Wilmington, Mass. (August 2026) — UniFirst Corporation (NYSE:UNF), a North American leader in providing customized business uniform programs, facility service products and first aid and safety services, recently held its 25th annual Founder’s Day celebration, honoring nine decades of company history and the enduring legacy of its founder, Aldo Croatti.
Mr. Croatti established UniFirst in 1936 out of an old horse barn in Dorchester, Massachusetts. What began as a modest operation has since grown into one of North America’s leading uniform and facility services providers. This year’s Founder’s Day served as both a milestone commemoration and a reaffirmation of the core values that have guided the company since its inception: customer focus, respect for others, and commitment to quality.
Founder’s Day also celebrated the exemplary contributions of UniFirst Team Partners through the annual Employee of the Year (EOY) recognition. Each location honored outstanding Team Partners who uphold the company’s values and demonstrate extraordinary commitment to excellence. EOY recipients received a commemorative plaque, a thoughtful gift, and a bonus paid day off. Their names will be displayed at their respective locations in recognition of their achievement.
“Reaching a 90-year milestone is a testament to something far greater than any product or service we provide, it’s a testament to our people,” said Steven Sintros, UniFirst President and CEO. “Our Team Partners have been the heartbeat of this company since 1936. Their dedication, integrity, and hard work are what carry Aldo Croatti’s vision forward into a new era. I am incredibly proud of our Employee of the Year honorees and the culture we continue to build together.”
The celebration also highlighted the Cynthia Croatti Leadership Award, an initiative introduced last year to honor leaders within the organization who demonstrate exceptional vision, passion, and purpose.
“Ninety years ago, my father started something really special. It was never just about uniforms. It was about the dignity of hard work and the community of people who show up every day to do it,” said Cynthia Croatti, Board Member and
Advisor to the CEO. “Watching his vision evolve into the company we are today fills me with profound gratitude. He believed in putting people first, always, and that foundational belief remains at the very heart of everything we do.”
For more information about UniFirst, please visit UniFirst.com.
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About UniFirst
UniFirst Corporation (NYSE: UNF) helps businesses of all sizes keep their workers safe, comfortable, and professional with work uniform and facility service solutions, as well as first aid and safety supplies and services. Headquartered in Wilmington, Mass., the company manages specialized garment programs through its subsidiaries for the cleanroom and nuclear industries. Alongside partnerships with leading brands, UniFirst manufactures its own branded workwear, protective clothing, floorcare products, and restroom supplies at three company-owned facilities. Guided by a commitment to Always Deliver™ for its customers, Team Partners, and communities, UniFirst operates 270-plus service locations across North America, serves more than 300,000 customer locations, and outfits over 2 million workers daily with the support of 16,000-plus Team Partners. For more information, contact UniFirst at 888.296.2740 or visit UniFirst.com. Follow UniFirst on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram .
