Jan/San Distributors Hitting the Links for a Good Cause

The jan/san industry is well known for its personality and camaraderie. The common joke is that once you’re in, you never truly leave. You might bounce from one group to another, but the friendships that are formed tend to keep people involved in the cleaning community.  

Jan/san distribution is made up of hard-working suppliers, groups, and reps; business leaders who have formed deep and longstanding relationships within the industry. It appears, too, that the layers of their generosity transcend the tenure of any given individual. 

Those qualities are common themes for a standard Freetime column, but this is no standard column. In fact, it is quite different from any other that has been published over the last 24 years. This piece is to honor the memory of a well-known and respected distributor, as well as the ongoing kindness of those friends he impacted and influenced throughout his career. 

Bruce Janvey was the owner of I. Janvey and Sons, Inc., a Holbrook, New York, distribution company. He was also one of the founders of Triple S and served on the Triple S Board of Directors for over 40 years. Sadly, in 2022, Janvey lost his battle with cancer, but is fondly remembered as an exemplary leader who leaves a legacy of excellence, compassion, and a bit of competitiveness.  

To honor their friend and his passion for the game of golf, Triple S — a network of independent jan/san distributors with headquarters in Nashua, New Hampshire — started hosting the Bruce H. Janvey Memorial Golf Event. The money raised from the event benefits a charity that finds cures for cancer, making it a perfect memorial. 

In the two years since Janvey's death, the event has raised over $125,000 for the City of Hope, a world-renowned pioneer in cancer and diabetes research, treatment, and prevention. Founded in 1913, the City of Hope is a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center that offers research and treatment protocols that advance care throughout the nation. According to its website, it is positioned at the forefront of the nation’s leading medical and research institutions, and there are multiple City of Hope locations across the country. 

“Bruce was a remarkable individual who exemplified courage and resilience in his battle against cancer,” remarked one participant, as a tribute to the event namesake. “This tournament stands as a tribute to his memory and a celebration of his unwavering spirit.”  

All proceeds from this and future tournaments held during the annual Triple S conference go to benefit the City of Hope. 

Gretchen Roufs, a 25-year janitorial supply industry veteran, owns a marketing and public relations company in San Antonio. To suggest someone you think should be featured in “Freetime,” contact her at Gretchen@GretchenRoufs.com.