When Zach Ostendorf joined CITY Laundering Co. in December of 2021, he was stepping into an industry he knew little about. What he did know was storytelling, video, and the power of capturing real moments. That combination quickly became a defining aspect of how CITY communicates its identity, both within the company and beyond.
Zach’s path to CITY was anything but linear. His early career aspirations revolved around sports; he studied sports journalism, worked live broadcasts for the Iowa Cubs, and spent time producing sports-related content at Harvard. When COVID disrupted the industry and opportunities disappeared, Zach found himself temporarily working outside his field, maintaining a golf course in the mountains of Montana.
“At a time when I wasn’t getting many opportunities, CITY took a chance on me,” Zach shared. “That meant a lot, and I’ve carried that sense of responsibility with me ever since.”
Coming into an industry he knew little about, Zach had to learn quickly. His first major project was a customer spotlight video for Miura, an industrial boiler manufacturer, that required him to tell a meaningful story for both CITY and a major partner early in his tenure. Shortly after, he was trusted to conduct interviews with CEOs and industry leaders within the CSC Network, a national network of family-owned linen, textiles & uniform rental companies. Those early experiences set the tone for his role and reinforced the level of trust placed in him from the start.
There is no typical day in Zach’s role. Some weeks are spent traveling to service centers/depots and plants, capturing the day-to-day work that keeps CITY moving. Other weeks are focused on editing, planning, and shaping footage into stories that accurately reflect the company. His work supports CITY externally through brand storytelling and social media, while also playing a vital role internally through training and communication.
“What’s really special about Zach’s work is that it doesn’t just make an impact in the moment—it creates something that lasts,” Emily Hauber, Director of Communications, said. “Every video becomes part of CITY’s story. We’re building a library of moments, brick by brick, that people can connect with now and for generations to come.”
One of the most meaningful parts of Zach’s work has been his involvement with CITY Way Videos training series. Through training and instructional videos, he helps translate that long-term experience from one generation to the next for new hires across the company.
“I came into this industry knowing nothing,” Zach said. “Now I get to help create resources for people who are coming in the same way I did. That full circle moment is pretty special.”
What sets Zach apart is how he approaches people on camera. Rather than sticking strictly to prepared questions, he listens closely and follows the conversation where it naturally leads. He looks for moments of genuine passion and knows when to ask one more question or let someone finish a thought. Over time, he has developed a strong instinct for authenticity.
“You can feel when an answer is real,” he explained. “And you can feel when it’s not. The best moments usually come from digging a little deeper.”
When Zach thinks about what he hopes people take away from his videos, his answer is simple. He wants them to see a company that feels real.
“I want someone to watch a video and think, ‘That looks like a great place to work,’” he said. “Because it really is.”
That perspective comes from experience. Today, he takes pride in showing it honestly, highlighting the people, effort, and relationships that define it.
“If photos are worth a thousand words, video is worth ten thousand,” Emily shared. “Zach captures moments in time for a company that’s been around for more than a century. That’s not just content—it’s history. Investing in a role like this, and having someone like Zach behind the camera, is incredibly meaningful for CITY.”
Outside of work, Zach is a devoted Iowa sports fan and finds inspiration through athletics. He also supports his wife, a varsity high school softball coach, and enjoys watching her lead and grow in her role. Being close to coaching and competition has strengthened his appreciation for preparation, teamwork, and discipline, values that quietly influence how he approaches his own work.
Zach is constantly observing how storytelling works in other spaces, especially in sports media, and thinking about how that energy and honesty can translate into an industry that is hands-on and hardworking by nature. His curiosity and commitment to improvement continue to push CITY’s visual storytelling forward.
Through his lens, CITY is not just a company. It is a group of people, doing real work, with pride and purpose.
That authenticity doesn’t go unnoticed by those who work closely with him.
“Zach has a natural ability to help people feel comfortable and trusted on camera,” Emily said. “That’s why his videos feel real. His personality, his positivity, and his one-on-one connection with people align so closely with CITY’s core values. If Zach weren’t who he is, the stories wouldn’t resonate the same way, and that’s why I’m proud to work alongside him every day.”
