NORTH AMERICA
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Schneider, known to many as as West Region sales manager at Tingue, Brown & Co, where he served until his retirement in 2000, who passed away peacefully earlier this year at the age of 90.
John lived a rich and impactful life, marked by dedication to his family, and an enduring passion for his work. He was a wonderful husband, beloved father, mentor, and friend. He was immensely proud of his years with Tingue, Brown & Co. John often spoke fondly of Tingue in his later years — not just as a place of work, but as a community that gave him the freedom to grow and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully. Even in his final days, his love for the company and the people within it never waned.
During his tenure, John played a pivotal role in expanding Tingue’s presence throughout the Western United States, including Alaska, Hawaii, and into Mexico. He was instrumental in developing what are now some of the company’s most important territories. He helped build the Polytrux business from the ground up in the western region, championed the expansion of Talley Machinery operations, and advocated early for key safety and productivity innovations — including inverter drives and roll-raising rigs — long before they became industry standards.
“John Schneider was a pillar of support, fairness, and dedication—not just to our company, but to the entire laundry industry. He led with quiet strength and integrity, always putting others before himself and the business ahead of ego. John was someone I looked up to, especially in my early years. His guidance, encouragement, and example shaped how I approach leadership to this day. We were all better for having him in our corner.” said Tingue CEO, David Tingue.
John was a trusted partner to industry giants such as Mission Linen, Aramark/Vestis, Angelica, Alsco and a proponent for the many small operators. His influence helped establish the enduring relationships that continue to sustain and grow the business today.
To many, he was more than a sales manager. He was a mentor, a coach, and a friend. David Tingue, Ty Acton and many others count themselves fortunate to have learned under his guidance.
John’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the relationships he built, and the vision he helped shape.
• Founded in 1902, Tinge, Brown & Co is now known simply as Tingue. Tingue is a global organisation encompassing manufacturing, distribution, installation, and marketing of hundreds of practical, innovative products for commercial laundries and a wide range of other markets.
