Michael’s Message: Celebrating 2024’s Remarkable Growth, And a Look At What’s Next
As I look back at 2024, I am encouraged by the ways our team and partners have come together to provide exceptional service and support for our customers.
Building on the technological transformation and the launch of our industry-leading janitorial cleaning training program in 2023, United has grown our business over the past year, supporting our customers’ needs and expanding into new sectors—and this is just the beginning.
Here’s a look at our major accomplishments over the past year, and a preview of what you can expect from United in 2025.
Bringing Customers Savings with Clean & Protect
United stands apart in the cleaning industry as a champion in research and development, focused on offering better, more cost-effective services for our clients. One of our most recent introductions has been our innovative Clean & Protect program.
This exclusive, proprietary product developed in partnership with manufacturing partners allows us to extend waxing cycles, saving our clients valuable time and money.
With Clean & Protect, the typical annual stripping cycle is extended to every two to three years, and burnishing in stores is cut by about half—down to three or four days a week instead of seven. By reducing the frequency of these tasks, our clients also see significant improvements in their labour productivity, as staff spend less time moving skids and inventory to clear floor space. Plus, this process reduces disruption to business operations.
Beyond the labour savings and operational advantages, Clean & Protect provides a superior finish, elevating the in-store experience for consumers.
Partnering with Our Customers to Test Innovations
As we develop new products and processes, it’s crucial that we gauge real-life performance. United is grateful to have customers who embrace opportunities to put our innovations to the test.
It takes strong trust from our customers to allow us to trial new methods and products within their environment. The faith in our capacity to innovate and our ability to provide expert advice speaks volumes about our industry leadership and our strong customer relationships.
In the same vein, our customers also rely on us to help them as they redesign store locations. We are honoured that our customers trust us to test how well new floor surfaces stand up to regular cleaning before they are purchased and installed store-wide.
Delivering Leading Efficiency and Transparency with the United App
I am delighted by the exceptional experience we’re offering customers in our custom-developed United app, which launched in 2023.
Providing our customers unparalleled efficiency, transparency and accountability, the app puts data and scheduling options at their fingertips 24/7. Our customers can view reports, see when work is set to be done and when it’s completed, schedule or reschedule periodic cleaning tasks, and more.
As I shared this time last year, the app is integral to our culture of embracing the Internet of Things, and we are working continuously to add new functionalities. Our latest addition includes features to support our snow removal services—which are sure to improve our customers’ experience in the months ahead.
Growing Capacity and Scalability with Industry-Leading Training
With the launch of United Campus—our cutting-edge training program built on more than 45 years of experience and expertise—we took United’s position as an industry leader to a new level.
Over the past year, a number of graduates have gone on to become our partners, helping us deliver our exceptional customer experience. Moreover, this program has been integral to growing our capacity, positioning United to support customers requiring large scale and scalable cleaning and environmental services.
At the local and regional level, United Campus is also supporting communities by fostering a strong labour pool. Our program not only trains and certifies industrial cleaning professionals, we also offer essential business training through one of Canada’s major financial institutions, setting graduates up for success.
Expanding into New Customer Segments
United has a long history of working with the retail grocery segment, and we remain dedicated to this core business. At the same time, I’m delighted to share that we’re experiencing organic growth into new business areas.
The strategic investments and decisions we’ve made in recent years laid the foundation for expanding capacity. This put United in a strong position to diversify our business across a number of key segments in 2024, including:
- fashion retail
- manufacturing, distribution and logistics
- public and private institutions
- condos and commercial buildings
- general retail and big box stores
We’re inspired by this growth, and I can’t wait to see where it takes us next.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we continue our expansion, our focus will be on organic, sustainable and scalable growth. This is by design, as we want to ensure we have the people and infrastructure required to continue delivering a superior level of service for our customers.
To that end, we will continue to build new functionalities into our United app, putting service at our customers’ fingertips and providing direct access to the information they need.
We will also be actively working to elevate people, fostering new partnerships to expand our labour pool and its capacity. With a dedication to supporting knowledge, skills and expertise, we are committed to helping our partners grow in their own business. Plus, we’ll be looking to create key industry partnerships, including engaging governments.
As 2024 comes to a close, I want to extend my personal thanks to everyone who has worked tirelessly over the past year. Thank you to our partners, subcontractors and staff cleaners who diligently deliver exceptional service every day.
Thank you to our team members, who are so passionate and committed to supporting customers, partners and strategic initiatives.
And thank you to our customers for your continued trust in United to keep your spaces safe, clean and healthy. It’s my pleasure to be heading into the new year with all of you.
Warmest wishes,
Michael Kroupa
CEO and Owner of United Services Group