More Than Machines: The People-First Philosophy Behind Mendenhall Commercial Laundry

In an industry defined by cycles and spin speeds, Mendenhall Commercial Laundry Equipment stands out by putting people before parts and service above sales. Built on decades of experience and strengthened by an over 40-year relationship with Maytag Commercial Laundry, Mendenhall Commercial Laundry Equipment is a distributor that doesn’t just supply equipment, they build trust.

Founded in 1958 by Lee B. Mendenhall, the company began as a small dry cleaning business in Provo, Utah. Over the next several decades, it evolved into a full-service equipment distributor, expanding its footprint across the western United States. In 1984, Mendenhall added the Maytag Commercial Laundry line to its offerings, broadening its capabilities and elevating its ability to meet the growing needs of customers.

Since the beginning, Mendenhall’s mission has remained simple: do right by people. That means showing up when others won’t. It means being honest even when it’s hard. And it means never losing sight of the customer’s success as the true measure of their own.

Mendenhall’s customer service philosophy isn’t guided by flashy sales tactics or short-term wins. It’s grounded in relationships. “We want our customers to succeed,” said Mendenhall Vice President Brad Moyes, “If they do well, we do well. That’s always been our mindset.”

That mindset extends to the smallest of actions, like visiting a job site personally to ensure an accurate installation, and the biggest of commitments, like redesigning store layouts for maximum efficiency. These details matter, and customers notice.

Feedback often comes in the form of gratitude, with customers regularly expressing surprise that someone would take the time to show up in person, answer follow-up questions or help them find creative solutions for limited spaces. “Sometimes it’s just about listening,” said Moyes “That personal attention makes a difference.”

One of Mendenhall’s hallmark strengths is its ability to support large, complex projects with the same hands-on care they bring to small businesses. Their long-standing work with Brigham Young University is a prime example.

Over the years, Mendenhall has supported BYU across campus—from helping them with design for a central laundry facility to coordinating the installation of nearly 200 washer-dryer combos in dormitories at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Missionary Training Center, which is located next to BYU campus and serviced by BYU laundry technicians. Their team worked with university staff and contractors assisting them with dimensions, specs and information to ensure every piece of equipment fit into the space, down to highlighting specific pages in installation manuals to guide the process.

That level of support is typical of the Mendenhall approach. They don’t just deliver machines, they deliver peace of mind, guiding customers from planning and layout to installation, service and training. Whether it’s a student housing complex or a neighborhood laundromat, Mendenhall brings end-to-end solutions.

For over four decades, Maytag Commercial Laundry has been more than a Mendenhall supplier; they’ve collaborated for the ultimate success of the customer. Their product reliability, responsive service and willingness to go the extra mile have set the tone for how Mendenhall operates.

Maytag provides more than just equipment. They provide exceptional support, training and responsiveness, qualities that Mendenhall counts on to confidently serve their own customers. “When we’ve faced challenges, Maytag has always made things right,” said Moyes. “That gives us the confidence to do the same for our customers.”

That ripple effect of great service shows up in every Mendenhall interaction. Because they know what it feels like to be supported, they model that same level of responsiveness and reliability in every customer relationship.

Inside the walls of Mendenhall, you’ll find something that’s increasingly rare: a team that genuinely enjoys working together. “There’s a real sense of cohesion here,” Moyes said. “The guys like each other. Sometimes it’s hard to get them out the door in the morning because they’re talking and joking around, but that kind of energy is what makes this place work.”

From profit-sharing to Friday movie nights with employees’ families, Mendenhall invests in creating a workplace where people feel valued. Uniforms, tools and training aren’t just provided, they’re prioritized. And team members are encouraged to grow at their own pace, with support for those who want to tackle more advanced equipment and roles.

Performance reviews are used not just to assess but to align goals, and more seasoned staff are always available to mentor newer techs. “Factory training is great,” Moyes said, “but real learning happens on the job, side-by-side, with someone who’s done it before.”

Even as the company grows and the industry evolves, Mendenhall remains focused on what matters most: their customers, their team and doing right by both.

The words “Honesty, Pride, Commitment” are printed on the back of their team T-shirts, and they’re more than just words. They’re a daily reminder of who they are and how they operate. Because at Mendenhall, laundry is the business—but people are the purpose.

Maytag is a registered trademark of the Whirlpool Corporation.