Shari Cedar is the CEO and co-owner of Florida-based AK Building Services, a family-owned and operated commercial janitorial services company she runs with her husband, Mark. But it was not in the building services sector where she started. Cedar’s career actually began in TV production and journalism. You may think the two professions are quite different. But it was in broadcast journalism where Cedar honed her ability to manage complex projects and tell meaningful stories.
“In my second chapter, I’ve dedicated myself fully to growing AK Building Services,” she says. “As CEO and co-owner, my focus is on leadership, culture and creating opportunities for our team to thrive while positioning AK as an industry leader across Florida.”
Beyond the day-to-day duties and responsibilities of running a company, she represents AK within the industry as a member of Building Owners and Managers Association International (BOMA), CREW Network (Commercial Real Estate Women), BSCAI, The Florida Executive Forum, and the Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce. Cedar, a working mother of two teenage sons, likes to stay deeply connected to her community. She serves as a board member for the Pace Center for Girls, a member of Women United®, and a Nova Southeastern University Ambassador Board member.
“I strive to lead by example,” she states, “showing that business success and community impact go hand in hand. My greatest goal is to leave a lasting imprint not only on the organization I help lead, but also on the people and communities I serve.”
Embracing Change in the Industry
In her role as CEO and co-owner, Cedar is responsible for setting the strategic vision and long-term direction of the company, while ensuring its core values remain at the center of everything she, her husband, and their employees do. She says, “I work closely with our leadership team to create opportunities for growth, foster a strong and inclusive company culture, and ensure that our people have the training, tools, and support they need to succeed. A large part of my focus is on maintaining strong client relationships, understanding their evolving needs, and making sure we consistently deliver exceptional service and solutions.”
Cedar is also actively involved in driving innovation in AK’s operations, from implementing best practices and sustainable initiatives to adopting technology that enhances efficiency and quality. At the same time, she remains deeply committed to community engagement and giving back.
She notes, “One of my favorite parts of my work is identifying different ways to help people — after all, we’re all in the people business. One thing I am really excited about is that we’re starting to bring AI into our operations, and I truly believe it’s going to elevate how we serve both our clients and our team.”
In the building services industry, AI is still fairly new, but it’s already proving to be a powerful tool. AK is using it to help improve production rates, staffing models, pricing, and route scheduling — areas where even small efficiencies can make a big impact.
“But what excites me most is how this technology supports our people,” Cedar states. “We’re using digital tools to enhance training and safety programs and making learning more accessible and engaging for our frontline associates. That kind of support helps them feel more confident on the job — and that translates to better service for our clients. At the end of the day, this isn’t about replacing people with machines. It’s about using technology to strengthen the human side of our business — to work smarter, serve better, and create more opportunities across the board.”
Challenges remain, of course. Cedar confesses change can be a challenge for employees. “One of my biggest challenges is helping team members see that change can actually be a good thing — whether it’s trying out new software, exploring AI, or just doing something a little different than before.”
Learning From Her Career Pivot
Cedar’s time spent as a TV producer certainly makes for an interesting first chapter. She likens that previous career to being on a roller coaster — "fast, exciting, and full of high stakes. I thrived on the adventure, the storytelling, and the people. I got to parachute into new worlds, learn them inside and out, and then share those stories — whether that meant traveling to remote villages in Africa for National Geographic, driving a Monster Truck in St. Louis for CBS, or producing ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’ for Bravo.”
With hard work and persistence, she rose to be an executive producer of multiple productions, and Cedar confesses that she truly felt she had found her dream job. “When I pivoted into our family business, AK Building Services, I realized how transferable my production skills were,” she says. “In TV, you live by deadlines, manage tight budgets, lead large teams, and build strong client relationships — all of which are just as critical in running and growing a company. Communication, adaptability, and the ability to connect with people quickly have also been invaluable. And once I discovered the creativity in building a business and the impact of providing livelihoods for so many people, I knew I had found a new purpose. I’ve never looked back!”
Advice Given, Advice Taken
Was there some advice given to Cedar early in her building/janitorial services career that's really stuck with her? She was quick to answer: “Overcommunicate! It’s so important to communicate with your customers, your teammates, and your community. It’s imperative that everyone feels a connection.”
Now, Cedar is in a position to give wise counsel and help to the next generation of building service contractors. She is especially keen on bolstering young women interested in building services as a career, remarking, “Janitorial is an amazing industry with such opportunity. Take advantage of learning from others and find a mentor who you will be able to learn from throughout your career. It’s important to note that a mentor doesn’t necessarily need to be within your industry of focus. Carve out time to give back and do what you love — we all have the same 24 hours in a day, but it’s how you spend those hours that counts.”
BSCAI and the Future
Cedar has her eyes pointed toward the horizon and the future of her business and our industry. She and Mark expect to continue using BSCAI as a huge resource for themselves as company heads and for AK Building Services, as a whole. “Through our Peer Group, we’ve gained incredible insight by sharing best practices and learning from others’ successes and challenges. Every time I go to a conference, I come back energized with new ideas, whether it’s the latest equipment, products or just smarter ways of running the business. And the webinars throughout the year keep me plugged in and always learning. It’s a community that really pushes me to grow as a leader and helps our company keep moving forward,” she says.
Moving forward is the name of the game. Looking ahead to the last four months of this year and beyond, Cedar says, “I’m an optimist, but also a realist. As we round the corner of 2025, it’s important to stay focused and grounded. Market conditions, the labor market, and the unknowns always keep me on my toes and my eyes wide open. That said, I always look for the opportunity in every situation — I’m a glass-half-full person at heart!”
Shari Cedar is the CEO and co-owner of AK Building Services, a Florida-based commercial janitorial company she runs alongside her husband, Mark. With a dynamic background in TV production and journalism, Cedar brings a unique blend of storytelling, strategic leadership, and operational expertise to the building services industry. She is passionate about fostering a strong company culture, driving innovation through technology like AI, and creating meaningful opportunities for her team. A dedicated community advocate and active member of organizations including BOMA, CREW Network, and BSCAI, Cedar leads with purpose, faith, and a commitment to making a lasting impact — both in business and beyond.