Our Team
John R van Nagell, CEO & President
As President and Chief Executive Officer, John R. van Nagell leads the company with a customer-first approach that has been the foundation of its success. He is passionate about building lasting relationships, delivering exceptional service, and ensuring every customer receives the attention and support they deserve.
John believes that strong relationships are the key to long-term success. By staying connected with customers and fostering a culture centered on trust, reliability, and service, he continues to guide the company’s growth while keeping customer satisfaction at the heart of everything it does.
Johnny Wills, COO & VP of Operations
As Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Operations, Johnny Wills oversees the strategic vision and day-to-day operational procedures that keep the company moving forward. With a distinguished 37-year career in the industrial laundry industry, he brings an unmatched depth of expertise and a proven track record of operational excellence to the executive team.
What truly drives Johnny is the dynamic, ever-changing nature of the business; he thrives on solving complex daily challenges and optimizing systems for peak efficiency. Known for a collaborative leadership style, Johnny believes that great operations start with great people, and he takes immense pride in regularly interacting with and supporting the team members who power the company’s success.
Jason Thornton, Service Manager
Jason has brought over 15 years of experience in logistics, fleet, and route management to his role at Advantage. 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.
Denise Petty, Operations Manager
With over 20 years of operations experience, Denise is a natural self-starter who brings equal parts organizational precision and team enthusiasm to the workplace. From masterfully balancing financial settlements and tracking inventory to designing training programs that help new hires thrive, she loves finding creative ways to make businesses run smoother. Denise has a rich professional background that includes optimizing workflows for corporate giants and handling sensitive healthcare client support.
Vivian Collins, Office Manager
Vivian has more than 30 years of management experience with a background in billing, account reconciliation, and customer service. She brings extensive knowledge and expertise to the Advantage Linen team, overseeing office operations and supporting our staff. Vivian is dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service and ensuring a positive experience for every customer.
Katie Gentry, Regional Sales Manager
Katie, a native of Louisville, Kentucky, brings more than 28 years of hospitality experience to Advantage. With a proven background in client service and operational excellence, she provides tailored linen solutions that meet the unique needs of each customer. Katie is dedicated to building lasting partnerships and upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
Alec Petroccelli-Henry, District Route Manager
Throughout Alec’s career, he has worked with customers ranging from individual homeowners to large-scale development projects, coordinating deliveries, managing priorities, and ensuring accurate order fulfillment. He is committed to providing dependable service, fostering strong relationships, and contributing to the success of both customers and the team.
Marin Wills, Service Auditor, Administrator
Marin began working at the Lexington plant on the production floor, gaining firsthand experience with daily plant operations and a strong understanding of how each part of the business works together. With a degree in business administration she now serves the Louisville plant, helping support customers and the team with a strong knowledge of both operations and service.
Shery Brown, Customer Support Representative
Shery has been a valued member of the Advantage Linen team for the past two years, bringing with her an impressive 27 years of customer service experience. She is passionate about building strong relationships with customers and is dedicated to providing exceptional support with every interaction. Shery’s extensive experience, attention to detail, and commitment to customer satisfaction make her an invaluable part of the Advantage family and a trusted resource for our clients