ICS Cleaning Specialist is pleased to be celebrating 50 years as a publication, but we realize that we wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the people that have helped shape the cleaning and restoration industry.

Chemistry as a whole is a unique science and when it comes to carpet cleaning chemistry, it’s a totally different ballgame.

Rob’s “super sucker” had just a little more power compared to me spitting and a little more vacuum then I could suck through a straw.

It’s with the greatest of pleasures that I am able to salute ICS and its thousands of readers on its 50th anniversary.

There are dozens of well-know people who have influenced the cleaning and restoration industry over the last 50 years; however, I’d like to mention a few who may not be acknowledged - the ladies affiliated with the cleaning and restoration industry who have influenced me most.

The Restoration Industry Association was formed in 1946 as the National Institute of Rug Cleaners, Inc. (NIRC) in New York.

This issue is a retrospective look at where this industry came from, a celebration of the men and women who influenced it, created the products and the education for it as well as a look forward to what the future may bring.

William Doan worked in the industry from 1964 to 2007 at DuPont, Steamway International, Shaw Industries and, most recently, as the VP of Shaw Product Care.

Wanda York is the widow of industry pioneer Ed York, who passed away at the age of 79 on March 13, 2006. Of Ed York’s many accomplishments, there’s perhaps none more significant than the establishment of the International Institute of Carpet and Upholstery Certification (IICUC), which is now the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

Here’s a list of businesses 50 years and older that we wanted to recognize, submitted by you, our readers.