When stories about the “American Dream” are told, they often include tales of hard work and determination and realizing hard-won success that surpasses even the highest expectations.
That is the story of Ernest Clark Sr. and Mary Ann Clark, who started Mister Kleen Maintenance Co. Inc. from their home in Annandale, Virginia, back in 1976. Now, nearly 50 years later, Mister Kleen Maintenance is one of the largest contract cleaning companies in Virginia, and the Clarks’ dream has come to life beyond their expectations.
Today, the family business is operated by Ernie Clark Jr., one of the third generation of Clarks now involved with the company.
Just like the founders, Ernie Clark Jr. doesn’t shy away from hard work, and he has been able to take the business to a much higher level along with building a more solid foundation for its future success. According to “Jr.,” a big part of accomplishing that success is making the right decisions on a host of things including selecting cleaning products and supplies in the most cost-effective way possible.
After a National Service Alliance (NSA) representative walked him through the savings he should realize as an NSA member, he decided to give the organization a try.
The NSA is a group purchasing organization. It secures contracts with major manufacturers in the professional cleaning industry—which includes some of the biggest names and most popular brands available—providing its members with significant discounts and cost savings.
So, was joining the NSA a right decision? Here’s what Jr. has to say:
“Our savings has been triple the amount we invested in membership dues, and we save on the premier brands and equipment we use every day. Joining NSA has not only been the right decision for our family business but a great return on investment for our company as well.”