Larry Shideler Retires From Proteam After 20 Successful Years

ProTeam Inc. has announced that after a distinguished career, founder and industry icon, Larry Shideler, will retire from active management of the vacuum company. Shideler will remain as chairman and founder.

Shideler, who founded ProTeam in 1987, was instrumental in the development of the commercial backpack vacuum. After spending many years in the commercial cleaning industry, Shideler had accumulated extensive first-hand experience with the equipment and methods required for effective cleaning and in 1983 created the first lightweight backpack vacuum made out of PVC pipe. His innovation became an industry phenomenon in the commercial cleaning industry for its cleaning efficiency and ergonomic comfort. Today, ProTeam manufactures 17 different vacuums for all cleaning applications.

After successfully launching the industry’s first commercial backpack vacuum, Shideler guided the development and refinement of Team Cleaning® and Cleaning for Health®. ProTeam’s success has been largely driven by its resolve to educate the marketplace on better and more efficient cleaning while enhancing the health of all building occupants and the safety of its workers. ProTeam’s focus on programs and education continues today, strengthened by an educational partnership with the American Lung Association to educate the public about the benefits of healthy indoor air quality.

Shideler has been recognized for his leadership and innovation by numerous awards including the prestigious 2007 Pinnacle Award from OS1 Users Symposium which recognizes outstanding contributions to the cleaning industry. In 2001, Shideler was named the Idaho Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Business Association and was inducted into the Cleaning Management Institute’s Hall of Fame for industry achievement. Shideler also served on the International Sanitary Supply Board from 1999 – 2001. In 2000, ProTeam was named one of Industry Week’s Top 25 Growing Companies, which spotlights America’s most successful small manufacturers.

Because of Shideler’s vision and leadership, ProTeam has been able to change the cleaning industry through its products and technologies. He created a legacy at ProTeam of innovative and educational outreach – one that will live forever.

Shideler’s knowledge and experience will continue to be available to ProTeam as he continues to contribute as a member of the Board of Directors.