Using homemade production equipment, Bud, his wife Betty and their friends, neighbors and relatives were able to produce $800 in sales that first year. In 1952, Bud Strickler made his first major purchase, a second-hand Readco vertical mixer which could mix 19 gallons (or 132 pounds of hand cleaner) in each batch. The formulation was also improved to enhance the product's cosmetic quality. Quality remains the most important feature for all of Gent-L-Kleen's products.

By mid-year 1953, Gent-L-Kleen had grown into a full-time business. Nights and weekends were spent making and packaging the hand cleaner. During the day, Bud traveled around the region calling on customers and selling products from the back of his station wagon. The first outside employee was hired around 1958. The business grew rapidly through the 60's and 70's with the help of a new partner, Mac Makibbin, and over 30 manufacturers' agencies. Mac has long retired and the company continues under the direction of Bud's eldest son, Jim Strickler.

Having moved and expanded in size twice to meet production demands, a new 40,000-square-foot facility was completed in 1977, greatly increasing Gent-L-Kleen's production and warehouse capacity. The company continues to purchase equipment, increase warehousing space and add personnel to meet demand.

Over the years, new hand cleaner formulations and products have been added to fulfill individual customer needs. Gent-L-Kleen Products currently manufactures lotion, cream and gel hand cleaners both with and without pumice; citrus-based formulas to address environmental concerns; a multipurpose hand cleaner towel; a paint-and-sealant-specific hand cleaner; a protective foam to make clean up easier; hand and body soaps and a car and truck wash concentrate.

Gent-L-Kleen believes that customers are their business, which is why their motto remains "Skilled hands deserve the very best!"