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Uncovering Richard Simon Of Chicago President and CEO of United Service Companies

Man of the Month: Richard Simon
He started as a janitor. Now he's the CEO.Richard Simon President and CEO, United Service Companies

Way Back in 1965, United Service Companies began as a small Chicago janitorial service, a far cry from the national superpower it is today. USC now provides cleaning, staffing and security services of all kinds, operating in cities from the East Coast to Hawaii - and many in between.

The ever growing client base includes major hotels, trade shows, convention centers, airlines, hospitals, newspapers and food processing plants. And the man navigating such impressive growth? President and CEO Richard Simon - who started with the company as a part-time high school employee.

In this economic downturn, what has been key to your continued success?

We added market share; while many companies were contracting, we were expanding. Our management team was in daily contact with our clients to provide more services and they were acquiring new business almost weekly. We think if we're not moving forward, we're in reverse.

With locations throughout the U.S. how do you manage everything from Chicago?

Our management team in each location has to take responsibility for insuring all customer expectations are met daily, and our senior management racks up millions of frequent flier miles a year. Personally, I try to limit my travel to 20 weeks a year, about half of what it once was.

What's the biggest obstacle you had to overcome to keep business up?

For us there is no single issue. It's a daily task to keep all members of the team focused on their area of the business while respecting that each supports the other. If our customers know each day that we're 100 percent there to service their needs, we're on target. How do we do it? A great management team.

Outside of work, what are you passionate about?

I support endeavors that help children. One is the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation that assists the families of fallen and injured officers.

Your greatest personal accomplishment.

Two: Talking my wife into marrying me and the birth of our son.
Do you see yourself ever retiring?

Not really. Almost every person I know who retired from something they like is sorry and looking for something to do. I'm happy where I am.

Favorite way to spend time off?
What time off?

What does family mean to you?
I have a great wife who helps keep both of my feet on the ground and a son who makes me realize my greatest accomplishment is yet to come as he grows from an early teen into a young man.

What is the most innovative aspect of your company?
The recruitment and training of qualified people: it's all about our team.

What challenges do you foresee in your industry?
No more today than before. The solution is the same: recruit great people on all levels, from entry to management. Train them, provide them with the tools to work with, give them the authority to make decisions with the view that they're empowered to think outside the box.

About the Author

Charles Tucker

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