Founded in 1969, Jani-King is the world’s largest commercial cleaning franchise company. Through a network of 120 Regional Support Centres and 9,000 Franchise Owners in 14 countries around the globe, Jani-King provides commercial janitorial services to tens of thousands of satisfied customers on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.
Jani-King has been operating locally in New Brunswick, PEI and Nova Scotia for more than 30 years and the Jani-King Master licensee for the Maritime Provinces is Robert & Ed McNamara, who support and mentor over 60 Jani-King Franchisees.
Jani-King specialises in commercial cleaning and hospitality services customized specifically to address the individual needs of our customers.
This month’s Member spotlight; we got to hear from Jani-King’s regional director for New Brunswick and PEI - Robert McMcNamara
How many years have you been in this business?
I have been working within the Jani-King Franchise system for more than 15 years. I came from the financial services sector where I spent time as a consultant, financial planner and a commercial lender.
Why did you join BOMA?
BOMA has helped me understand the Property Management sector better and that has helped me at work. I have also learned more about the various challenges apparent in the industry and for its members, so it gives me comfort that BOMA is willing to facilitate advocacy activities on these concerns. Finally, I do very much enjoy meeting people and BOMA offers various activities and events providing me an opportunity to meet great new friends and have a few laughs.
What's one thing - either industry-related or not - you learned in the last month?
Historically, I have lived in the suburbs or subdivisions within communities. As I recently moved to the downtown area of Moncton, I have been learning the pros and cons of living in a busy city district. It has become clear to me that the choice will offer me a variety of new, fun and unique experiences.
What educational or business experiences best prepared you for your career?
In a franchise system, your franchisees are independent owner/operators rather than employees. This role requires additional skill sets such as negotiating, consensus building, and problem solving. So, my past experience as a trainer in entrepreneurship along with my knowledge on financial planning and commercial banking concepts has definitely helped me in my role today.
What advice would you give to professionals coming in to the commercial industry?
My advice would be to differentiate yourself from others by ensuring you have the strongest work ethic possible while still having a work life balance. There is a lot to be said for a work hard and then play hard strategy.
If you could give advice to your younger self, what would it be and why?
I think my advice to my younger self would be to make time and set aside resources to travel more for recreational purposes. Everyday life requirements tend to find a way to use up your resources thus making it difficult to achieve this goal. I would encourage myself to be creative in making more travel happen.
What's your favourite movie and why?
Most of the Star Trek movies! I just enjoy the exciting themes in Sci Fi including the sense of hope, the diversity that is always apparent and the fact that eventually the good guy wins! Especially, as no matter how dire the situation is, Scottie will always find a way to get those engines back up and running and save the day. It is great to have a few “Scotties” in my life.
If you could have dinner with someone famous (dead or alive) who would it be and why?
Princess Diana! Her personal story and iconic brand building are simply fascinating! And who would not want a dinner with Diana!
How do you define success?
Being successful for me includes not only setting & achieving work and personal goals, such as making a good living, raising a family and helping people thru volunteerism, but ensuring that I achieve these goals in a way that is honorable and proud-worthy.
Thank you, Robert; it was great to hear from you!