In today’s fast-moving world, businesses either evolve—or they fade away. At CITY Laundering Co., long-time team member Chriss Carsello has seen firsthand what it takes to remain relevant in an ever-changing industry.
“If you’re not willing to change or adapt to change,” Chriss said, “then you need to find a new job.”
It’s a straightforward message—but one that has guided CITY through more than a century of service. For Chriss, that adaptability isn’t just about embracing new tools or chasing trends. It’s about understanding the people on the other side of the sale.
“Eventually, Millennials and younger generations will be the ones making decisions,” he shared. “If a 110-plus year-old company keeps doing business the same way and doesn’t adapt to the new buyer, they’re going to become obsolete.”
At CITY, that shift has already begun. Chriss described a major internal change in how the company’s sales team defines the ideal customer—not just in size or budget, but in alignment with CITY’s values.
“We used to say, ‘If you’ve got a front door and a need for a mat, we’ll work with you,’” Chriss said. “As long as you hit a minimum spend, you were a potential client.”
That philosophy worked for years—but as the market changed, so did the strategy. Now, CITY prioritizes local, independently operated businesses—companies where decisions are made by people who actually live in the communities CITY serves. “Our ideal client is always going to be the family-owned business,” Chriss explained. “Decisions are made locally. That’s who we connect with best.”
The goal? Build partnerships that last. Serve businesses that value personal relationships and customized service—not just low prices or national contracts.
“We’re not chasing national accounts,” Chriss added. “We’re focused on the people who want to work with a company that shows up, listens, and delivers—week in and week out.” As CITY continues to grow and evolve, that mindset remains at the core: stay flexible, stay grounded, and never forget who you’re here to serve.