TULSA, Okla. — “Implementation” was the theme of the recent America’s Best Cleaners (ABC) Spring 2025 Accelerator Live meeting here, emphasizing the critical leap from strategy to execution and highlighting how leading cleaners are applying tools, systems and leadership models to generate real, measurable business impact.
Over three days in April, ABC affiliates, industry partners and guest speakers came together to examine how top-performing operations are streamlining processes, empowering teams and embracing innovation to better serve their clients and communities.
The program opened with a full-site tour and live KPI workshop presented by ABC Senior Consultant Liz Davies at meeting host Fox Cleaners, where participants offered insights to optimize workflow, elevate quality and strengthen team accountability. The feedback session allowed attendees to share valuable observations, transforming the site visit into a collaborative improvement lab.
“Hosting the Accelerator Live event was a tremendous opportunity for Fox Cleaners to share our approach to operational excellence,” says Maggie Fox of the business. “The collaborative environment and the insightful feedback from fellow affiliates are invaluable. We are proud to be part of a community dedicated to continuous improvement.”
The group then visited Dress for Success Tulsa, the community partner of ABC’s Empowerwear program. This experience allowed affiliates to see firsthand how clothing, mentorship and support services are helping local women thrive in the workforce. The visit highlighted Empowerwear not just as a charitable effort, but as a culture-shaping initiative, ABC says, strengthening affiliate teams by connecting their daily work to a deeper purpose and providing a smart, community-forward business decision that fosters loyalty and pride.
The programming continued with presentations on implementation strategies from Ryan Luetzow of Luetzow Industries, David Lee of SMRT Systems and Kate Quintero of BeCreative 360. These were followed by a hands-on client service workshop led by Francis Flair of Flair Consulting and a session by ABC Executive Director Christopher White on building an organizational roadmap for AI-powered productivity.
Janet Garman of Glyndon Lord Baltimore Cleaners says that “the Accelerator Live event was another great combination of important educational sessions, quality time brainstorming and connecting with our industry peers, and witnessing Fox Cleaners in action. The discussions around AI are going to be game-changing for our business.”
Affiliates gathered one evening at WOMPA, a local creative business and arts collective, for an intimate dinner and ceremony celebrating the 25th anniversary of America’s Best Cleaners. The celebration honored ABC’s legacy of innovation and the robust network of professionals who have shaped the organization’s journey.
Finally, there were affiliate-only implementation workshops. Kyle Matthews of Janet Davis Cleaners shared practical strategies for using financial dashboards to increase clarity and drive more intelligent business decisions. Mark Hatch of The French Cleaners followed with a session on enhancing team communication and leadership alignment. The day concluded with the signature Hot Seat, where each affiliate presented a current challenge or breakthrough program to receive real-time peer ideas and constructive feedback.
“Tulsa reminded us that implementation is where leadership becomes impact,” White says. “From service KPIs to AI adoption to community engagement, our affiliates are taking bold, thoughtful steps forward.”
All Seasons Garment Care in Minneapolis will host the next Accelerator Live this fall.
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Dave Davis at [email protected].
