BSCAI Presidents Share Memorable Moments

Past presidents of BSCAI continue to share the value of the association, the benefits of being involved, and a few memorable moments.

Q: How did you get involved with BSCAI? 

I joined NABSC and attended their first meeting in Chicago in 1965. My janitorial company was just starting up and because of all the great people that joined the organization, our company grew rapidly. In the 1960's, a new market started to emerge for home cleaning, so my attention shifted to the residential market. Over the next number of years, we opened over 200 offices in the US and Canada.  
— Dan Bishop, The Maids International, 1976-’77 President  

I became a member of BSCAI five years after its inception and shortly after I started my contract cleaning firm. I knew nothing about business and like many entrepreneurs, my funds, unlike my dreams, were limited. I joined BSCAI because I thought that the association could help boost my business knowledge. I did get the help that I sought through networking with my peers from all corners of the world. I continued to participate in BSCAI activities during subsequent decades, finding that as time continued, I was helping others as I continued to learn, too. 
— Gary A. Penrod, Gary Penrod and Associates, Inc., 1986-’87 President 

My first exposure to BSCAI came in 1973 when I joined Unified Services as its executive vice president. Unified was already a member of BSCAI, and I was given the opportunity to get involved as the company’s representative. I attended seminars, participated in the Annual Convention, and regularly used BSCAI’s printed materials to support my day-to-day responsibilities. When I started my own company, Centennial One, three years later, it was an easy decision to make BSCAI membership a priority.  
— Lillian Lincoln Lambert, LilCo Enterprises, 1995 President 

My father became disabled in 1986, so I decided to forego college and take over the family business. I had worked in all parts of the business since I was 12, but I needed to learn the business side. I immediately found BSCAI and saved up money to attend my first conference in 1989. I learned so much and met so many wonderful people who were willing to help.  
— Ernest Clark, Jr., Mister Kleen Maintenance Co., 2008 President 

I joined BSCAI in 1988 and joined the Board of Directors around 2000. Then Greg Littlefield called me up in 2008 and asked me if I would come back on the Board as Treasurer, because I am CPA trained. Of course, I immediately said “yes” and have been involved ever since. 
— Stan Doobin, Harvard Maintenance, Inc., 2009 President 

I initially joined over 20 years ago to learn and connect, but what I found was transformative: education that accelerated my business and relationships that shaped my leadership. That early support and inspiration led me to deeper involvement. 
— Janelle Bruland, Management Services Northwest LLC, 2016 President 

I had the fortunate opportunity to work for one of BSCAI’s great historical contractors, Varsity Facility Services. My father, Arlo Luke, was president of BSCAI in 1996, and he encouraged me to participate and serve the association, and to earn the designation of CBSE. 
— Eric Luke, MG Capital Maintenance, 2021 President 

Q: Can you share a memorable moment during your time with BSCAI? 

I was leading my last board meeting as president during an event in the Grand Cayman when our meeting was interrupted by a 5.7 earthquake. Without a doubt, that was the most memorable BSCAI board meeting ever! 
— Stan Doobin, Harvard Maintenance, Inc., 2009 President 

Many BSCAI members have stories like mine, but my fondest is forming lifelong friendships. Together, we worked and helped to develop the foundation of what BSCAI is today. It was fun to work on committees that founded the CBSE and RBSM certifications, Services magazine, WFBSC and many others. 
— Gary A. Penrod, Gary Penrod and Associates, Inc., 1986-’87 President 

Some of the most enjoyable times are when members of BSCAI get together and share our personal business war stories, or ways to be of help to each other through inspirational conversation and deeds. 
— LeRoy Dock, Bolana Enterprises, Inc., 2004 President 

Memorable would be the emergency board meeting when we made the decision to take the painful steps necessary to right the financial situation of the organization — probably around 2010 or so. Some of the newer members may, understandably, not appreciate the gravity of that meeting, but it was heated and intense. Stan Doobin and John Ezzo showed great courage and leadership that day, and we are here as an organization because of it. 
— Tom Kruse, Marsden Holding, LLC, 2017 President 

The most memorable moment during my presidency was when my father, a former BSCAI president from 1987, swore me into office in 2018. 
— Jim Harris, Jr., Janitronics, Inc., 2018 President 

I have had many memorable moments interacting with other BSCAI members, particularly at social events associated with the Executive Conference and CEO Seminar. One year, we took an excursion in Curacao where we dove off the mast of a tall ship to swim in the ocean. That was a fun time. 
— Don Pottieger, Sr., Southland Landscape Corp., 2006 President 

The events have created lasting memories: Having a glass of wine with Martina McBride in the Caribbean, finding our way onto a luxury yacht, hot air ballooning in Aspen, fishing in beautiful places, karaoke in the light-up cab, winning big in Vegas, the list goes on and on. Some of my fondest memories are with my BSCAI friends.  
— Sally A. Schopmeyer, Maintenance, Inc., 2011 President 

A few years ago, we gathered a total of eight past presidents and board members and decided to create an annual golf trip. We’ve golfed in Colorado, Scotland, and Wisconsin, and each has created lasting memories.  
— Michael Diamond, AffinEco, LLC, 2019 President 

Some of my fondest memories come from reconnecting with peers and leaders at BSCAI conferences. The camaraderie and genuine support within the community make these events both fun and impactful. Sharing stories, exchanging ideas, and celebrating achievements with industry colleagues always stood out as memorable moments. 
— Nathalie Doobin, Harvard Services Group, Inc., 2022 President 

BSCAI and Contracting Profits Partner   

In the years leading up to 2015, the association had seen significant progress, including a new management firm, a joint Contracting Success Conference, financial stability, new educational and training tools, and more. Stepping in as president, Paul Greenland wanted to add to that progress.  

At the Contracting Success Conference that fall, Greenland announced a new media partnership with Contracting Profits magazine, which would begin with the first publication of 2016.  

“Contracting Profits had been a member of BSCAI for roughly 30 years by that point, all the while being a resource for what was going on in the industry,” says Greenland, Ikigai Management Consultants LLC, and 2015 BSCAI President. “With their involvement in the association — presence at events, talking to contractors, learning more in order to make a better magazine — it was clear they would be a good partner to BSCAI and the members.” 

He adds that the world of cleaning was changing rapidly, and it was imperative that members have a partner that would prioritize communication and innovation.  

“Over the last 10 years, BSCAI members have benefited from having a partner who not only understands the industry,” Greenland continues, “but more importantly, sees where the industry is heading.” 

In 2025, Contracting Profits celebrates 10 years of service as the official media partner of BSCAI. 

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