Gary McLaurin is the Founder & CEO of Allegiance Industries. Gary’s favorite aspect of his job is the thrill of adding new clients to the Allegiance portfolio, a passion that has driven him throughout his impressive 35-year career in the industry.
Originally from Columbia, SC, Gary pursued a degree in Psychology from the University of South Carolina, humorously noting that he chose the major because it was the easiest. However, his journey in the janitorial business started in college when he founded Allegiance, employee count of one, with himself serving as the sole janitor. Over the years, Gary has quite literally held every role in the company, giving him a comprehensive understanding of the business from the ground up.
Gary is known for his unique blend of hands-on experience and strategic vision, which has been instrumental in Allegiance Industries’ growth and success.
Outside of work, Gary is an avid car collector, indulging in his passion for automobiles.
What Gary values most about being part of the Allegiance team is the camaraderie among team members. He believes that strong, supportive relationships are the foundation of a successful business.
Guided by Theodore Roosevelt’s words, “It’s not the critic who counts,” Gary approaches both work and life with a focus on action and resilience. His leadership and philosophy inspire the entire Allegiance team to strive for excellence and remain undeterred by challenges.
Edward Conroy is the President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Allegiance, bringing over 18 years of industry experience to his role. Based in Columbia, SC, Edward’s journey began in Greenville, SC, where he developed a strong foundation in business and accounting at the University of South Carolina, earning his undergraduate degree before pursuing a Master of Taxation and becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
With a passion for efficiency and collaboration, Edward thrives in his favorite aspect of his job: working with fellow employees to streamline operations and enhance productivity. His expertise extends beyond traditional financial management, encompassing hands-on operational experience in project management alongside high-level financial analytics.
As an integral part of the Allegiance team, Edward cherishes the camaraderie and dedication exhibited by his colleagues. For him, being surrounded by individuals with exceptional attitudes and work ethic is a constant source of motivation.
In both his professional and personal endeavors, Edward lives by the guiding principle of working smart and working hard, a philosophy that shapes his approach to both work and life.
Chris Rodonis serves as the Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) at Allegiance, based in Charlotte, NC. With 14 years of experience in the industry, Chris brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for building unique and successful organizations.
Originally from Chicago, IL, Chris earned his degree in Finance from the University of Kentucky, followed by an MBA from the same institution. His journey to becoming CRO is marked by his dedication to continuous improvement, as evidenced by his certifications as a Six Sigma Black Belt, LEAN Certified professional, CIMS practitioner, and Miller Heiman LAMP Certified expert.
At Allegiance, Chris thrives in the close-knit team environment. The camaraderie fostered within the team allows for honesty, candidness, and swift decision-making—a dynamic that he finds both rewarding and essential for success.
In both work and life, Chris adheres to the philosophy encapsulated by Thomas Jefferson: “The harder I work, the luckier I get.” This mantra drives his approach to tackling challenges head-on, seizing opportunities, and continuously striving for excellence.
Sean Sullivan serves as the Director of Operations at Allegiance. With a decade of experience in the industry, Sean brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role. He holds a BS in Sport Management from Winthrop University and an MS in Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management from the University of South Carolina.
Sean’s journey to his current position is marked by diverse experiences. Prior to joining Allegiance, he spent seven years in Business Development on the vendor side of the industry. This tenure allowed him to cultivate invaluable relationships across various verticals and hone the skills necessary for success in dynamic environments.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Sean’s background includes a standout achievement as a member of the 2012 University of South Carolina Baseball National Runner Up Team, reflecting his dedication and teamwork skills.
Outside of work, Sean finds joy in spending time with his children, indulging in rounds of golf, and hitting the pavement for a run.
At Allegiance, Sean finds fulfillment in collaborating with a dedicated team committed to delivering high-quality solutions to clients. His approach to work and life is guided by the timeless wisdom of John Wooden: “The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.”
A former baseball coach (1985-96) and a graduate of the University of South Carolina, (M.Ed.—Educational Administration), John’s strategic growth management approach combines an emphasis on existing client relationships in concurrence with an employee-centered “reference creator” training approach.
“If we as a company continue to take care of our customer’s business, then growth for Allegiance is a natural result of this process.”
Originally hailing from the upstate region of South Carolina, Katie holds a double major in Business Management, with a focus on Human Resources, and Marketing from the University of South Carolina.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Katie holds credentials such as Society for Human Resource Management membership, Notary, and OSHA30 certification.
Outside of work, Katie is a fervent supporter of Gamecock sports, with a notable highlight being her attendance at the 2017 Men’s Final Four in Phoenix, AZ.
At Allegiance, Katie finds fulfillment in the culture of respect and transparency. She values the inclusive environment where everyone’s voices are heard and talents are respected, leading to the emergence of innovative ideas.
In both work and life, Katie lives by the words of Abraham Lincoln: “These men ask for just the same thing – fairness, and fairness only. This, so far as in my power, they, and all others, shall have.” Her commitment to fairness and equity shapes her approach to every aspect of her life, making her an invaluable asset to Allegiance and the community at large.
