A Community Of Contract Cleaners

The final part of this three-part article focuses Bruland's involvement with BSCAI.

When looking toward 2016, Bruland foresees many opportunities for growth within the BSC industry, but says that it will require a strategic approach to capture it.

“In a time of increased consolidation and shrinking margins, it will be the creative, tenacious businesses that figure out how to do more with less that will succeed,” she says.

But she also feels that BSCs will still experience their share of challenges.

“The largest challenge we are facing in our industry is the national labor shortage, along with increased labor regulations,” says Bruland. “At BSCAI’s annual convention in Las Vegas [last year], it seemed every business topic converted to a theme and strategy of how to recruit and retain people despite the current business climate.”

MSNW addressed this by increasing the number of staff members focused on recruiting in the human resources department, as well as getting the entire company focused on improvement. It is now every team member’s job to recruit and retain the best employees.

Bringing in new talent to the industry is crucial, and for those who are coming into this field, Bruland’s advice is to not go it alone.

“I spent the first eight years of my business figuring it out for myself and rarely speaking to another colleague or competitor in our industry,” says Bruland. “I joined BSCAI in 2002 and realized I had a network of business owners like me across the country I could learn from. I have had wonderful mentors and have been able to be a resource for others as well.”

Now years later, Bruland has a strong group of peers in BSCAI, some of which are her dearest friends. She encourages other BSCAI members to get involved with the association.

“Be willing to share, and be open to learning and growth,” she says. “It will make an incredible difference in your business.”

It has been nearly 15 years since Bruland joined BSCAI, and this year, she will be taking the helm as its president. What can members expect during her tenure?

“I look forward to promoting our value proposition of being the No. 1 resource globally to building service contractors,” says Bruland. “I had the privilege of chairing our annual convention last fall and received feedback that the level of speakers and education was the highest we have ever had.”

One focus area for 2016 will be continuing to strengthen and improve convention educational sessions in order to bring the best value to association members. Part of the educational offerings will include a focus on personal and professional leadership growth.

“If, as an association, we can develop the abilities of top company executives to better lead themselves and their organizations, it will have a positive multiplier effect throughout member companies and our industry as a whole,” says Bruland.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Bruland enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.

“Living in the Pacific Northwest, free time is spent in the beautiful outdoors,” she says. “One of [my family’s] favorite activities is boating in the beautiful San Juan Islands. Life is full attending many  high school volleyball or basketball games, chasing after kids and grandkids, and cherishing time spent with my parents who live nearby.”

Bruland is also a part of the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Association of General Contractors. She is an active community volunteer and a founding board member of Whatcom Business Alliance, an association created to promote business and community success. She also served on the governing board of PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center.

Did You Know?

Janelle Bruland created, along with her husband, Graham Youtsey, Legacy Leader, a leadership development company that helps business leaders and professionals connect their passion with their purpose.

“I have been a student of leadership for many years, along with having a passion for growing people,” she says. “Through the successful growth of Management Services Northwest, I have been invited to share the things I have learned on my leadership journey with other business executives. Legacy Leader was launched so I can expand on my desire to bring value to others, to help business leaders and professionals connect their passion with their purpose, and break through whatever is hindering their ability to live a highly engaged, impactful and successful life.”