A Conversation With BSCAI's New Leader For 2018

At the association’s CEO Seminar in February, Jim Harris, Jr., president of Janitronics Facilities Services in Albany, New York, received the presidential gavel and started his year-long term as president of Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI). 

Harris is no stranger to the cleaning industry or BSCAI, having been exposed to both while in high school. In this question-and-answer session, the new president shares his outlook for the year ahead for both the association and the industry, as well as why more contractors should join BSCAI. 

1) What are BSCAI’s future goals and how as president do you plan to reach them?

The future goals are to engage more deeply with our members, add new members to our community, and provide industry expertise to help our members and vendor partners grow their businesses profitably today and in the future. We will offer seminars, webinars and educational forums that address all aspects of running a business, including family dynamics, financing, exit planning, system improvements, productivity, vendor education, purchasing network and peer support.

2) Why should someone join BSCAI?

We are the only resource for contractors run by contractors. We are the best fit for building service contractors. By providing year-round education (webinars, seminars and conferences) we help educate, train and provide information necessary for success in this industry. We help increase professionalism by offering individuals certifications. We offer a Purchase Advantage Program for supplies and equipment, and we have alliances with the top vendors covering technology, insurance, distribution, supplies, sales training, equipment, tools, consulting and much more — all as a way to provide significant savings to BSCAI members on world-class offerings.

3) Do you have an example of how BSCAI has helped your business?

I have numerous examples: BSCAI helped us in creating a business model that taught us how to retain employees and customers, and grow our business. Our firm joined in 1973 and has grown every year since then. 

Janitronics has committed to attend the Contracting Success Conference, Executive Management Conference and the CEO Seminar on a regular basis since 1973. From those meetings, we were able to form a peer group that has helped us develop personally and professionally, and to this day continues to support us with best practices for a leaner, more competitive service company. 

The seminars at these events feature outstanding speakers that I may not have been exposed to otherwise and most speakers are willing to continue their guidance and support after the session. BSCAI also coordinates roundtables and opportunities that allow for meaningful conversations with contractors of all sizes and geographies. 

At the end of the day, BSCAI was instrumental in our business being what it is today. The peer-to-peer networking is outstanding and you will always find peers willing to answer your questions and share solutions.

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