David Murphy Awarded for Giving Back

The Walter L. Cook Award for Distinguished Service is presented to the Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI) member who has made outstanding contributions in furthering the programs and image of the association and the building service contracting industry. This year’s winner is David Murphy, President and CEO of Supreme Maintenance Organization (SMO), Greensboro, North Carolina.  

Murphy has deep roots in the industry, growing up working for his father, Jim Murphy’s, janitorial service. He and Gary Collins founded SMO in 1989, known in the Southeast for its strong values, experienced leadership, and extensive employee training and development. SMO has been active in BSCAI since 1991, and Murphy's first introduction to the BSCAI Convention and Trade Show was in Atlanta in 1993. 

“It’s truly a blessing to be recognized by our industry’s association that has given me so much over the years,” Murphy says. “BSCAI has been a cornerstone of my professional journey, helping shape not only how I lead our company, but also how I serve others across the industry.” 

Murphy has held a Certified Building Service Executive (CBSE) designation since 1996 and is currently contributing to the redesign of the BSCAI’S CBSE Certification Program. He has served on the BSCAI Board of Directors, and at present he serves as the Co-Chair of the Certification Committee. He was a key figure during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, being called upon to serve on the committee that helped develop BSCAI’s COVID-19 Disinfection & Safety Course/Certification.  

As a leader, Murphy has proved himself a pioneer. Long before it became an industry standard, he led SMO’s first Green Works Seminar in 2007. In 2011, when only 110 companies held the distinction, he pushed SMO forward until they achieved the Cleaning Industry Management Standard Green Building Certification with Honors. 

“David leads with vision and courage, turning calculated risks into predictable success,” says Collins, SMO’s  Chief of Operations. “From the beginning and even today, one of David’s greatest joys comes from giving others an opportunity and seeing them be successful.” 

In addition to mentoring fellow building service contractors through calls and on-site visits, Murphy encourages industry education, with 50 percent of SMO Management holding a Registered Building Service Manager or CBSE designation.  

“Throughout my involvement with BSCAI, I’ve been fortunate to contribute to initiatives that strengthen our profession, particularly through the CBSE certification program, COVID Disinfection & Safety Course, board participation, and mentoring emerging contractors,” says Murphy. “Collaborating with so many talented peers to advance education, raise standards, and support the next generation of leaders has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career.” 

Amidst all these accomplishments, Murphy somehow found time to co-write a memoir. “From Rags to More Rags,” was published in 2018, detailing how he and Collins turned SMO into a multimillion-dollar business, and remained close friends through it all.  

“But it’s more than a memoir,” says Collins. “It offers encouragement to those starting in the industry and highlights the power of perseverance.” 

Giving back to the community is vital to Murphy. He created the iCare Award that awards SMO team members for demonstrating acts of care for their customers, coworkers, and community. He also established the WeCare Fund to help SMO team members support one another during times of crisis. Outside of work, Murphy founded Kids to the Coast, a non-profit organization that gives children, who might not otherwise have the opportunity, a chance to visit the beach.  

“More than anything, this recognition reminds me of the incredible community within BSCAI, leaders who care deeply about quality, integrity, and service,” says Murphy. “To be part of that legacy and to have the opportunity to give back to the association that has given me so much is both humbling and deeply meaningful.”