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20 SPRING 2018 QUINTEX SERVICES D avid Quinton has been at the helm of third-generation family business Quintex Services for a little over 30 years. But as president of the 117-year-old company, he doesn't think in terms of legacy. "Supporting local businesses and the economy in Winnipeg has always been first for us," he says. The company's roots in Winnipeg run deep. Alec Quinton came to Canada from England at the age of 19 and founded Quinton Dye Works at the corner of Daly Street and Jessie Avenue in 1911. Following his service during the First World War, Alec's brother Sidney, David Quinton's grandfather, came to Winnipeg and joined the business, becoming full owner when Alec left the company in 1922. Now a full-service supplier of uniforms, linens and safety mats, with a 55,000-square- foot facility at 332 Nassau St. North, Quintex has remained proudly Manitoban, delivering exceptional service to clients, providing a fulfilling workplace for staff, and demonstrating a company-wide commitment to lending a helping hand in the community. "One of our greatest attributes is our Q-Crew, which our executive vice-president Janette Millar started," says Quinton. "I like to call her The Captain." The Q-Crew is made up of Quintex employees who enthusiastically volunteer for such worthy causes as Habitat for Humanity, the Manitoba Marathon, Children's Rehabilitation Foundation, the Canadian Women's Foundation and more. "It has been the greatest success — our staff absolutely love going to Siloam Mission or out to help at a women's shelter," says Quinton. "It tells us a lot about our people. These are just good, community-minded people with good attitudes." Quintex supports that spirit with a healthy workplace, featuring a four-day work week to ensure staff get the family time they need. "One of our goals is to provide for our families and this is a vehicle for that," Quinton says. "Our staff want to do a good job, feel proud when they come here, have lots of time with their family while at the same time share the responsibility to make sure the company continues and provides for all of the people that are here." Quintex has adopted environmentally friendly products and policies, and it continues to grow and evolve under seasoned management. "We have a really good mix. Our team is made up of two women and four men. We share great ideas that move our company forward," Quinton says, adding that their primary business goal is simple. "We're trying to create an experience so compelling to the customer that their loyalty becomes assured." Quintex serves more than 2,500 businesses and organizations, helping them maintain clean, safe premises and present a professional appearance. "That's really what we do. We try to make them look better and partner with them so that they can do a better job for their customers," he says. Building relationships — with staff, the community and clients — has been key to making Quintex a long-running success. "I didn't join the family business because of a legacy," says Quinton. "But I am very proud to accept the responsibility to move the company forward and I do always enjoy thinking back to the roots of the company, the dedication and commitment that my grandfather, and then my father and uncle and other family members that I've worked with have shown over the years. "We're very proud when people ask us about Winnipeg, and I'm proud that we're all part of growing a small company in the city and province that we've raised our families in." ■ Learn more at quintexservices.com COMMITTED TO COMMUNITY Quintex fosters culture of caring Photo by Darcy Finley David Quinton's family has operated Quintex Services for well over a century.

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