Sarah Churilla: Leading the Way in Simplifying Healthcare Laundry at Simple

In the world of healthcare laundry services, one name stands out as a rising force for innovation and leadership—Sarah Churilla, the new Director of Sales at Simple, a division of NOVO Health Services. With a unique background that spans both corporate giants and entrepreneurial ventures, Sarah is set to bring a fresh perspective to Simple, a division dedicated to serving the specific needs of acute and subacute healthcare facilities. Her story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to putting people first.

From Wells Fargo to Healthcare Laundry

Sarah’s introduction to the laundry industry was anything but typical. She began her career at Wells Fargo, a corporate giant known for its rigid processes and structured environment. While she thrived in this high-pressure setting, Sarah quickly realized that her passion lay elsewhere. She wanted something more dynamic, more connected to everyday lives—something that had a tangible impact on people. It was then that she made a surprising leap into healthcare laundry sales, drawn by the memories of her early years working at a small dry cleaner.

“Laundry never sleeps,” Sarah says, reflecting on her career shift. “It’s not trendy or seasonal—it’s an everyday necessity. I love the stability and the continuity of this business. It’s honest work, and it’s work that matters.”

Her journey has been shaped by the influence of mentors and unexpected interactions that taught her the value of authenticity in sales. One early mentor, John Stringfield, guided her through the nuances of building client relationships. But it was an unscripted conversation with a customer—one that veered away from business and touched on popular culture—that taught Sarah the value of building genuine, human connections. It was a reminder that behind every business transaction is a person, with emotions, interests, and stories that extend beyond the bottom line.

Lessons in Entrepreneurial Spirit from Tumble and Dry

Before joining Simple, Sarah co-founded “Tumble and Dry,” a B2C laundry startup that offers laundromat and dry cleaning services. This wasn’t just a business endeavor—it was an education. Running a startup meant handling everything from logistics and marketing to customer service and product development. It was here that Sarah experienced the operational side of laundry firsthand, gaining a deeper understanding of what it takes to deliver quality consistently.

“Tumble and Dry was an incredible learning experience,” Sarah explains. “Being a small business owner teaches you accountability on a different level. You learn that every single day, people are counting on you to deliver. It’s not just about making a sale—it’s about ensuring you’re providing something of value.”

This chapter in her career instilled in Sarah a level of grit and resilience that she brings into her role at Simple. She understands the complexities of the laundry industry not just as a sales leader, but as someone who has navigated the operational challenges herself. Now, as she transitions back into the corporate world, Sarah applies these lessons learned from both her time in a corporate setting and her experience building a small business. She is determined to bridge the gap between the corporate efficiency of Wells Fargo and the entrepreneurial adaptability of Tumble and Dry.

A Leadership Style Focused on Courage and Collaboration

Sarah’s leadership philosophy is defined by two core values: courage and collaboration. As the head of sales for Simple, she recognizes that her team must not only be well-versed in the industry but must also be bold enough to challenge the status quo. Courage is about taking risks, pushing beyond what’s comfortable, and setting ambitious goals. It’s this mentality that Sarah believes will help the Simple team—and their clients—reach new levels of success.

“Laundry may seem straightforward, but it’s actually deeply connected to people’s well-being,” Sarah emphasizes. “I want my team to be brave in their approach but also collaborative, ensuring they understand and address the needs of every stakeholder in the process—from healthcare professionals to patients. It’s about being human first and a salesperson second.”

Beyond courage, Sarah places immense value on collaboration. She sees her role not as a manager but as a facilitator. Her goal is to create an environment where her young sales team feels empowered to make decisions, take ownership of their roles, and grow into leaders themselves. She knows that leadership is not about micromanaging; it’s about setting the stage for others to succeed. “We want a culture of badasses,” Sarah says with a smile. “People who are brave, have gumption, and know how to respect others. You can’t teach that; it’s something that comes from within.”

Simple and NOVO Are Poised for Success

Sarah’s addition to Simple, and by extension NOVO Health Services, is already making waves. Her approach to simplifying healthcare laundry, enhancing collaboration, and maintaining a calm but assertive leadership style aligns perfectly with Simple’s mission—taking the complexity out of laundry for healthcare facilities. Her unique blend of experience allows her to view challenges from multiple perspectives, whether it’s the structured, compliance-driven demands of corporate sales or the nimble, customer-focused needs of a small business.

“Simple is more than just a company name; it’s a philosophy,” Sarah notes. “We want our customers to feel at ease, knowing that their laundry needs are in capable hands. My job is to ensure that feeling of simplicity extends to our customers and within our team.”

With Sarah Churilla’s leadership, Simple and NOVO are poised to serve the healthcare industry with renewed vigor. Her experience across different facets of the industry, combined with her people-first approach to leadership, ensures that both clients and team members feel valued, heard, and empowered. As Simple continues to grow, Sarah’s influence will undoubtedly play a significant role in defining what it means to be a leader in healthcare laundry services—focused on people, committed to excellence, and driven by the courage to innovate.

HeySimple.com

NOVOHealthService.com