Q&A Profile: Chris McCall, President and CEO, ServiceMaster Building Maintenance
March 27, 2009
Original Article: http://memphis.bizjournals.com/memphis/stories/2009/03/30/story10.html
McCall
and his father Randy
were first inspired to start their own business in 1979 after listening
to Paul Harvey. 30 years later, McCall is continuing to run the family
business with his wife, Stacy. McCall took over operations of the
company in 1989 before becoming president of ServiceMaster Building
Maintenance in 2000 when his father retired. Under McCall’s
leadership, ServiceMaster Building Maintenance has extended its
commercial and industrial cleaning services to include clients in
Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama and South Carolina.
First job: Offshore field engineer with Schlumberger
Education: Bachelor of science in mechanical engineering, Mississippi State University
Residence: Hernando, Miss.
Business philosophy: Build your successes on the successes of those around you.
Best way to keep competitive edge: Surround yourself with those that are strong where you are weak.
Guiding principle: Listen more than you talk.
Yardstick of success: Staff that enjoys what they do and are able to provide a comfortable living for their family.
Goal yet to be achieved: Ability to run the business from a tropical island.
Judgment calls
Best business decision: Working in the business with my wife.
Worst business decision: Working in the business with my wife.
Toughest business decision: Terminating a $1 million contract.
Biggest missed opportunity: Not reducing my price by 10% on a $1.5 million contract and losing it. The contract is now more than $6 million.
Mentor: My father
Word that best describes you: Playful
True confessions
Like best about job: Hugging and kissing babies — meeting with the folks in the field that really make it happen for our business.
Like least about job: Office administrative responsibilities.
Pet peeve: Someone not doing what they say.
Most important lesson learned: All good things do come to an end.
Person most interested in meeting: Louis L’amour
Most respected competitor: Those who enhance our image in the market.
Three greatest passions: Family, scuba diving and riding my motorcycle.
First choice for a new career: Master diver working on a tropical island.
Predilections
Favorite quote: “I’m your Huckleberry.”
Most influential book: The Bible
Favorite cause: Boy Scouts
Favorite status symbol: HD (Harley Davidson)
Favorite movie: “Gladiator”
Favorite restaurant: House of Seafood
Favorite vacation spot: Andros Island, Bahamas
What’s on your iPod?: Don’t have one.
Favorite way to spend free time: Doing something with my family.
Automobile: Mini Cooper
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