Arthur C. Barraclough Company Community Service Award: Benevolence Begets Business

Industry professionals know that their successes are reliant upon the community they serve. The Arthur C. Barraclough Company Community Service Award is an important way of honoring organizations that give back. Businesses were judged on their volunteer efforts to service charities and their corresponding community. This year, the award is bestowed upon Mark’s Cleaning Service, Inc (MCS). 

MCS is an Ohio-based company that provides quality cleaning and customer services across a variety of facilities. Established in 1984, the company has an extensive history of providing professional and philanthropic support. Christina Parsons, Chief Revenue Officer at MCS, shares that the company’s values drive their dedication to giving back to their community. 

“For more than 41 years, MCS has believed that true success is measured not only by the buildings we clean, but by the lives we help uplift along the way,” Parsons says. “We believe that caring for our community strengthens the people and places we serve every day.” 

Their efforts assist multiple charities throughout Northeast Ohio—including Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates (JOG), Cleaning for a Reason, Free Clinic of Medina County, The Society in Seville, Wadsworth and Medina Chambers of Commerce, Black River School District, Medina County Suicide Prevention Coalition, and Cathy’s House Inc. Despite the diversity of buildings these foundations comprise of, MCS delivers the same standard of clean for each facility type. 

“Through our partnership with Cleaning for a Reason, MCS provides free home cleaning services to individuals and families battling cancer, easing their daily burdens and offering comfort during difficult times,” Parsons shares. In addition to supplying these local organizations with a variety of complimentary floor care and cleaning services, they also offer their resources and time. 

“It’s about creating environments where people can heal, grow, and thrive,” Parsons says. MCS’ work in maintaining each signature space goes beyond cleaning—they also prioritize active participation in the mission of these organizations. 

For instance, MCS partners with the Median County Suicide Prevention Coalition in the coordination and implementation of the Step Up to Prevent Suicide Community Walk. An annual event, company personnel make it their priority to support the fundraising efforts for a cause that aligns with their personal interests in mental health awareness. In 2025, MCS reported that more than $13,000 in funds were raised for essential mental health programming. In this way, Parsons adds, their service goes beyond community cleaning and centers on community healing.  

“Whether supporting education, health, recovery, or inclusion; we’re driven by the belief that every act of service, no matter how small, helps build a stronger community,” she asserts. 

Efforts in creating community connections through cleaning services support the overall authenticity of the business. In fact, MCS is known not just for their commercial and residential cleaning services industry-wide, but also for their ongoing service as community changemakers. The acknowledgement of these attributes is what makes this award so significant. 

“This award is so much more meaningful because it comes from a great community of professionals who understand what true service means and live it every day,” Parsons discloses. “For our company, it reaffirms that acts of care make a difference and push us to do more.” 

As part of their achievement, the Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI) generously donates $1,000 to the charity of the winner’s choice. MCS selected The Cleveland Foundation as their recipient. For MCS, it was important to partner with an organization whose mission aligned closely with their own—a commitment to empowering communities through acts of service.  

“Partnering with The Cleveland Foundation allows us to extend the impact of this award by supporting programs that build hope, create opportunity, and uplift the very communities where we live and work,” Parsons says. 

With the acceptance of this award, MCS demonstrates that the pursuit of clean, safe, and healthy facilities is the foundation for a clean, safe, and healthy community. To the company, their philanthropy drives their services. 

“By giving back, we honor our responsibility to create positive change, support those in need, and help build a stronger, more connected community,” Parsons affirms.