After more than 40 years in the commercial laundry industry, Russ Arbuckle knows that lasting success is built on more than equipment and price—it is built on service, trust, and doing what you say you are going to do.

In this episode of CCI Drive Time, Steve sits down with Russ, president of Wholesale Commercial Laundry Equipment, to discuss his journey from an inexperienced service technician in Philadelphia to leading a successful distributorship in Alabama. Russ shares how his technical background shaped his approach to sales, why reputation remains one of a distributor’s most valuable assets, and how great service can create opportunities that last for decades.

They also explore the unique challenges of serving rural and urban markets across the Southeast, changing customer expectations, the growing demand for payment technology and remote management, and the pressure distributors face from aggressive pricing and industry consolidation.

Russ also reflects on his decision to sell the business to EVI Industries, what has changed since the acquisition, and how the company has preserved its local relationships and customer-first culture while becoming part of a larger organization.

Whether you are an experienced distributor or just entering the commercial laundry industry, this conversation offers practical insight into earning customer trust, competing on value, and building a business designed for long-term success.