At Advance Champion, we’ve never really thought of ourselves as a “supplier.”
We’re part of how facilities run.

That goes back a long way, before Kevin and I were running the day-to-day, before most of our current customers were even in their buildings. Our family has been in this business for decades, and a lot of what we believe came from Frank.

Frank didn’t talk much about “strategy” or “positioning.”
He focused on doing right by people.

Answer the phone.
Show up when you say you will.
Fix the problem, even if it wasn’t technically your fault.

Simple stuff. But it’s not as common as it should be.

What We Learned Early
Growing up around the business, we saw what really matters to the people we work with.

Most of them aren’t looking for the cheapest product.
They’re trying to keep a facility running.
Keep employees safe.
Make sure customers walk into a place that feels clean and professional.

And a lot of times, they’re doing it with limited time and a lot of responsibility.

When something goes wrong, late deliveries, wrong products, no call back, it creates real problems for them.
That’s where we’ve always tried to be different.

Carrying the Standard Forward
Kevin and I didn’t come in looking to change everything.
We came in knowing what already worked.

Take care of people.
Be easy to do business with.
Know what you’re talking about.
Don’t oversell.

That last one matters more than people think.

A lot of facilities don’t need more products.
They need the right products, and someone who can explain why.

Sometimes that means telling someone, “You don’t need that.”
And we’re fine with that.

Because the goal isn’t the order.
It’s the relationship.

What Commitment Looks Like Today
For us, commitment isn’t a slogan. It shows up in small, everyday ways.

Returning calls quickly.
Helping fix ordering mistakes.
Letting customers return things if it didn’t work out.
Talking through problems instead of just shipping boxes.

A lot of our customers have been with us for years.
Not because we’re perfect.
But because they know we’ll take care of it when something isn’t.

Why It Still Matters
A clean facility does more than people give it credit for.

It affects how employees feel coming into work.
It affects how customers see your business.
It plays a role in safety and health.

We’ve seen it firsthand across all kinds of facilities.
And when it’s done right, everything runs a little smoother.

That’s the part we care about.

If There’s a Fit
Not every business is a fit for us.

But if you’re running a facility, handling cleaning in-house, and just want things to work the way they should, we’re always open to a conversation.

No pressure.
We’ll just talk it through and see if it makes sense.

The post The Work Behind a Cleaner Facility appeared first on Advance Paper & Maintenance Supply.

Restroom Cleanliness as a Customer Metric
Facility managers (FMs) and restaurant owners (ROs) increasingly recognize restroom hygiene as an essential part of customer satisfaction. The pandemic brought heightened awareness to public hygiene, and with that came new expectations:

• Greater sensitivity to dirty restrooms: Guests link poor restroom care with overall neglect.
• Higher usage levels: With handwashing up nearly 75 percent, restrooms face heavier traffic and faster wear.
• Touchless technology adoption: Automatic fixtures, dispensers, and doors now shape perceptions of modernity and safety.

A clean restroom is no longer a courtesy; it is a form of brand protection.

What “Dirty” Really Means to Guests
Across both consumers and facility professionals, paper and water issues stand out as the biggest red flags.

• Paper problems such as stray towels or empty dispensers send visual signals of neglect.
• Water on the floor quickly becomes a hygiene and safety concern.
• Broken dispensers, especially paper towel units, are major detractors. In comparative studies, 71 percent of consumers and 85 percent of facility managers rated nonfunctioning paper towel dispensers as worse than broken hand dryers.

The evidence is clear: customers equate visible clutter or malfunctioning equipment with a lack of overall care.

The Perception Gap
Consumers and facility teams do not always see restroom conditions the same way. Customers are far less forgiving, often associating a dirty restroom with lowered trust in food safety, service standards, and brand reliability. Meanwhile, facility or restaurant managers may underestimate how strongly restroom conditions shape a patron’s lasting memory. This gap highlights the value of proactive and consistent maintenance routines.

The Touchless Advantage
Touchless features such as automatic faucets, soap dispensers, and paper systems became mainstream following COVID‑19. For FMs and ROs, these upgrades are not just conveniences. They help reduce paper waste, improve hygiene, and simplify ongoing maintenance. While consumers may take them for granted, seeing such amenities subconsciously reinforces confidence in a facility’s cleanliness and modernity.

The Bottom Line
A restroom is more than a utility space; it is a reflection of how a business values its guests. Clean, functional, and thoughtfully maintained restrooms foster trust, comfort, and repeat visits. Poor conditions can quietly drive customers away.

At Advance Champion Supply, we know that maintaining spotless, well-equipped restrooms is fundamental to great guest experiences. That is why we partner with leading manufacturers to equip facility professionals with the right tools, products, and expertise to achieve consistent, high-quality results.

When restrooms shine, your reputation shines too.

Family owned and operated by the De Rosa family since 1977.

The post The Hidden Power of a Clean Restroom: Why It Shapes Customer Perception and Loyalty appeared first on Advance Paper & Maintenance Supply.

To reduce those risks, applying ergonomic principles, that is, designing tasks and tools to fit the worker, makes work safer and more sustainable. For cleaning teams, this can include using lightweight, adjustable tools such as telescoping poles and microfiber mops that help keep workers upright and limit strain. Equipment that reaches into tight spaces or requires less force to operate can lessen stress on shoulders, wrists, and knees.

Emerging technologies also play a role. Automation and autonomous cleaning equipment can take over physically demanding or repetitive tasks, giving workers a chance to focus on higher-value cleaning needs while lowering injury risk.

Finally, training is essential. Teaching proper techniques and safe system use helps employees understand how to protect themselves and use ergonomic tools effectively, making injury prevention a proactive part of daily work.

The professionals at Advance Champion Supply can show you a variety of options, including cleaning equipment and tools to make the job easier. Some include robotic (autonomous) cleaning machines, backpack vacuum cleaners, cordless cleaning equipment and much more.

Contact Advance Champion because a cleaner facility isn’t an expense, it’s an advantage!

The post Good Ergonomics Help Prevent Workplace Injuries in Cleaning Teams appeared first on Advance Paper & Maintenance Supply.

Peak Supply’s dedication to customer care and consistency has set a strong example for everyone in the facility and janitorial supply field. Their presence will be missed, but their legacy remains, both in the businesses they supported and in the relationships they built over the years.

With their retirement, we understand that many of their customers may now be looking for a dependable supplier to continue meeting their facility and janitorial needs. At Advance Paper & Maintenance Supply, we are fully prepared to support you through this transition. Our team is committed to providing:

• Reliable delivery and product availability
• Friendly, attentive service
• A wide range of janitorial and maintenance solutions
• Guidance in selecting the right products for your facility
• A customer-first approach that reflects the same values Peak Supply upheld

Whether you’re seeking everyday essentials, specialty products, or personalized recommendations, we’re here to make the transition smooth and stress-free. We’re honored to continue serving the needs of our local business community, and we look forward to supporting anyone who relied on Peak Supply over the years.

If you have questions, need product recommendations, or would like help setting up an account, our team is ready to assist.

From all of us at Advance Paper & Maintenance Supply, congratulations to Peak Supply on an incredible journey, and thank you for the service and dedication you’ve given our community.

The post Celebrating Peak Supply’s Legacy While Supporting Customers Through the Transition appeared first on Advance Paper & Maintenance Supply.

Why Cold and Flu Season Matters for Business

The economic impact of cold and flu season on businesses is substantial. The average employee with the flu misses three to four days of work, and even those who come to work while sick experience reduced productivity. Beyond the immediate costs of absenteeism, workplace illness can create a ripple effect that affects team morale, customer service, and project timelines.

Taking preventive action isn’t just good for employee wellbeing—it’s a smart business decision that protects your bottom line.

Creating a Healthy Workplace Environment

Enhance Cleaning Protocols

During cold and flu season, standard cleaning procedures may not be sufficient. Consider increasing the frequency of cleaning high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, elevator buttons, shared equipment, and kitchen areas. Provide cleaning supplies at workstations so employees can wipe down their own keyboards, phones, and desks throughout the day.

Improve Air Quality and Ventilation

Proper ventilation plays a crucial role in reducing the spread of airborne illnesses. Ensure your HVAC system is well-maintained and filters are changed regularly. If possible, increase fresh air circulation and consider using air purifiers in shared spaces. Maintaining appropriate humidity levels between 40-60% can also help reduce virus transmission.

Provide Hygiene Stations

Make it easy for employees to practice good hygiene by placing hand sanitizer stations in strategic locations throughout your workplace—near entrances, in conference rooms, break rooms, and common areas. Ensure restrooms are always stocked with soap and paper towels.

Encouraging Preventive Health Measures

Promote Vaccination

One of the most effective ways to reduce flu cases in your workplace is to encourage vaccination. Consider hosting an on-site flu shot clinic, partnering with a local pharmacy or healthcare provider to bring vaccinations directly to your employees. If that’s not feasible, provide paid time off for employees to get vaccinated and communicate information about where vaccines are available.

Educate Your Team

Knowledge is power when it comes to preventing illness. Share information about proper handwashing techniques, respiratory etiquette (covering coughs and sneezes), and the importance of not touching one’s face. Regular reminders through email, posters, or team meetings can reinforce these healthy habits.

Implementing Supportive Sick Leave Policies

Review Your Sick Leave Policy

Ensure your sick leave policy is clear, generous, and easy to use. Employees should never feel pressured to come to work when they’re ill. If your current policy is restrictive, consider whether temporary adjustments during peak flu season might be appropriate.

Discourage Presenteeism

Create a culture where staying home when sick is not only accepted but encouraged. Leadership should set the example by staying home when they’re unwell. Make it clear that coming to work sick puts others at risk and can actually prolong recovery time.

Enable Remote Work

For employees whose jobs allow it, offering the option to work from home when they’re mildly ill can help them rest while staying productive and preventing the spread of illness to coworkers.

Supporting Employee Health and Immunity

Encourage Healthy Habits

Promote wellness initiatives that support immune health. This might include sharing information about nutrition, adequate sleep, stress management, and regular exercise. Consider offering healthy snacks in the office or organizing wellness challenges.

Provide Flexibility

Stress and exhaustion can weaken immune systems. During cold and flu season, consider whether you can offer additional flexibility with schedules to help employees maintain work-life balance and get adequate rest.

Ensure Access to Healthcare

Make sure employees understand their health benefits and know how to access care when needed. Provide information about telehealth options, urgent care facilities, and what to do if they develop symptoms.

Communicating Your Plan

Be Proactive and Transparent

Don’t wait until illness strikes. Communicate your cold and flu season preparedness plan to all employees before the season begins. Let them know what steps the company is taking and what you expect from them.

Regular Updates

During peak illness times, provide regular updates about any cases in the workplace (without violating privacy), remind employees about preventive measures, and reinforce your sick leave policy.

Create Easy Reference Materials

Develop simple, accessible resources such as a one-page guide on symptoms that should keep someone home, proper hygiene practices, and who to contact if they’re ill.

Preparing for Business Continuity

Cross-Train Employees

Ensure that critical functions aren’t dependent on a single person. Cross-training team members means your business can continue operating smoothly even when key employees are out sick.

Have a Contingency Plan

Identify which functions are essential and develop backup plans for maintaining them during periods of high absenteeism. This might include temporary reassignment of duties or bringing in temporary help.

Review Your Technology

Ensure your remote work technology is functioning properly and that employees know how to use it. Test video conferencing systems, VPN access, and collaboration tools before they’re urgently needed.

Conclusion

Preparing your business for cold and flu season doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By combining preventive measures, supportive policies, clear communication, and contingency planning, you can create a workplace that stays healthier and more productive throughout the season.

The key is to start early, be proactive rather than reactive, and create a culture where employee health is valued and protected. When your team knows you’re invested in their wellbeing, they’re more likely to take the necessary precautions to stay healthy—benefiting everyone in the organization.

Remember, every business is different. Assess your specific workplace needs, involve employees in the planning process, and be willing to adjust your approach based on what works best for your team. With thoughtful preparation, you can minimize the impact of cold and flu season and maintain a thriving workplace all year long.

Contact the professionals at Advance Champion Supply to help create a safety plan designed for your business that includes the proper products and procedures to protect your staff and your business.

The post Preparing Your Business for Cold and Flu Season: A Guide to Keeping Your Workforce Healthy appeared first on Advance Paper & Maintenance Supply.

Think about it: how much trust do you put in people you don’t know? Most of us research before making an important purchase or hiring someone for a project. And almost everyone has had that frustrating experience, hiring someone who offered a cheaper price, only to find the job wasn’t done right. In the end, you spend more money correcting mistakes that could have been avoided by working with knowledgeable, experienced professionals from the beginning.

The reality is simple: compromising on quality almost always costs more in the long run. As the saying goes, “The bitterness of poor quality far exceeds the enticement of a cheap price.” Years later, will you remember the discount you got, or the subpar results you were left with?

At Advance Champion Janitorial Supply, we understand the importance of experience and trust. With over 45 years in the janitorial supply industry, Kevin and Marc bring unmatched knowledge of cleaning tools, products, and maintenance solutions to the greater Phoenix area. Their expertise ensures that when you turn to the Advance team, you’ll get the right products, the right guidance, and the right support to keep your space clean, safe, and well-maintained.

Your health, your business, and your home deserve better than “discount-store” solutions. Choose proven experience and quality that lasts, choose Advance Champion Janitorial Supply and get the best solutions for your dollars spent.

The post Experience Matters in Janitorial Supplies and Services appeared first on Advance Paper & Maintenance Supply.

Air Dryers vs. Paper Towels: The 70/30 Split

Currently, paper towels are winning the popularity contest, with users choosing them over air dryers at a 70/30 ratio. This preference isn’t just about personal choice – it’s often driven by practical limitations.

Many older facilities simply lack the electrical infrastructure needed for modern air dryers.

For new construction and remodels, there’s a growing trend toward air dryers as builders incorporate the necessary electrical work. However, speed and effectiveness are crucial – slow or weak air dryers actually discourage proper hand hygiene, as people may skip washing altogether rather than wait.

The health debate remains contentious. While some experts cite studies showing air dryers can blow germs into the air, the CDC takes a more neutral stance, stating there isn’t enough scientific evidence to definitively prove one method is more effective at reducing germs than the other.

Smart Paper Towel Choices

For facilities sticking with paper towels, the key is choosing the right dispenser system:

• Stub-roll systems offer the best sustainability benefits
• High-capacity dispensers work best for high-traffic areas
• Manual no-touch systems provide universal accessibility
• Avoid c-fold towels – they score poorly on user experience, maintenance frequency, and cost- effectiveness

Strategic Hand Sanitizer Placement

While handwashing with soap and water remains the gold standard for infection prevention, hand sanitizers serve as crucial backup when sinks aren’t available. Smart placement includes:

• Facility entrances
• Near elevators
• Outside restrooms
• Nursing stations and classrooms without sinks

The CDC recommends sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol content, though they won’t be effective against all germs like Cryptosporidium, norovirus, and C. difficile.

Foam Beats Gel

When choosing sanitizer types, foam consistently outperforms gel options. It’s cleaner, more cost- effective, distributes more easily, and dries faster – making it more appealing to users. Wall-mounted dispensers are preferred over bottles or pumps in public settings to avoid spills and maintenance issues.

Don’t Forget the Signage

While most people know how to wash their hands, signage serves important regulatory compliance purposes and acts as helpful reminders. Effective signage should emphasize the 20-second scrubbing rule and can include illustrations to overcome language barriers and engage younger users.

The Bottom Line

Making hand hygiene convenient and accessible dramatically improves health and safety outcomes. Whether you choose air dryers or paper towels, foam sanitizers or gel, the key is selecting solutions that encourage consistent use while meeting your facility’s specific needs and constraints.

Summary based on reporting by Caryn Jones for CleanLink

The post The Great Hand Drying Debate: What Facilities Need to Know appeared first on Advance Paper & Maintenance Supply.

As summer approaches in Arizona, we prepare not only for the soaring temperatures but also for the seasonal opportunities that come with it. While staying hydrated and avoiding excessive sun exposure are critical for personal health, summer also brings a prime window for facility upkeep and deep cleaning projects.

At Advance Champion Supply, we know that this season is a go-to time for businesses to roll up their sleeves and restore their environments, especially after the departure of winter guests. From professional cleaning contractors to in-house maintenance teams, summer is when the real work begins: stripping and refinishing floors, deep cleaning carpets, sanitizing restrooms, and tackling overall facility maintenance.

Summer Cleaning Season: Challenges and Solutions

With these summer projects come important questions:

• Do you have the right team in place to complete the job?
• Is your staff trained in the proper techniques and product usage?
• Are you using the best tools and solutions to ensure long-lasting results?

At Advance Champion Supply, we help you say “yes” to all of the above.

Whether you’re managing a large commercial facility, a retail space, or a hospitality environment, we offer premium-grade supplies, industrial-strength equipment, and most importantly, industry-backed guidance to ensure you get the job done right.

Unmatched Experience. Unbeatable Support.

With decades of experience serving Arizona’s commercial cleaning professionals, our expertise goes far beyond product selection. Our team provides consultation, product training, and custom solutions tailored to your specific facility and goals. We’ll show you how to strip floors efficiently without damaging surfaces, how to extend the life of your carpet cleanings, and how to select the right disinfectants and tools for each area of your building.

We stock and support the best brands in the business, from floor machines and autoscrubbers to eco-friendly chemical solutions, microfiber systems, and spot extractors, everything you need to get through summer cleaning season with results that last.

Get Started with Confidence

If you’re unsure where to begin or how to tackle a large-scale cleaning or maintenance project, you don’t have to figure it out alone. With Advance Champion Supply, you gain a partner who’s been helping Arizona businesses for decades. As the old saying goes, “We will make you shine.”

Call us today, stop by our showroom, or schedule a consultation. Let us equip you with the right tools, products, and knowledge to make this summer your cleanest one yet.

The post Shining Through Summer: Get Your Facility Back in Shape with Expert Supplies and Support appeared first on Advance Paper & Maintenance Supply.

1. Provide Skin-Friendly Soaps and Sanitizers

Skin sensitivities and conditions like eczema affect millions, making certain soaps and sanitizers problematic. Using products that are gentle, dermatologically tested, and certified by reputable organizations ensures that all users can clean their hands comfortably. Advance Champion Supply offers a selection of mild, effective hand hygiene products suitable for diverse skin types.​

2. Install Accessible Dispensers

Physical limitations, whether due to age, injury, or disability, can make traditional dispensers difficult to use. Implementing touchless or easy-to-operate dispensers accommodates a wider range of users, promoting better hygiene practices. Our range includes various dispenser options designed for ease of use and compliance with accessibility standards.​

3. Ensure Reliable Maintenance and Supplies

A clean, well-stocked restroom reflects positively on your facility and encourages proper hand hygiene. Regular maintenance and prompt restocking prevent issues that could deter users from washing their hands. Advance Champion Supply provides comprehensive solutions, including quality products and maintenance support, to keep your restrooms in top condition.​
Cleaning & Maintenance Management

The cleaning professionals at Advance Champion Supply can help you establish a comprehensive handwashing program for your business. We are happy to visit with you, assess your current situation, and provide suggestions. We have everything you need to keep your place clean, healthy, and safe.

The post Enhancing Hand Hygiene Accessibility in Public Restrooms appeared first on Advance Paper & Maintenance Supply.

A Legacy of Innovation and Excellence

At Advance, we believe that industrial cleaning solutions should be safer for people, smarter in design, and more effective in performance. Our commitment to this mission has driven us to combine cutting-edge science and advanced technology with generations of industry expertise, ensuring that our clients receive the very best solutions available.

Safer Solutions for a Healthier Workplace

Clean doesn’t have to mean harsh chemicals and unnecessary risks. We engineer our cleaning products and systems with safety in mind, reducing exposure to harmful substances while maintaining powerful cleaning performance. By using eco-friendly formulations, non-toxic solutions, and advanced delivery systems, we help businesses create healthier environments for employees, customers, and communities.

Smarter Cleaning Through Technology

The cleaning industry is evolving, and so are we. With over 150 years of combined experience in the janitorial and sanitation (jan/san) industries, the Advance Paper & Maintenance Supply team brings deep knowledge and innovative thinking to every solution we provide. Our products and systems incorporate automation, data-driven efficiency, and sustainability practices, ensuring that our clients can clean faster, smarter, and with greater cost-effectiveness.

More Effective Performance You Can Trust

We don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all” cleaning solutions. Different industries require customized approaches, and our team works closely with clients to develop cleaning strategies tailored to their specific needs. Whether it’s industrial facilities, healthcare settings, food service operations, or commercial spaces, Advance Paper & Maintenance Supply delivers powerful, science-backed solutions that go beyond surface cleaning to ensure deep sanitation and long-lasting results.

Family-Owned, Customer-Focused

As a third-generation, family-owned business, we take pride in the relationships we build. Our clients aren’t just customers—they’re part of our extended family. We provide not only high-performance cleaning solutions but also education, training, and expert guidance to help businesses optimize their cleaning operations.

At Advance Paper & Maintenance Supply, we set the standard for innovation, safety, and effectiveness in industrial cleaning. Our team is ready to help you achieve a cleaner, healthier, and more efficient workspace.

Let’s talk about your cleaning needs! Contact us today to learn how Advance can help you create a safer, smarter, and more effective cleaning program.

The post Advance: A Family Legacy in Smarter, Safer, and More Effective Industrial Cleaning Solutions appeared first on Advance Paper & Maintenance Supply.