2026 Theme: GRIT
Guts. Resilience. Initiative. Thrive.
Because real leadership isn’t built when things are easy… it’s built when you push forward, lead with courage, and grow through challenge.
Hosted by: Dublin Cleaners
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Dates: May 12–14, 2026
Spark & Start is more than a conference, it’s a gathering built for real leaders at every level of the business. Owners, managers, customer service professionals, route specialists, production leaders, and industry partners. We are all coming together to learn, connect, and grow.
Speakers Include:
- Chris White – America’s Best Cleaners
- Ryan Brown – Dublin Cleaners
- Donald Carlson Jr – Carlson Cleaners and Tweeds Custom Suits
- James Peuster – The Route Pros
- Jennifer Whitmarsh – The Route Pros
Each speaker brings real-world experience, hard-earned lessons, and practical leadership insight. Aligned with the GRIT mindset that today’s leaders need.
Over three powerful days, attendees will gain:
- Practical leadership tools you can use immediately
- Ideas to strengthen your team and culture
- Fresh perspective on customer experience and operations
- Meaningful connections with decision-makers across the industry
Registration Details
- Route Pros Members: $300 for the first attendee, $200 for each additional attendee from the same company
- Non-Members: $450 for the first attendee, $300 for each additional attendee from the same company
- Sponsors attend FREE
Schedule of Events
- Monday 5/11
- 5:00 PM: Members and non Members Welcome. HFA will be hosting a Meet and Greet. Meet your Executive Directors, Sue and Katey Kratz, at Cap City Fine Diner & Bar, 6644 Riverside Dr.
- Tuesday 5/12
- 1:00 PM: Tour of Dublin Cleaners
- 5:30 PM: Informal Welcome Gathering
- Wednesday 5/13
- 8:00 – 8:50 AM: Arrival & Sponsors Mixer
- 8:50 – 9:10 AM: Conference Commences: Opening Re-MARK’S
- 9:10 – 9:50 AM: Ice-Dice Baby
- 10:00 – 11:30 AM: 25 years of GRIT to GREAT
- 11:30 – 11:40 AM: Participant Rapid Fire
- 11:40 – 11:50 AM: Sponsor Highlight
- 11:50 AM – 12:55 PM: Lunch & Learn (Lunch Provided)
- 1:00 – 1:50 PM: Host Spotlight (Ryan Brown)
- 2:00 – 3:20 PM: Speaker Spotlight (Chris White)
- 3:30 – 3:55 PM: GRIT Analysis
- 4:00 PM: Meeting Adjourned
- 6:30 – 8:30 PM: Cheers To Peers!! Group Dinner
- Thursday 5/14
- 8:00 – 9:00 AM: Arrival & Sponsors Mixer
- 9:00 – 9:50 AM: From Front Counter to CEO
- 10:00 – 10:50 AM: Speaker Spotlight – Donald Carlson
- 11:00 – 11:50 AM: GRIT Mentorship: What it Truly Means to Develop Your Team to Develop Your Business
- 12:00 – 12:55 PM: Lunch (Provided)
- 1:00 – 1:50 PM: Leadership That Scales, Without Headcount
- 2:00 – 3:15 PM: The Final Action
This event is open to everyone in the industry… including trades and associates. If you’re passionate about leadership, people, and building a stronger business, you belong here.
Save the date. Share with your team. Join us in May.
To RSVP, simply email RouteProsMark@gmail.com.
