David Schlaegel: Eye for Excellence

David Schlaegel
Manager of Custodial Services
University of Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky

Ever since David Schlaegel came on board as manager of custodial services at the University of Louisville, pride of ownership has been running rampant through the department like an infectious outbreak.

“If you can train people to have an eye for excellence and take pride in their work, it’s contagious,” says Schlaegel. “People start to see the value in what they do. To me, it’s a prideful thing to say, ‘I’m a caretaker. I’m the first line of defense to make sure that things are clean and sanitary.’ That’s the mentality I’m trying to achieve in folks.”

Toward this end, Schlaegel constantly seeks out opportunities to educate and train his staff and prepare them for leadership positions.

“David encourages you to move up and take responsibility,” says Darnell Taylor, custodial supervisor. “He’s open-minded and always willing to listen to your ideas and let you make your own decisions.”

In addition to promoting educational opportunities, Schlaegel encourages his staff to improve their customer service skills.

“This summer the staff is going through a customer service training module to help them understand that it’s not just about what we do, it’s about doing it well,” he says. “I want to help people understand what it means to be excellent and go beyond the bare minimum — not because I want to get more out of them, but because it’s better for everybody — for the customer and the department.”

Dennis Thomas, assistant superintendent of custodial services, believes that Schlaegel has the best interests of the university at heart.

“David works long hours and he is committed to improving the performance of the department,” says Thomas. “He’s a hands-on manager, and he has excellent communication skills. He works well with managers and he’s constantly looking for ways to improve.”

One noteworthy achievement is Schlaegel’s editorship of “The Orbit,” the physical plant custodial services’ monthly newsletter that Schlaegel “resurrected from the ashes,” according to Thomas. The newsletter, which features personal growth articles, departmental news and accolades, as well as vendor information, has not only been well received by the custodial department, but it has captured the attention of university administration, as well as outside vendors and ACUBSS (Association of College and University Building Service Supervisors).

“It’s taken on a life of its own,” Schlaegel says of the publication. “Our staff doesn’t necessarily read business magazines, so it gives them exposure to personal improvement and growth opportunities that might spark their interest and make them want to read more. I want to expand people’s knowledge of what’s going on — not just internally but in the industry, as well.”

Schlaegel also gives custodial services a voice through his committee work. He was recently appointed to the Policy and Economic Development Committee to examine human resource policies and economic opportunities. He serves as a staff senator and is a member of the Services and Facilities committee. In partnership with the student government association, the committee helped to create a lighted trail, known as the “L” trail, to address people’s safety concerns when traveling at night.

“Ideas for improvement now have the opportunity to come to light, instead of being something to just fuss about in the break room,” says Schlaegel.

While Shlaegel’s words offer encouragement not only for the custodial staff but for the industry, it is his actions that speak the loudest, clearly demonstrating his dedication and passion for his work. And his efforts have paid off: In the past year, the department has seen a 20 percent drop in customer complaints and an increase in positive feedback on customer survey cards.

“Overall we’ve had a tremendous improvement and impact,” says Schlaegel. “I can tell from the volume of cards we receive that say ‘thank you for all your hard work.’ We’re continually pushing toward a higher quality standard.”

To nominate a deserving manager for the 2016 award, click here.

David Schlaegel submitted the following nomination on his own behalf.
I am the manager of four custodial services zones in the Physical Plant Department. I work with and oversee a team of four supervisors and 52 full time employees who clean and care for more than 1.2 million square feet in 52 facilities. I also maintain a close association with the 14 member Custodial Building Services Team as they service over 3.5 million square feet of campus facilities every year. I have built positive and long-lasting relationships with facility users through my initial contact and follow up to the services the team proves under my leadership.

I am a hard-working, hands-on manager who leads by example and is dedicated to a job well done. I train employees on everything from floor refinishing protocols to new equipment for routine use. I encourage each employee to improve his/her own skills. I am a leader, a coach, a motivator, an advocate, and a positive influence. A job is not complete until I inspect the areas and am satisfied that the quality of work meets or exceeds expectations. I am continually working to develop a sense of pride and satisfaction within the people that I supervise to create in them a sense of ownership and intrinsic enthusiasm towards their work.

I take the time to encourage individuals towards leadership and develop them towards taking ownership in their work as I do. I am always looking for these qualities in others so that I can cultivate and nurture them. I have given opportunities for team members to shine and lead in a safe environment to reassure and embolden them as leaders; not only at work but in their personal lives and in their communities.

As concerns surface, I rise to the challenge and bring in my team with a positive attitude and a “can-do” approach that lifts the spirits of everyone around. I insist on work that reflects positively on the University and the Physical Plant department, and can be relied upon to perform to the highest expectations. The safety of the students, faculty, and staff are one of my top priorities as I work to ensure consistent care for the campus facilities. I often work long hours as I try hard to go above and beyond the call of duty to support the needs of the campus community. I consider myself to be dependable, resourceful, proactive, and innovative as I work on behalf of those I serve.

I am also the editor and publisher of the Physical Plant Custodial Services Monthly Newsletter, The Orbit. This newsletter, under my direction, has been widely acclaimed as outstanding by University administration. It has also captured the attention of ACUBSS (Association of College and University Building Service Supervisors) and a sampling is featured on their website home page. Readership and distribution has grown tremendously as the newsletter has increased circulation to a tremendous number of internal staff as well as several recipients outside of the University. This publication has expanded to include industry articles, personal and professional growth tips, vendor information, and items of interest. This effort continues to grow as I have reached out across intradepartmental lines to appeal to even a greater employee base and broaden the level of inclusivity and appeal.

I am also serving as a Staff Senator representing one of the VBPA (Vice President of Business Affairs) employee areas. As senator, I serve as a member of the Services and Facilities Committee (S&F) and the Non-Academic Grievance Committee. I am an active member of the senate body as I continue to seek a voice to University Administrators on behalf of my constituent staff members. I am also involved with the University Reaffirmation for Accreditation Committee for the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). I serve on the Compliance Certification Subcommittee on Physical Resources.

In my spare time, I work with Hope Southern Indiana food distribution in the delivery of essentials to the indigent and needy children. I also volunteer at my church (Southeast Christian Church – Indiana Campus) as a mentor and teacher of younger men as they transition into adulthood to help them become a productive, contributing member of society.

I do my best to let my attitude, actions, and involvements clearly show a servant’s heart. My approach, my passion for my work, and my encouragement of others has been said to be quite contagious. After only a few minutes of chatting, most people can quickly tell that I enjoy and take pride in my work.  It is my hope that they can see my dedication and heart for others as I lead my staff, work with my department, and serve the University of Louisville.