Learning to Lead Through Dedication and Hard Work

Jeanette Pool, CEO and President of Brite Service Industries, Inc., San Jose, California, began her journey in the commercial cleaning industry with a simple red bucket. Looking to make money quickly, Pool bought the bucket, filled it with cleaning supplies, and began walking into small local businesses offering cleaning services. She caught a break in the very first office she entered, where she recognized the receptionist.

“Our sons played baseball together,” Pool explains. “She gave me a chance, and I was hired on the spot. I’d like to think it was the new shiny red bucket that helped the sale; but I know that more than anything, it was the willingness and desire to show up and work hard.”

From that moment, Pool says her path to the top occurred organically. She didn’t set out to become a CEO; she simply wanted to do a great job and learn from those around her. That included her clients—one of which was a strong and well-established businesswoman. Still early in her career, Pool was quick to absorb the teachings on business strategies, how to interact and be confident in the business world, and how to stay positive and create solutions.

“Over time, clients began trusting me with more than cleaning,” says Pool. “They trusted me with their concerns, creating strategies and building service teams that genuinely cared about client properties. My customers actually shaped my understanding of business operations and accountability. Their expectations pushed me to grow and take responsibility before I ever carried the title of CEO. Today, my leadership philosophy is simple: take care of your people and be genuine with your clients.”

Pool was forced to take on a new level of responsibility in 2024, when Brite decided to open a security division. In addition to maintaining facilities, supporting and protecting customers was now part of daily facility operations. She says the experience pushed her to think differently about growth, and how to grow without losing who she is.

“From Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI) and their Contracting Success event, I learned that the success model is in the people, and aligning with those who can teach us, support us, and encourage us. For this lesson I am genuinely grateful,” notes Pool.

Learning how to lead when growth occurs during uncertain times remains a challenge for Pool, especially when growth happens faster than structure and cash flow. She faces moments where she is pressured to say “yes,” even when it won’t produce the best outcome. Pushing through these difficult conversations, standing behind professional standards, utilizing professional mentorship, and moving forward even when it’s uncomfortable are lessons Pool has had to learn.

“I always look to respond from a foundation of faith, reminding myself that challenges pass and hope remains,” she adds.

Pool wants to be part of the change that normalizes women being heard in spaces where they were once unexpected. The service industry, she says, taught her that capability has nothing to do with titles, backgrounds, or gender. Instead, it comes from work ethic, genuine relationships, and the courage to show up even when a person may feel out of place.

“I want the next generation to trust the people, trust the process, and step forward without waiting for permission,” she shares.

Elisa Miller serves as an Assistant Editor for the commercial cleaning group—made up of Contracting Profits, Sanitary Maintenance, and Facility Cleaning Decisions magazines, and CleanLink.com. In addition to tackling articles that profile various industry experts in the above brands, Elisa also specializes in the nuances of cleaning for health for the HealthcareFacilitiesToday.com brand. An award-winning writer herself, Elisa works closely with contributing authors to create quality content that these brands are known for.
Elisa is a people person, which is why she's comfortable in front of the camera interviewing attendees at industry events on the latest trends. Those trends are also easy to identify as she remains the point person for product innovation submissions from top industry manufacturers.

Follow Elisa on LinkedIn here.

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