In this episode, we trace the evolution of Cintas Corporation, a business services giant that began during the Great Depression as the Acme Industrial Laundry Company. We explore how founders Richard "Doc" and Amelia Farmer started a modest operation in 1929 by collecting and washing industrial rags, and how the business pivoted under four generations of the Farmer family to become a uniform rental powerhouse.

Listeners will learn about the company's aggressive expansion strategy, from its initial public offering in 1983 to massive acquisitions like the $2.2 billion purchase of G&K Services in 2016. We also discuss how Cintas diversified its portfolio beyond clothing into first aid, fire safety, and cleaning supplies, helping it secure a spot on the Fortune 500 for six consecutive years ...