Editor’s Page

There is a common saying in life: “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” That adage can be viewed as either a positive or negative statement. When involving the global cleaning industry, however, I often feel it is a positive declaration.

Case in point is the jan/san distributorship featured in this issue of Maintenance Sales News. T. Frank McCall’s Inc. is on the verge of celebrating its 150th anniversary. If that is not amazing enough, the company has been at the same location at Sixth and Madison streets, in Chester, PA, throughout the entire 150-year period.

Starting in the feed and grain business in 1876, T. Frank McCall’s gravitated during its early history toward the distribution of various cleaning supplies. Today, feed and grain have long been replaced by away-from-home paper products, cleaning chemicals, floor equipment, safety supplies and other key items that traditionally make up a jan/san distributorship’s inventory — along with customer training and the experience of a seasoned and very dedicated staff. Interestingly, in a nod to the company’s roots, T. Frank McCall’s still sells seeds and small plants in its storefront during the spring. Customers look forward to it every year.

“Running a family business is kind of like a marriage — sometimes it’s really tough and other times it’s wonderful. I have been with T. Frank McCall’s for 40 years, and during that time we, as a company, have tackled all types of challenges while continuing to grow the business,” T. Frank McCall’s President Lisa Witomski said. “We all work hard to make sure our customers succeed — and have a lot of fun doing so.”

For me, it’s hard to image what life (and business) was like 150 years ago. What has remained true through the years, however, is the importance of perseverance and taking care of customers no matter what the upcoming years — and decades — bring. T. Frank McCall’s is a good example of that focus.

I continually see the same dedication to service and innovation while attending the annual ISSA Show North America, which I recently did again in Las Vegas. The event includes exhibitors and attendees from across the cleaning ecosystem — coming together to showcase and learn about the newest products and technologies.

And like the long history of T. Frank McCall’s, the ISSA Show proves to me every year that many of the people and companies involved in this way of life still value the importance of one-on-one relationships and quality service for a common goal of growth and prosperity.

I would like to thank everyone for their continued support of Maintenance Sales News. Please send news items and story ideas to: harrellk@rdgmedia.net.