Gone Are the Days and Ways of Old, But Are They?

Recently, I found an oversized, circa 1961 dictionary someone had left behind in my new office. While thumbing through it, I happened upon the word “janitoress.” Now, I’m quite confident you’re all well-versed on the male counterpart, “janitor.” But how many have actually used the word “janitoress” to describe a female janitor? This obsolete (and probably not-so-PC) word caused me to think of the ever-changing state of society and this industry — the topic of our cover story, “The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same.”

SM explores the path the jan/san industry has taken, from the ubiquitous “mom and pops” of the ‘60s and earlier, to the dynamics — consolidation, regulation and technology issues, to name a few — that characterize this industry today. I think you’ll be surprised at the changes we’ve absorbed, as well as the number of timeless consistencies.

Maybe you won’t be surprised by how traditional the industry still is. But, you may be amazed at just how much we’ve expanded and evolved.

Speaking of changing perspectives, check out this month’s Special Products section on chemical proportioners and dispensers. It showcases some of the newest products. Also new, our Tech Central columnist Paul Kennedy vows to ease any trauma associated with a technology-heavy future.