Summer offers a rare chance to pause, reflect, and refocus — and what better way to do that than with a book that challenges your thinking and sharpens your strategy? Members of our Marketing & Editorial Committee, as well as additional members of the BSCAI community, have compiled a summer reading list filled with business-focused titles that inspire innovation, leadership, and growth.
Whether you're poolside or between client meetings, these reads are designed to fuel your professional momentum all season long.
Author: John Warrillow
Greg Buchner, president and CEO of CleanOffice, says, “This is a great read that takes you on the journey of how an owner/operator decentralizes and transforms their company from an all-consuming burden to a valuable and enjoyable entity. Ideal for the owner/operator who is looking to build the value of the company while shedding key responsibilities to capable team members.”
Author: Will Guidara
Amanda Haas, director of business development at Merchants Building Maintenance, says, “Though not specifically targeted at the janitorial world, this book centers on a hospitality-driven approach to leadership and client service. Guidara strongly believes that ‘how you make people feel’ is the most critical metric to building a business, which I think has a lot of crossover for a service-focused industry like ours.”
Author: Kim Scott
Amanda also recommends “Radical Candor” and says, “I think this book provides a great look at how managers can balance empathy and emotional investment with their team members while also fostering a culture of direct communication. Scott focuses on how to properly utilize thoughtful consideration, careful listening, and care for other people as strategies to building a cohesive team in the business world.”
Author: Dr. Spencer Johnson
Tyrell Nichols, procurement and marketing manager at SEJ Services, says, “’Who Moved My Cheese?’ is a quick and easy read that helps you see change at work in a whole new way. It breaks down how to stop fearing change and start adapting — without overthinking it. If your job or company is shifting, it’s a great reminder to stay flexible and keep moving forward.”
Author: Dave Ramsey
James Moore, managing partner at AMPS Facility Solutions, says, “If you're great at your craft but struggle with the business side of things, you're not alone. Many talented professionals find that doing the work and running a business are two entirely different skill sets. That’s where this book comes in.
Ramsey offers a clear, practical roadmap to help you grow from being a skilled service provider to becoming a confident, successful business owner. Ramsey breaks the journey into five actionable stages, showing you exactly what to do at each step, and when you get the right help with how to do it, the results can be transformational.
I’ve seen this framework in action through my mentor, who is actively applying these principles with measurable success. Whether you're just starting or ready to scale, this book can help you build a business that not only works but one you truly love.”
Author: Patrick Lencioni
Kristy Elmore, the vice president of marketing and commercial operations at Harvard Maintenance Inc, says, “This is a great short read for anyone who manages people. The concepts are simple but can really impact how you manage the tough decisions you struggle with every day. I try to reread it every year to remind myself how important it is to do the right things.”