Husband-and-wife entrepreneurs Regina and Bruce Whitlock co-founded Whitlock Building Services LLC back in 2007. Based in Grapevine, Texas, this commercial building cleaning company has delivered dependable services with consistency, certification, and a commitment to people among its pillars.
But it was tough in the early going. Neither spouse was born into or cut their teeth in the building services contracting industry. In fact, they started the firm while holding other corporate jobs mainly to pay off their collective student loan debts. Their first contract was providing cleaning services to three Outback Steakhouse restaurants in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
Eventually, the Whitlocks came to a crossroads: keep the business small and simple or act on their best impulses and build something bigger and truly special.
It was around that time when Regina Whitlock discovered BSCAI and met Jason Lee, CBSE, who currently serves as president of the association. “Bruce and I had no experience in this industry. We just had the desire and hunger to win,” she says. “BSCAI came through Dallas, and I saw that they were going to be at the convention center. I went, and that’s when Jason Lee came into our lives.”
How One BSCAI Connection Led to a Breakthrough Contract
Regina and Bruce decided to become association members, and the future BSCAI President told them, “If you ever need help, we’re right here for you.” Two months later, the Whitlocks called and took him up on that offer. There was a large warehouse, well over one million square feet, that came up for cleaning contract bids. The Whitlocks had no idea how to price it.
“Jason spent his entire Saturday morning helping us put together our bid. We actually won, and we still have that client! That was our very first big client, so I always give Jason his praise,” she says. “Here is a man who had just met me … he gave up an entire Saturday, spent hours with us, helped two people who literally had no clue what they were doing, and walked us through the whole process. We are so grateful to him.”
Today, Whitlock Building Services supports businesses throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area with structured cleaning plans designed to meet industry standards and exceed expectations. The company’s experienced staff combines professional training with hands-on expertise to safeguard each facility and deliver quality cleaning.
Commercial properties are Whitlock’s specialty. The team cleans everything from medical office buildings to warehouses and industrial facilities. Construction and post-construction has also proven to be a lucrative niche in the company’s nearly 20 years of operation. Among the services it provides are janitorial, disinfection, lawn and grounds care, window cleaning, carpet cleaning, floor waxing, and power washing.
Why Prioritizing Partnerships and Learning Makes a Difference
As Whitlock Building Services has grown over the years, so too has Regina Whitlock’s involvement in BSCAI. She says a common thread of the association is how members show up for each other.
“They have been a gem to us. But I always say, you have to pour in before you can get something out. I’m all about joining committees,” she says. “For instance, I was on the Membership Committee in the pre-COVID times. When the pandemic hit, it really created a bond because we had to meet virtually. So you start to really get to know people when they are literally in a box. And then you would eventually see them in person and it’s like [laughing], ‘Oh my God! You’re much taller than your box!’”
As a family- and woman-owned enterprise, Whitlock Building Services has taken a cue from BSCAI and similarly prioritized relationships and long-term partnerships. The company has become known for investing in training, certification, and innovation as the best means of providing optimal customer service.
The Whitlock Leadership Academy is just one instance of how the company invests in its people. For example, in order to be promoted within Whitlock Building Services, you need to be able to speak English. While many of its workers are native Spanish speakers, English as a Second Language classes are offered through the Academy. This is one way the Whitlocks try to create a pathway to promotion. Currently, there are 50 employees taking this six-week class.
The Whitlock Leadership Academy also offers a leadership class to the company’s managers taught in Spanish by a man named Carlos Merla. “The biggest highlight of that is we have a graduation ceremony complete with caps and gowns. For most of our people, they’ve never had a cap and gown on. That brought tears to my eyes,” Regina says. “As a result of all this, we are able to retain our people. We are service-obsessed. Our clients don’t manage us — we manage us! And we’re all rowing in the same direction.”
Leaning Into BSCAI to Stay Ahead of Industry Change
Regina Whitlock has been with BSCAI long enough to observe how the association has changed and evolved over a number of years. She is especially pleased with the wealth of helpful content now being offered by the organization.
“I am especially loving that BSCAI is addressing robotics. This technology is being embraced. It’s here to stay,” she says. “It’s not going to replace human arms, because it still can’t quite get corners and edges well. But it can definitely help as an aid to the cleaner.”
The Whitlocks are hopeful that BSCAI events will continue to stoke more conversations with regards to labor, especially for entry-level employees. From the Whitlocks’ view, young people today want more from their companies. Not just benefits and compensation, but social values as well.
“I am hoping the demand will be there for BSCAI to champion cleaner air spaces and being a more environmentally friendly industry overall. We also need to figure out this labor shortage, because that’s not going away either. That means livable wages. Nobody is working for $12 an hour!” she says. “There needs to be ‘room-honest conversations’ about what can be done to address the labor shortage and how are we going to pay the people.”
When Regina was asked what advice she has for new BSCAI members to get the most of their membership, her reply was quick, but firm:
“Show up, show up, and show up! Go to BSCAI events and keep coming back. And when you are there, step out of your comfort zone. Make friends” she says. “I’ve seen many people make friends very easily. I know people exchange numbers and call each other. If you are really shy, join a committee. Committee service will bring a lot out of you, and you get to meet some of the most successful players. People love sharing stories, and BSCAI members have many stories to share!”