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December 15, 2023

Case Study: High Quality Janitorial Service Puts “Clean” into a Whole New Light

February 8, 2024
 
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Janitorial Case Study: Lighting Manufacturer

Learn how Allegiance Industries shook up expectations for a lighting technology manufacturer that had come to believe that dirt and grime left behind was an unavoidable side effect of the manufacturing process.

Finding a high-quality janitorial provider can be a challenge for busy manufacturers. Many companies end up settling for less in the belief that janitorial service providers are inherently inconsistent or that dirty facilities simply come with the territory – or both.

That was the case for a North Carolina manufacturer of energy-efficient LED lighting.

Despite using a cleaning service, the facility was never really clean. Floors were dirty. Stairwells were blackened by silicon carbide residue tracked from floor to floor.

Grime & Punishment: Putting Up with Janitorial Service Not Up to the Job

Over time, the company’s supply chain manager observes, shoddy cleaning practices become more than just a cleaning problem – they start to take up time as well.

“You’re either constantly following up or you’re constantly switching vendors to find someone who can meet your needs. Or you just kind of settle, thinking, ‘well, it’s a dirty place.’”

The Solution: Allegiance Comes through with an Effective Cleaning Plan (and more)

Along came Allegiance Industries, and soon the manufacturer was learning to adjust to a whole different level of expectations. “Allegiance has shown us that it doesn’t have to be a dirty place,” the manager said.

With the Allegiance team in place, everything gets clean and stays clean, even the stairwells. “The cleanliness they provide is much higher than we’ve seen in the past,” the manager said. “They work routine into the cleaning process so that everything stays clean. They definitely take pride in their work.”

The difference is in both process diligence and technique, she said. “We had black floors before Allegiance came in. Now they’re nice and shiny. Nothing gets missed.”

A few other examples she cites:

  • Cafeteria tables are cleaned as soon as someone leaves
  • As part of the company’s efforts to prevent the spread of coronavirus, Allegiance team members help stock PPE and additional cleaning supplies
  • Coffee, tea and other supplies are kept stocked in break areas
  • A regular schedule of periodic deep cleaning keeps everything grime free
  • Floors undergo regular machine cleaning – not just mopping

Partnership & Commitment that Makes a Difference

The difference goes beyond clean, the manager said. When the company had to send nearly half of its workforce home during the pandemic, their janitorial needs were reduced as well. “There was no contractual obligation for Allegiance to give us a price adjustment, but they did,” she said. That’s how a partnership operates, she said.

“They understand that in order to have long-term partnerships, you can’t just be a commodity.”

 

 

Experienced, Reliable Electrical Service that Lives Up to the Promise

As an added convenience, it’s a partnership that includes using Allegiance electrical services for project-based work that includes the installation of large equipment and tools. “Allegiance lives up to its promises,” the manager said. “They are very competitive on price point and have great customer service.”

The manager also cited the benefit of Allegiance’s system of deep manager involvement and onsite supervision. “They are involved at every level,” she said. “When they walk through with their managers, they look around,” she said. They notice what needs to be done.

“They do a great job of making sure that we have the response time that we need and that we are in constant communication. It is definitely a very positive experience.”

Audit Ready, All the Time

Even better, she said, the Allegiant team is so thorough that nothing extra is required to meet the standards of any audit review. It’s audit ready “They don’t have to go above what they are currently doing.”

The company was so happy with the work at its main facility that they recently engaged Allegiance to bring a second site up to the same standard.

The manager set a deadline of 60 days. Allegiance “had it done in two weeks,” she said.

Raise Your Standards for Clean

Stop making excuses for your janitorial provider and get the clean you and your employees deserve.

Experience Seamless Facility Management

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Gary McLaurin

Chief Executive Officer

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.

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Edward Conroy

President & Chief Financial Officer

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.

Beyond the boardroom, Edward’s life is enriched by his expansive family, growing up as one of 12 siblings. Outside of work, he finds joy in both competitive and creative pursuits, indulging in a love for tennis and channeling his energy into home renovations.

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.

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Chris Rodonis

Chief Revenue Officer

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.

Despite his professional achievements, Chris maintains a down-to-earth demeanor and harbors unexpected interests, such as being an avid supporter of Kentucky Basketball. Outside of work, he enjoys the outdoors, indulging in activities like golfing, running, or savoring the ambiance of outdoor breweries in Charlotte.

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.

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Sean Sullivan

Chief Operations Officer

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.”

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John Sullivan

Senior Advisor

With experience that spans over eighteen years in the facility maintenance industry, John has directed Allegiance during a time of unprecedented internal and external development. From the implementation of industry-specific back office operations to enhanced employee training programs for sales logistics, John has played an integral part in Allegiance’s continued emergence over the past decade.

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.

In his downtime, John serves on the Board of Trustees for SCICU and is the President of the Spring Valley Country Club.

“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.”

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Peter Kearns

Director of Electrical Operations

A US Navy veteran, Peter studied electronics and worked on aviation support equipment in the military.  He took that knowledge and applied it to the electrical sector working on field installations, estimating, project management, operations, business, employee development, and business strategies. He earned his Master Electrician and Contractor licenses, both in multiple states. Since joining Allegiance, he has been instrumental in helping bring new culture, vision, and growth to the electrical division.

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Katie Pitts

Director of Human Resources

Katie Pitts is the Director of Human Resources at Allegiance. With a decade of experience in the industry, Katie is a seasoned professional known for her ability to bridge people and policies effectively.

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.

Since joining Allegiance in 2014, Katie has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth, witnessing its expansion firsthand. Her expertise lies in adapting to the evolving needs of Allegiance, whether it involves doubling the employee count or navigating changes in states, software, processes, or office staff. Katie’s unique ability to tailor these changes to best suit Allegiance’s goals sets her apart.

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.

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