engaged and committed.

“The reason I stayed is simple: I love the people in this industry,” Blake says. “They are hardworking individuals who care deeply about doing a good job, taking care of customers’ belongings, supporting their employees and treating people with respect.”