Peter Blake Inducted into Route Pros Hall of Fame

DLI Association Manager recognized for integrity, service, leadership, and commitment to strengthening the drycleaning industry

Peter Blake, Association Manager for the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute and Executive Director of the Mid-Atlantic Association of Cleaners, NorthEast Fabricare Association, and South Eastern Fabricare Association, was inducted into The Route Pros Hall of Fame at The Route Pros Spark & Start Conference in Dublin, Ohio, May 12-14.

Mark Albrecht, DLI’s Allied Trades Director and The Route Pros Manager, said Blake earned the recognition through his “integrity, character, work ethic” and longtime service to the industry.

“His longtime impact and service to members of The Route Pros Association has been above and beyond,” Albrecht said. “There has been no stronger ally to many than Peter. His time and expertise given to others is second to almost nobody.”

Blake said the recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the value of association work across the industry.

“This is a tremendous honor for me,” Blake said. “I am only the eighth person to receive this recognition — and the first recipient from outside The Route Pros customer network. That makes it especially meaningful to me.”

Blake said the award tells him he has played a role in the success of The Route Pros, its members, and the industry overall.

“It is humbling to hear from so many people how DLI — and specifically the associations I manage — have made a meaningful impact on their businesses and professional growth,” Blake said. “To me, this recognition validates the work we continue to do to help members succeed.”

James Peuster of The Route Pros said Blake stood out because of his long-standing support for The Route Pros and his work connecting allied trades, route professionals, and cleaners through DLI and the regional associations he manages.

Peuster said Blake’s work with the joint associations helps make the industry stronger and gives allied trade members greater visibility. He described Blake as someone who “puts unity in community” and said others can learn from his example of “serving instead of participating.”

Albrecht said Blake represents the values The Route Pros wants to celebrate because of his grit, relationships, and willingness to help others succeed.

“Simply put, Peter has GRIT in our industry,” Albrecht said, referencing The Route Pros’ conference theme of Guts, Resilience, Initiative, and Thrive. “His willingness to proactively seek out advice — as well as provide it — from others is similar to what The Route Pros set out to do,” he said.

Norman Way, DLI District 2 Director and Vice President of Puritan Cleaners in Richmond, Virginia, said Blake is widely valued as an industry resource.

“Peter Blake is a trusted friend and resource in our industry,” Way said. “He gives his all to support us as DLI members and everyone in the industry.”

Blake has served the drycleaning industry for nearly 40 years, beginning his career in November 1987. He said his love for the people in the industry keeps him engaged and committed.

“The reason I stayed is simple: I love the people in this industry,” Blake said. “They are hardworking individuals who care deeply about doing a good job, taking care of customers’ belongings, supporting their employees, and treating people with respect.”

Blake said one of the most rewarding parts of his career is seeing members succeed and knowing DLI and the affiliate associations played a role in their success.

“If our members succeed, then we’re succeeding,” Blake said. “When members struggle, it is our responsibility to help them navigate a stronger and more successful future — however they define success.”

As association manager, Blake leads training efforts, educational events, member outreach, and plant visits. He said the variety of the work continues to motivate him.

“What I love most about my job is the diversity of what I do,” Blake said. “I try to do everything I can to make us all stronger. One day I may be leading training programs or educational events, and the next I may be visiting cleaners and helping them identify opportunities to improve and grow.”

Blake said route service plays an important role in building customer trust and business growth. “Route service is very personal. Customers place a great deal of trust in the people serving them. Great route professionals understand how to provide exceptional customer service while also being strong stewards of that trust and of the company they represent,” he said.

About the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute

The Drycleaning & Laundry Institute has been the premier international trade association for garment care professionals since 1883. DLI offers education, training, certification, research, industry information, and professional support to help drycleaners and laundry operators succeed. Learn more at www.DLIonline.org.

About The Route Pros

The Route Pros helps drycleaning and laundry businesses grow and improve route service through training, coaching, consulting, and peer support for route professionals and business owners.

Learn more at DLIonline.org/Membership or call 800-638-2627.

-30-