BSC Shares Successes to Networking and a Future-Focused Attitude

By Corinne Zudonyi, Editor-in-Chief

When Steve Shuchat reflects on his 41-year journey in the cleaning industry, it’s with the energy of someone still in love with the work. Raised in a small Ohio town, Shuchat started his career at his parents’ janitorial startup at age 14. Today, he’s president of Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI), leads a thriving commercial cleaning firm, and finds himself mentoring the next generation of service contractors. 

In a Show Central session at the recent Clean Buildings Conference, Shuchat sat down with Corinne Zudonyi, editor-in-chief of the cleaning market, to share his story — and why events like this matter more than ever. 

Shuchat emphasized the value of lifelong learning and staying curious, even after stepping back from daily operations. He credits his involvement with BSCAI and its peer groups as essential to building partnerships, expanding into new markets, and exchanging best practices. Whether it’s discussing smart building readiness or exploring AI integration, his message is clear: stay future-focused, but don’t try to do it all at once. 

Growing your business means saying "yes," as it leads to growth. But equally important is learning when to say "no, but here’s a better solution.”  

Growth takes time, so for newer contractors, he urges patience, collaboration, and making the most of the BSCAI network to build credibility and capacity. 

Listen to the full session for more industry insights and leadership tips from someone who still has the same energy as when he started.

Corinne Zudonyi is the Editor-in-Chief of the commercial cleaning market, including Contracting Profits magazine, Sanitary Maintenance magazine, Facility Cleaning Decisions magazine, CleanLink.com, and Clean Buildings.