Sixty years ago, in March 1965, more than 60 visionary contractors came together in Washington, D.C., to form what would become the Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI). Their goal was simple but ambitious: to create a community where business owners could share ideas, raise industry standards, and build something greater together. What began as a bold vision has grown into a global network representing thousands of companies and professionals across the U.S. and 15 countries — proof that the spirit of collaboration our founders championed is alive and well. 

When my parents, Gary and Dee, founded Clean All Services in Sidney, Ohio, in 1984, they were experienced entrepreneurs but new to the commercial cleaning world. In 1986, seeking advice and perspective, they attended a BSCAI conference and found more than just tools and tips. They discovered a community of peers who understood their challenges, offered real-world insight, and generously shared what they had learned. That experience shaped how my parents led their business and how they raised me to value connections and continuous learning. 

Today, as a second-generation owner and current BSCAI President, I’ve seen those same values endure. From peer groups and mentorship to education, events and lifelong friendships, BSCAI continues to offer what matters most: support, perspective, and the tools necessary to succeed. The lesson my parents learned nearly 40 years ago still holds: in this industry, no one is alone. 

From those early days in Washington, D.C., when the organization was founded as the National Association of Building Service Contractors (NABSC) in 1965, BSCAI has grown and evolved alongside the industry it serves. In the 1990s, the association adopted its current name to reflect an increasingly global membership, and in 2007, BSCAI relocated its headquarters to Chicago to better serve a growing network of professionals. What began as a small group of visionary contractors has expanded into a robust, international community, offering certification programs, forward-looking education, peer connections, and a powerful voice on the issues shaping our future. That growth is a direct reflection of the values our founders instilled: collaboration, professionalism, and the belief that we are stronger together. 

Over the past six decades, our industry has evolved dramatically. We’ve moved from clipboards and cotton mops to smart scheduling, sensor-based robotics, and AI-powered analytics. What once felt futuristic is now embedded in how we improve safety, efficiency, and performance. Yet even amid all this innovation, one thing remains constant: the people. It’s our teams who create clean, healthy environments, and BSCAI exists to support them by developing leaders with successful businesses. 

This is why your BSCAI membership matters more than ever. Whether you’re earning one of our industry-leading certifications, taking advantage of on-demand learning or in-person events, joining a peer group or leveraging our cost-saving programs and research tools, BSCAI is here to help you grow your business, strengthen your team and deliver even greater value to your clients. 

As we celebrate this diamond anniversary, I encourage every member, new or long-standing, to fully engage with all BSCAI has to offer. Be part of shaping the next 60 years of innovation, connection, and success. 

Thank you for your expertise, resilience, and commitment to our shared community. Here’s to the next 60 years of making buildings — and businesses — shine. 




POSTED ON: 8/26/2025