Executive Insights: Chase Carlson

Chase Carlson is President & CEO of Pioneer Building Services in Washington, D.C; a full-service janitorial contractor with more than 1,000 employees and more than 19 million square feet of contracts. He is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization and a board member for BSCAI.

As a young up-and-coming member of the BSC community, he is considered a mover and shaker. He discusses the future of the industry, what keeps him going, and the best piece of advice he’s ever received.

What are some trends you see developing in the building service contracting industry?

Consolidation through M&A activity remains a trend as baby boomers exit the labor force. Technology is slowly disrupting our industry through machinery, product dispensers and end-user experience. The significant disruption is on the horizon: robotics and artificial intelligence. Cost remains the divide between many of these innovations.

How would you describe your leadership style?

Demo-strate-mational. You have to involve people in the decision (democratic). You have to methodically time and execute your moves (strategic). You can’t sit still (transformational).

What is one challenge you’ve experienced in your career, and how did you handle it?

Being patient. I moved as fast as I could to get it…and I’m still working on it. Everyone around me keeps saying I need to be patient. What I’ve found is that there are things you definitely need to have patience with (employees, customers, vendors) but there are also things you absolutely cannot allow to slip/dip/fall short (accountability, commitment & strategic goals). Be patient with people. Be impatient with process.

Any advice for new BSCs coming into the industry?

Make sure you love people. This industry (for now) is about creating opportunity for people, both your customers, employees and building patrons. If you aren’t passionate about people, learn to code.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career?

Keep is simple.