Cintas Honors Custodian of the Year Runners-Up

Cintas Corp. recently recognized the two runners-up in its 2023 Cintas Custodian of the Year Contest.

The 10th annual competition called for elementary, middle, high-school, and college students, in addition to staff, to submit a short essay describing why their school’s custodian deserves the award. Ten finalists were selected from a pool of hundreds of submissions. Last week, Cintas revealed that Richard “Rich” Toomey, a custodian from Kelly Mill Elementary in Cumming, Georgia, was the top vote getter.

Earlier this week, Cintas honored the two runners-up—David “Mr. Dave” Jeffers from Brokaw Early Learning Center in Owego, Illinois, and Rodney “Mr. Peanuts” Esser from Park Elementary School in Cross Plains, Wisconsin. Jeffers and Esser were each surprised with a ceremony at their respective schools by teachers, their families, and Cintas representatives.

The two finalists were each awarded US$1,000 and a trip for two to Las Vegas this November where they’ll be recognized during ISSA Show North America. The finalists’ schools will also receive a cleaning supply package from Rubbermaid and complimentary tuition to one ISSA Cleaning Management Institute (CMI) virtual training event, valued at $1,500.

“It’s so special to see the bond these custodians share with their schools and the involvement they have in their respective communities,” said ISSA Executive Director John Barrett. “Custodial work is physically demanding. This is why it’s so important to recognize people like Mr. Peanuts and Mr. Dave who give unconditionally and expect nothing in return.”

“Mr. Dave and Mr. Peanuts are two well-deserving finalists,” said Christiny Betsch, Cintas marketing manager. “It was amazing to see how much support they received from their schools and communities throughout the contest. We look forward to further celebrating them at ISSA Show later this year.”

For more information about the Cintas Custodian of the Year contest, visit www.custodianoftheyear.com.