Ozarks Profile: Randy Mayes

Tell us about your company.

"The business started in 1986. I was working for a large contract cleaning company as their general manager. I would regularly have supply house reps come by and talk to me about their products. Everyone seemed to have the greatest and latest, and if I would only buy their products, all my problems would be solved. Their knowledge was usually limited to what they could read to me off the brochure they had in their hand.

"Normally, less than 10 percent of what people spend on their cleaning budget is spent on supplies. The other 90-plus percent is spent on labor. I thought to myself, wouldn't it be great if someone who sold supplies actually knew how to not only use the products, but also could help custodial departments effectively train and manage their labor. Our goal is to help people effectively manage the entire cleaning process. Our greatest strength is that we really know how to clean. When people buy products from us they get unmatched

levels of service, support and training."

What influenced your career choice?

"I've always had a deep appreciation for hard work and honesty. The cleaning industry is full of really good, hard-working people. I find it to be very gratifying to be able to make a significant contribution to these people's lives and the people they serve by providing top-notch professional training and consulting services."

What is your role in your business?

"I spend most of my time training custodians, problem solving or putting together cleaning programs for environmental service departments."

What do you find challenging about being a small-business owner?

"It's hard to get people to believe that you genuinely have their best interest in mind. If you talked to the majority of our current customers, they would tell you that they do business with us because we consistently provide the most value and that we are extremely honest."

What is most interesting about your work?

"People. I am always amazed at the creative things people do to solve problems. Rarely do I ever come away from a training session without learning something new myself."

What's the best part of your job?

"I love working with and helping people. As a trainer, it is always a thrill to see the light go on in someone's eyes when they finally get it."

Please tell us about your family.

"I first met my wife in high school. Interestingly enough, she told one of her friends before we started dating that I was the last guy on the face of the earth she would go out with. I finally was able to talk her into going on a double date with me and a

couple of mutual friends to a Detroit Tigers baseball game. The only reason she agreed to go was because she had never been to a professional baseball game. Twenty-four years and four children later, I would still have to rate marrying her as the best thing I've ever done, next to giving my life to Jesus Christ. My family is the joy of my life. If I had nothing more than them, I would consider my life to be an overwhelming success."

How do you enjoy spending your free time?

"I enjoy almost any kind of active sports, particularly basketball. I also like to camp, hike and be outdoors. One of the highlights of summer for me is an annual trip to Colorado to hike 14,000-foot peaks. After last summer, I only have 50 more to go before I conquer all 54."

compiled by Maria Hoover