CETA Edge: Why Serve?

by Diane Calabrese |Published March 2025

 

Empty hours? Probably not.

In fact, it’s unlikely that anyone has more time than gets easily filled by family, work, and all other activities. Free time is something of a misnomer. It’s more about choices. And about using time well.

Members of the Cleaning Equipment Trade Association (CETA) who serve in governing roles for a term or two gain perspective, make new connections, and broaden skills. They also ensure that CETA’s strong voice for the industry remains perfectly clear and acutely focused.

Never stepping into a role beyond CETA member is something like appreciating the beauty of the forest without looking at the individual trees. There are so many good ways to fill the hours that the idea of serving as a board member or taking on a leadership role in the professional organization might be overlooked.

Pause a bit and look a little closer. Consider not only the contribution to be made to a vital organization but also the professional growth to be realized by doing something extra on behalf of the industry for a year or two.

Here, CETA members who have taken leadership roles tell us something about their experiences. They also encourage others to follow suit.

Karl Loeffelholz, the current president of CETA and the distributor division manager at Mi-T-M Corporation in Peosta, IA, cites his initial service as a member of the board of directors (2002–2004) as important to his immersion in the cleaning equipment industry. The initial experience gave him a broad understanding of all CETA does for its members.

“My current tenure, spanning from 2021 to 2025—serving as president in 2025—is marked by greater experience and insight into the industry,” says Loeffelholz. “This time I have a deeper understanding to enhance CETA’s impact and better serve its members.”

What’s Loeffelholz’s advice to fellow members of the association about taking a leadership role? “Serving on a CETA committee or as a board member is a highly rewarding experience,” he says. “The contacts you make and the relationships you build are incredibly valuable, not just from a business perspective but also on a personal level.”

Willingness to serve takes time, but the time spent returns much to the individual who steps forward. “The connections made can lead to long-lasting friendships and professional growth,” explains Loeffelholz. “I believe anyone who has served would agree that the benefits far outweigh the time commitment.”

Greg Sprunk, the current vice president CETA, also serves as membership chairman. He is the president of Superior Cleaning Equipment Inc. in Phoenix, AZ, and he has been a member of CETA for about five years.

A great believer in the initiatives undertaken by CETA, he became more involved naturally. In addition to his service, his company has been a platinum level sponsor for PowerClean^®.

“It’s a great organization and the only one that directly affects and lobbies for our industry,” explains Sprunk. “Service is a great way to meet people, including vendors, other dealers, and associates, and I have really enjoyed my time and feel that it is worthwhile and rewarding.”

Russ Hess, the regional manager for Northeast USA and Eastern Canada with Alkota Cleaning Systems Inc. in Alcester, SD, served on the board of the Scholarship Foundation, an independent entity affiliated with CETA, for the first time a decade ago. In 2021 he again became a trustee and currently serves as foundation board chairman.

One word sums up Hess’s reaction to dimensions of serving: Enthusiastic.

“I absolutely recommend it,” he says. “It is, unquestionably, a highly satisfying experience to play a role in providing college scholarships for CETA members, CETA members’ employees, and family members.”

With that, Hess wants to remind readers about the recent addition of the continuing education grant program, which awards grants to employers that help them offset the cost of offering training to their employees. “It is truly exciting to play a role in funding education and training of CETA member employees that directly benefits their businesses,” he says.

Hess explains that any member of the association is ready to serve. Special skills and specific experience are not needed. “Please ‘come as you are,’ and I promise you will discover a comfortable, enjoyable, satisfying experience.”

Do you have questions about serving? Hess invites members to contact him to discuss.

 

Cohesive Voice

Distributors, suppliers, and manufacturers all come together within CETA. They collaborate (even as they compete) on the many issues that confront the industry. Members who serve on the board or committees, or as foundation trustees, act as a combination of managers, shepherds, and catalysts.

Gus Alexander, the CEO of FNA Group in Pleasant Prairie, WI, has been a CETA board member for two years. He currently serves as senior vice president and leads the committee on CARB/SORE; The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is the entity that developed the small off-road engine emission rule known as SORE.

In addition to executive board service and committee work, Alexander has been a part of the group developing the CPC-100 standard, a standard that aims to ensure consistent parameters for evaluation of pressure washers across manufacturers. He says the opportunities he has had to network and collaborate with others who are leaders in the industry on behalf of advancing common goals have been important to him. Alexander offers some advice for others in the industry who are considering serving the organization, as well as being a member of it. And that is to appreciate the many positives that derive from the serious work being done.

“CETA provides a platform to have a direct impact on the industry, from shaping standards and best practices to influencing policy and regulations,” explains Alexander. He adds that in a leadership role a member helps advance the association’s goals in a direction that benefits member groups as well as the contractors and consumers served by the industry.

“Being part of our respected trade association adds credibility and visibility to your personal brand and organization,” says Alexander. The visibility and track record established by serving “can open doors for future leadership positions or professional and business opportunities.”

There is a time commitment attached to service. It is important to understand that it can be significant during peak periods, says Alexander.

All valuable endeavors require a commitment of time, of course, but those with “a passion for advancing the industry can expect a gratifying experience,” explains Alexander.

What would Alexander say to a CETA member who is considering taking a leadership role but is a bit unsure about whether to do so? “Speak with current or past members who are serving or have served to get some sense of the responsibilities and rewards.”

CETA grows because of its diversity. So does the industry. And so do the participants.

Geographic representation in leadership adds to the strength already built into the association by the membership, which includes distributors, suppliers, and manufacturers. CETA is a vigorous, cohesive voice for the industry. The voice promotes. It ensures adherence to standards. And it helps shape standards by providing feedback for regulators at all levels.

Responsibilities and rewards—that’s a good way to sum up the balance in board and committee service. Interested? Contact the CETA office (info@CETA.org) to get started along the path.