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What to Expect When You Outsource Janitorial Services

Whether you’re looking for a janitorial partner or project-based help, outsourced cleaning and janitorial services for commercial and industrial facilities can be a cost-effective way to ensure your business is clean and well-maintained at all times.

But it only works if you find the right partner. When looking for outsourced janitorial services, organizations need to evaluate the potential partner’s experience in their industry, as well as their processes for ensuring reliability, their transition plan and cost structure, among other factors.

Before You Buy: Do You Understand the Cost?

A cost analysis is critical to understanding whether a janitorial partner is the right fit for your business. When establishing outsourced services with a new partner, misunderstandings and misalignments between your goals and the services provided can lead to a poor outcome.

A cost analysis begins with a thorough scope of work (SOW), including equipment, supplies and chemicals (which should represent no more than 5-7% of the cost), and more. Many janitorial partners, such as Allegiance, also offer security and electrical contracting services. If you are outsourcing these, be sure that your needs are fully outlined in the SOW.

 

 

Site Surveys Are Critical to Success

At Allegiance, we go onsite to inspect the facilities of our customers to ensure that all expectations are clearly outlined and that the SOW accurately matches your needs. Onsite evaluations are also critical for scoping out security and electrical services.

The right partner should not only evaluate your standard needs, but also be able to offer custom services for special projects as needed, including:

  • Green cleaning
  • Clean room services
  • Medical waste disposal
  • Special event services

Work with Your Provider to Establish a Transition Plan

Transitions are often the top hurdle for customers outsourcing for the first time. Ask the companies you are considering about their process of onboarding and taking over from your in-house team.

At Allegiance, we begin 30 days prior to ensure you experience no gaps in service. We complete all training the weekend before so that all team members are ready before day one. Here’s a quick rundown of the transition:

  1. We start 30 days prior, sending you a transition checklist
  2. We meet with your onsite team to understand the facility’s needs
  3. Current employees are always evaluated and considered for positions on the Allegiance team
  4. Required equipment is ordered a week in advance of the start date
  5. We hire 20% over the headcount to fill any gaps
  6. Your new onsite team arrives the weekend before day one to prepare for a productive and operational day one.

After establishing a routine, and ironing out any wrinkles in week one, we will provide you a recap of safety, quality, delivery, and cost. Following the week one evaluation, we provide 30-day, 60-day and quarterly reviews to maintain quality, consistent communication.

A Seamless Transition to High-Quality Services

Allegiance is dedicated to providing the best quality of service for each of our clients. That includes onsite supervision and ongoing communication practices to ensure that we are truly a part of your team. Our team members take pride in their performance, always striving to go above and beyond the expectations of our customers.

We listen carefully to your needs, customize a schedule to meet your facility’s requirements, and follow through with reliable, first-rate labor and customer service. Starting with a seamless transition process, we are committed to maintaining high standards and delivering exceptional results.

The result is more than just a “clean” work environment. It is a standard of clean that guarantees you are audit and visitor ready at all times. A transition so seamless, you won’t have to think about it.

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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