High Country Linen changes hands
Mark Barron hands the reins to director of operations Joe Paulson
JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — For 91 years, High Country Linen Service has been owned and operated by local families.
After 41 years at the helm, Mark Barron has sold the business to another local family who will continue that tradition. Joe Paulson, who has been the director of operations at High Country Linen Service since 2018, is now the majority shareholder and president of the company.
High Country Linen Service was founded in Jackson by Al and Theresa Martin in 1931 as Teton Laundry, servicing dude ranches, small motels and restaurants that served summer-season visitors. Mark Barron bought the company in 1981, transforming it into a state-of-the-art facility and premier rental service in the valley for restaurant and hospitality linens, uniforms, and entry mats. The company also provides janitorial and paper supplies and earth-friendly cleaning products to locals and businesses throughout Jackson Hole, Star Valley, Pinedale, Teton Valley, the national parks and beyond.
“As a 20-year-old new to Jackson, I took a job at Teton Laundry. Six years later, I was lucky to have been offered the chance to buy the business from the Chamberland family in 1981. We raised our family in this community with customers who became dear friends,” remarked Mark Barron. “Joe is a talented leader who’s been wonderful to work with, and he is the right person to take the laundry and our valued team forward.”
An active member in the Jackson Hole community for decades, Mark Barron serves on the Board of County Commissioners for Teton County since 2019, and was the Mayor of Jackson for 12 years.
A native of Colorado, Joe Paulson first moved to Jackson Hole in 2004 and met his wife, Kim, in 2007. Together they are raising their three children in Jackson. Joe has been an active and integral part of operations at High Country Linen and is thrilled at the opportunity to continue the tradition of local ownership.
“I am honored to be part of the High Country Linen story and its legacy in our valley,” Paulson said. “Mark has been a wonderful mentor and friend, and I look forward to continuing our history of local service to clients and cultivating our great team who are known for their western hospitality across the region.”
