1960s: BSCs Band Together to Launch BSCAI

The focus on cleaning institutions can be traced back to the 1800s, but it garnered wide attention in the 1950s. Following World War II, the general public had high expectations of sanitation and standards of sanitary maintenance were becoming critical. The demand for quality products and equipment coincided with a building boom as the construction of high-rise facilities opened the door to opportunities for cleaning contractors.  

Competition in the market grew as new contractors capitalized on a growing need, but many struggled to get off the ground. Training and education in the cleaning industry was difficult to find, so most BSCs settled for learning the business through trial and error. Only the strongest survived and would soon band together to grow in the thriving industry. 

In the mid 1960s, 25 building service contracting firms met in Washington, D.C., to explore the potential of building a strong, unified association. They unanimously voted an “enthusiastic and vigorous” yes to the creation of the National Association of Building Service Contractors (NABSC).  

In the spring of 1965, NABSC became official by naming Washington, D.C. its headquarters and immediately hosting the Chartering Congress and trade show. More than 60 charter members attended that first event for four days of education, networking, and exhibits. 

Capitalizing on that immediate success, the association offered a second educational event later that year. This launched the annual tradition of executive conferences for “owners and top management of member firms,” which continues today. 

With a calendar full of successful events, existing members had plenty of ammunition with which to promote this growing association. To join, BSCs needed to be in business for at least two years and be personally invited by an existing member. Despite the strict guidelines, membership quickly grew to 200 contractors within the first year, including international representation in Japan and Australia. 

Leading the association was an elected board of directors made up of 20 executives. James Purcell of Space Cleaners was elected president, and the following year was re-elected as the association’s only two-term president. In fact, association members felt that because of the outstanding work of the officers during its formative year, all board members were the best choices to guide “the destiny” of NABSC and they were re-elected as well.  

Those leaders didn’t disappoint as interest in the association continued to grow. Its “First Birthday Congress” in 1966 attracted more than 400 contractors, which would be a precursor to steady growth for the remainder of the decade.