The history of ServiceMaster bears testimony to the rewards for keeping a commitment to satisfy the customer. From a residential carpet and furniture cleaning company, it has become an international franchise operation with annual revenues of over $2 billion. A spectacular return on equity throughout the 1970s and ’80s repeatedly put ServiceMaster at the top of Fortune Magazine’s “Stars of the Service 500.”

In 1952 a labour shortage led to a recruitment of employees from Prince Edward Island. One of the young recruits, Thane MacNeill, helped found the Canadian branch of Service-Master. The first office was opened in Toronto in 1952 and others soon followed. Today ServiceMaster dominates the greater Toronto market and the distinctive yellow van is recognized in cities across the country.

A quantum leap in the stellar performance of the company occurred in 1971 when MacNeill introduced a concept which revolutionized the commercial carpet cleaning industry: a program of monthly preventative maintenance which would keep carpets in showroom condition throughout the year. This system has become the standard recognized by leading carpet manufacturers.
 

The ServiceMaster team reflects the acronym of their North American telephone number - WE SERVE....

ServiceMaster has been franchising for close to 50 years. By 1991 there were 125 locations in Canada and another 3,700 independent offices throughout the U.S.A., Europe, Japan and Australia.

The foundation for this phenomenal success is a philosophy of Christian integrity that is embodied in the company’s objectives. It is also apparent in the meticulous and efficient service provided by the ServiceMaster team. The personal rewards of exceptional performance are complemented with awards presented at annual international conventions of franchises. For 1991 both the Toronto distributorship and the Etobicoke contract services franchise received the top award for excellence in their respective divisions. A Canadian sweep is unprecedented in the 50-year history of ServiceMaster.

A number of Canadian franchises are recognized internationally for their performance and expertise. Delegates from Europe, Japan and U.S.A frequently visit the Canadian market to gain insight

into unique commercial carpet cleaning systems and innovative franchise distribution methods.

Every aspect of the cleaning process has been researched to set time and quality standards: customers are thus assured of consistent service and value. The environment is a major concern; government requirements in both the U.S. and Canada are constantly exceeded.

Since its inception ServiceMaster has developed and distributed its own distinct cleaning equipment. Development of proven systems and task schedules has allowed ServiceMaster unprecedented growth in the Janitorial Services Division and provided a foot-hold into the institutional and healthcare markets for the management Services Company.

ServiceMaster provides an exceptional one-stop service to insurance companies in the field of disaster restoration. The thorough and efficient clean-up techniques following fire, flood and vandal damage have secured for the company market domination in many major centres. Recently the company further diversified with the introduction of Merry Maids, a residential maid service; Classic Window Cleaning, a revolutionary process utilizing purified water; and ServiceMaster Lawncare, an environmentally-friendly lawn service

The remarkable progress of this service superstar has reinforced the faith and the philosophy of dedication to excellence that are at its heart. This is but the first chapter in the history of ServiceMaster, the world’s largest carpet cleaning company.