Meet Max Langenkamp, senior vice president of Human Resources at Cintas and a native Cincinnatian. Max is a graduate of the Ohio State University and of the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, where he earned his law degree. Although a self-described introvert, as a Human Resources professional, Max spends his day surrounded by others, helping them succeed in the workplace. He has been with Cintas for 20 years, first as senior counsel before moving to HR. He is motivated by a genuine desire to help others – a principle that is a through line in his life.

“As a lawyer and Human Resources professional, I have made a career by protecting others and helping them achieve their personal and professional goals,” he says.

Max’s family briefly experienced homelessness during his childhood and he later realized how many people wanted to lend a helping hand to his family. This has inspired him to do the same as an adult. He believes in holding himself accountable, humility, and continuously learning. Max credits his parents with teaching him the value of hard work and dedication, and pushing him to succeed.

“I can use a platform like this to inspire others to go further, achieve more, and become the best version of themselves,” he says.

What life experiences has most influenced your personal mission and purpose?

There were a few years when I was young when my family experienced being homeless. At the time, I didn’t fully understand what that meant—but as I got older, I began to recognize how many people stepped in to help us when we needed it most. Friends, family, and community members lent us a hand, often quietly, and that generosity left a permanent mark on me.

That experience shaped my purpose in life. I learned early on how powerful it is when someone shows up for you, and I’ve carried that lesson into adulthood. Whether in my professional career or my personal life, I’ve tried to do the same for others—to help where I can and to be present when support is needed. Service isn’t something I schedule; it’s something I strive to live out every day.

What motivates you to keep moving forward in your journey?

What motivates me most is a genuine desire to help others. Helping people fills my cup—it gives me energy and purpose. As a lawyer and human resources professional, I’ve built a career around protecting others and helping them achieve their personal and professional goals. Knowing that I can make a difference in someone’s life, even in small ways, keeps me moving forward.

My family also keeps me grounded and focused. I’m a devoted father, son, and brother, and my kids give me a deep sense of responsibility and direction. They depend on me, but I depend on them too. They remind me why integrity, consistency, and compassion matter—not just at work, but in every part of life.

What legacy do you hope to leave behind?

I’m a humble person, and my hope is simple: that I can serve as a role model for what hard work, focus, and a positive mindset can help someone achieve. I don’t measure legacy by titles or accolades, but by whether I made a tangible difference in the lives of others and contributed meaningfully to my community.

As I look ahead, I hope to continue making an impact—both through my work and through deeper involvement in philanthropy and nonprofit service. If people remember me as someone who showed up, served others, and helped them believe in what was possible, then I’ll know I left something meaningful behind.

That legacy of hope, decency, and leadership rooted in care is what makes Max a 2026 We Are Making Black History honoree.