Our Team

Tom Austin, CEO

Tom began his career working in the Industrial Laundry business in 1994, and has served as CEO since purchasing the Linen Service Division from Universal Uniforms, Inc. in 2002. He is responsible for setting the company’s strategic direction, maintaining the financial strength, developing the Leadership Team, Human Resource oversight, Marketing and Acquisitions.

He has lead the company in acquiring new business and building relationships with existing customers through consistent and friendly service. Under his leadership, Universal has purchased their largest competitor, managed all the land and property, and built a new state of the art laundry facility that opened in 2008. In 2012 Tom acquired American Towel and Rental Service, located in Nashville, Tennessee. American Towel and Rental Service was the perfect addition to the Universal Linen family, with small town values, and a desire to please their customers, there couldn’t be a better match. Tom led the company rebranded effort with focus and tag on “Every Piece Counts” to redefine our perception and commitment to our team members, our customers, and our community. Recently, the green movement is defining the company as one of the largest recyclers in the community. His focus is maintaining a safe, clean, work environment for our team members, as well as long term customer loyalty by delivering clean, pressed linen, towels, mats, and garments, on time and complete.

Tom graduated from Denison University in 1989 with a B.S. in Geology, and attended Graduate School at The University of Oklahoma. He remains active as a member of the Young Presidents Organization serving in a leadership capacity at the local, regional and international level and is a proud member of the International Board of Directors. He also serves as a Director and on the Executive Committee for Eclipse Bank in Louisville, a Board Member of the American Red Cross, Louisville Chapter, and serves as the Vice Chair of the Board for the Louisville Metropolitan Sewer District. Tom travels frequently and globally for YPO, and in his free time he enjoys spending time with his family, sailing on Lake Michigan and golfing.

Sergio Farinas, President & COO

Sergio joined the leadership team at Universal Linen Service in 2018 as Chief Operating Officer and was promoted to President in 2019. With over 25 years of operations management experience in the automotive industry, he was able to successfully transition to the laundry industry. Sergio has focused on creating and improving management systems and his varied background brings a new perspective to the management team. Sergio attended the Rochester Institute of Technology and received an undergraduate and Master of Science degree in Applied Business Management. In his spare time, he enjoys time at the lake.

Robyn Wigginton, Office Manager/Controller

Robyn Wigginton started with Universal Uniforms in 1989 as the Executive Assistant to the owner, Bill Tate. Robyn supported the entire Universal staff for 14 years as well as managing the marketing and telecommunication efforts. In 2002, when Tom Austin purchased the Linen Division from Bill Tate, Robyn joined Tom as the office manager. Robyn has worked for the family for 28 years, and continues to serve as office manager/controller, purchasing agent, lead on technological projects and assistant to Tom. Robyn graduated from Louisville College of Medical Careers and worked for Baptist Healthcare Organization as a medical assistant and administrative assistant before joining Universal.

Julie Clemmons – Sales Director

Julie Clemmons has over 27 years of experience working within the healthcare marketplace in a variety of areas. Where she is recognized and respected by colleagues for her knowledge, expertise, and accomplishments. She was awarded the recognition of “Who’s Who of Professional Businesswomen” and has obtain numerous sales awards and accomplishments in her career. The areas which she has excelled in most recent years; specializing in business territory development, relationship building and mergers acquisitions. She comes to Universal Linen with over 4 years of experience in the healthcare linen industry. She is a graduate of the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Associates of Paralegal from Sullivan College. She is a resident of Shelby County, where she resides on a generational family farm with her husband David.

Dennis Miller, Sales

Dennis Miller began his career with Universal Uniforms, Inc. in March of 1987 as a route driver in the company’s uniform rental division. In 1992 Dennis was promoted to the position of route manager and filled that position until 2002 when Universal sold their industrial uniform division. As part of the purchase agreement Dennis transitioned over to G&K Services for a period of two years. When his non-compete agreement expired he returned to Universal in the company’s linen rental division and started his career in sales. In 2013 Dennis was asked to transfer to Nashville Tennessee where he has worked in sales for the company’s American Towel & Linen Rental affiliate. Dennis graduated from Iroquois High School in Louisville and then graduated from the Louisville Police Academy where he served as a police officer for the Louisville Housing Police Department for several years.

Jennifer Young, Sales

Jennifer has been with ULS for over 13 years. She handles our Healthcare/Medical Sales. Her years of sales experience and knowledge of the Healthcare industry make her a great representative for ULS. Originally from Lexington, KY Jennifer is a native Kentuckian with deep ties to the Bluegrass State. She had her husband Greg reside in Louisville.

Shane Vest, Sales

Shane joined the ULS team in 2024 as the Kentucky and Southern Indiana Food and Beverage Territory Sales Manager. His background in the hospitality industry with 10 years of seasoned knowledge and experience under his belt, as well as a graduate of the San Diego Culinary Institute. Shane served our country in the military for 9 years. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling the country.

Chris Zale, Sales

Chris Zale brings over 25 years of extensive hospitality experience to his role as Territory Sales Manager at Universal Linen Service. With a robust background in the Detroit, Chicago, and Indianapolis markets, Chris has honed his expertise in catering to the unique needs of clients in the hospitality industry. Having spent a significant portion of his career in restaurant operations, Chris brings a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities inherent in this fast-paced environment. Chris is enthusiastic about forging strong partnerships with clients and providing them with top-notch linen solutions that meet their specific requirements.

Brian Parker, Louisville and Lodging Plant Manager

Brian truly believes the linen industry is his calling. He loves teaching people the right way to do their job by making it as easy as possible with no shortcuts. This industry has had its ups and downs for him over the past 18 years, but now feels like he has found his home. Brian has been married for seven years, and has worked with his wife for the last 16+ years.

Jason Thornton, Senior Service Manager

Jason brings over 15 years of experience in logistics, fleet, and route management to his role at Universal Linen Service, where he has been a key contributor since 2019. Committed to the philosophy of constant improvement, Jason excels in enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. He thrives on the diversity of his work, enjoying interactions with a wide range of customers from various industries. Outside of his professional life, Jason is passionate about travel and the outdoors, and he enjoys spending time with his dog, Ryder.