Kleen-Tech has carved a niche for itself as a leader in the janitorial and facilities management industry, with a story that spans decades of evolution and growth. James Vaughan, President and CEO of Kleen-Tech, recently shared insights about the company’s journey, core values, and the factors that set it apart from competitors in a detailed interview. The discussion touched upon the company’s origins, guiding principles, and future aspirations, offering readers a glimpse into what makes Kleen-Tech stand out.
Kleen-Tech’s story began humbly in the mid-1990s. As Vaughan explains, “Kleen-Tech was started in the mid-90s by a couple that had a relatively small janitorial company.” The business aimed to provide reliable and consistent janitorial services to local clients, growing steadily through word-of-mouth and repeat business. In the early 2000s, Brad Brandt joined the team and led the company to significant growth, achieving $27 million in revenue over two decades. Brandt’s leadership helped secure major state, local, and federal government contracts, including one with the Department of Energy. However, the company’s trajectory shifted in 2019 when Vaughan, alongside a group of investors, purchased Kleen-Tech. Since then, it has undergone rapid expansion, completing eight acquisitions and scaling to approximately $100 million in revenue.
One of the key factors behind Kleen-Tech’s success is its comprehensive range of services. Vaughan highlights the company’s primary focus, saying, “The majority of our work is nighttime janitorial and day porter services.” These core services are complemented by specialized offerings such as high-rise window cleaning, light tenant improvement work, cleanroom cleaning, and even landscaping services. By covering such a diverse range of needs, Kleen-Tech has established itself as a one-stop solution for many clients.
A critical aspect of Kleen-Tech’s success lies in its people. With a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees spanning 20 states, the company’s culture is deeply rooted in its guiding principles. Vaughan says, “The most important thing we do day in and day out is making sure our people are known and cared about—we’re in a people business.” This ethos has driven initiatives like Kleen-Tech Cares, a program that provides financial support to employees facing emergencies such as car repairs or rent shortfalls.
“It’s about knowing your people and teaching them how to be their best,” says Vaughan. By fostering a supportive and transparent work environment, Kleen-Tech has created a culture where employees feel valued and motivated.
Employee development is another cornerstone of Kleen-Tech’s culture. The company focuses on promoting from within, ensuring that employees have opportunities to grow and advance their careers. “One of our Vice Presidents started off as a janitor in the company six years ago,” shares Vaughan, and such achievements underscore the company’s dedication to employee development and its belief in recognizing and nurturing talent from all levels of the organization.
These efforts have paid off, with Kleen-Tech enjoying a significantly lower turnover rate than the industry average. While the typical turnover rate for janitorial staff exceeds 200 percent, Kleen-Tech’s rate is under 90 percent.
Transparency and continuous improvement are also integral to Kleen-Tech’s operations. The company employs a system called “Raise the Flag” (RTF), which ensures that any incident or issue is promptly reported, documented, and addressed with a long-term solution. Vaughan explains, “We want any incident to be reported and find a permanent, long-term fix so that it doesn’t happen again.” This proactive approach not only enhances service quality but also instills confidence in clients who can trust that their concerns will be handled promptly and effectively. This system has been a game-changer in reducing repetitive issues, which Vaughan describes as “building trust not just for the present but for the future.”
Kleen-Tech’s ability to differentiate itself from competitors lies in its unique combination of strong systems, skilled people, and a commitment to excellence. Vaughan notes, “In some ways, janitorial services are often viewed as a commodity, but we set ourselves apart by performing at a high level and taking care of our people.” This dedication to quality and care extends to every aspect of operations, from hiring and training to client interactions. For example, Vaughan describes a recent instance where a team went above and beyond to accommodate a client’s urgent request for additional services, showcasing the company’s adaptability and commitment to customer satisfaction. “A client needed last-minute service adjustments for a high-profile event,” he explains. “Our team stepped in, not just meeting the request but exceeding expectations.”
Looking to the future, Vaughan envisions continued growth through both acquisitions and organic development. Over the past five years, Kleen-Tech has scaled from $27 million to $96 million in revenue, with much of this growth driven by strategic acquisitions. Vaughan emphasizes the importance of professionalizing smaller companies during acquisitions, stating, “We’re able to put in systems and processes that help clients and employees alike, giving employees opportunities for growth they wouldn’t have had with a smaller company.” He cites a recent acquisition in the Midwest as a prime example of how integrating new teams into Kleen-Tech’s systems has improved both employee satisfaction and client outcomes.
As Kleen-Tech builds on its successes, the company plans to expand its sales team and strengthen its emphasis on organic growth. Vaughan expresses confidence in the company’s trajectory, saying, “We think we can be a $300 to $400 million company in the next five years.” By leveraging its established expertise in acquisitions and maintaining its commitment to quality and innovation, Kleen-Tech is well-positioned for continued success. This ambitious goal is rooted in the company’s belief that strong operational foundations enable scalable growth.
The janitorial and facilities management industry is rapidly evolving, with increasing demand for sustainable practices and technology integration. Vaughan believes that Kleen-Tech is uniquely equipped to address these challenges thanks to its forward-thinking approach and dedication to continuous improvement. “We’re always looking at ways to incorporate greener practices and smarter technologies into our services,” he says. “It’s not just about meeting client expectations; it’s about exceeding them.” Innovations include adopting eco-friendly cleaning products and exploring robotic automation for repetitive tasks, enabling better resource allocation and efficiency.
Vaughan also stresses the importance of client education in this changing landscape. Many clients focus on cost alone, missing out on the added value a company like Kleen-Tech provides. “When you’re thinking about your janitorial services, it’s important to think about the people who will be in your buildings and interacting with your employees daily,” he notes, adding that prioritizing culture and employee care directly translates to better outcomes for clients. This holistic approach ensures that Kleen-Tech’s clients receive not only exceptional service but also a partnership built on trust and mutual respect.
Another key area of focus is sustainability, with Vaughan highlighting Kleen-Tech’s ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impact. “Clients are increasingly looking for partners who align with their sustainability goals, and we’re ready to meet that demand,” he says. Kleen-Tech has invested in green certifications and training programs to ensure its teams are equipped to meet these expectations.
Ultimately, Kleen-Tech’s success can be attributed to its unwavering commitment to its people, processes, and principles. From humble beginnings to a thriving enterprise, the company’s journey reflects a dedication to excellence and a vision for a better future. With Vaughan at the helm, Kleen-Tech continues to set the standard for the janitorial and facilities management industry. As the company looks to the future, its focus on growth, innovation, and employee care promises to keep it at the forefront of the industry for years to come. By creating a blueprint for excellence in a challenging sector, Kleen-Tech has not only solidified its position but has also set an inspiring example for others in the industry.
