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The Contracting Profits Emerging Leader Award is awarded to a business owner or a member of its executive team and recognizes someone 40 years or younger who consistently makes a positive impact on the contract cleaning industry. The winner is considered an ascending star in the industry by clients, vendors, associates, and colleagues. The winner of this year’s Emerging Leader Award is Amanda Adams, regional vice president of 4M Building Services, St. Louis.
The journey Adams took into the commercial cleaning industry is far from a conventional one. Unlike many previous winners of this award who were next-generation contributors to family businesses, she was instead recruited to work at 4M while employed as a restaurant bartender. Jon Goodson, who now is 4M’s director of operations, noticed Adams’ natural skills for customer service and offered her an interview for a position at the company.
While she ultimately didn’t get that first position, Goodson believed she would be a great fit for 4M, and they stayed in touch. Eventually, an area manager position opened, and she was offered the opportunity. Uninspired by her work situation at the time, she decided to take the leap.
“I was interested but had a third interview with a different, promising company. Ultimately, I was offered a position at 4M and that other company at the same time. My gut told me to go with 4M,” reflects Adams. “I felt like I had a lot of insight into the position because of my relationship with Jon, and he was right about the fit.”
Adams quickly proved her talents in the building service contractor (BSC) industry, ascending from her initial area manager role all the way up to her current role of regional vice president today. In 2020, she took on 4M’s largest territory consisting of the entire St. Louis metropolitan area, equating to five field managers, 25 account managers, and an hourly staff of team members that exceeded 810. Despite the responsibility, Adams produced incredible marks — highlighted by a 97 percent retention rate across over 100 customers and a team member turnover rate below 47 percent.
Her transparent communication with her team is a key driver in her success, notes Michael Fitts, executive vice president of 4M.
“Every Monday, she has a virtual call in which she discusses each account experiencing challenges,” says Fitts. “Amanda’s district managers, field managers, and account managers collaborate when another manager is stuck in a spot — all that’s required is to raise a hand that help is needed.”
The region Adams oversees enjoys a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.5 percent and has risen in total value from $12 million in 2019 to an estimated $27 million by the end of 2023. While proud of the progress she’s made on a metrics front, it’s the opportunity to coach and mentor members of her team that provides Adams with the key inspiration to improve further.
“Witnessing someone else’s achievements is inspiring and can motivate others to pursue their own goals and aspirations,” says Adams. “It serves as proof that success is attainable and encourages people to work harder, overcome obstacles, and strive for their own success.”
Adams has been with 4M for almost 10 years and loves the opportunities the company has provided.
“All these years and I have never been bored,” she says. “Every day is a new adventure, and I am fortunate to have found my calling.”
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