RFPs Are About Relationships
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One of the most important takeaways is that organizations are not looking for transactional vendors. They are looking for long-term partners who invest time in understanding their business.

If your response is purely cost-driven and lacks insight into the organization, you’re likely eliminated before the real evaluation even begins.

When you spend time with leaders responsible for running complex, multi-site systems, you quickly realize something important:

Facility management is never just about cleaning. It’s about trust, consistency, and partnership.

In Episode 3 of our podcast, we sat down with Jeff Mori, COO of the Cuyahoga County Public Library, one of the most respected public library systems in the country.

This wasn’t a surface-level conversation.

It was a deep dive into what actually drives successful RFPs, long-term service relationships, and operational excellence across multiple facilities.

And for us at MCS Building Solutions, it was especially meaningful. We’ve had a longstanding partnership with the Cuyahoga County Public Library, supporting disinfection and facility services across their system. That ongoing relationship gave real-world weight to everything we discussed.

Here’s what stood out.

When Vendors Miss the Mark, It’s Almost Always the Same Story

One of the most striking insights from Jeff was how often vendors disqualify themselves before the evaluation even begins.

Not because they can’t do the work, but because they don’t take the process seriously.

It usually looks like this:

• The RFP wasn’t fully read
• Critical instructions were missed
• Submissions feel rushed or “template-driven”

And in the world of public institutions and multi-site operations, that sends a clear message:

If you don’t pay attention to the details in the proposal, how will you handle the details in the facility?

That level of first impression is often final.

Standardization vs. Reality: No Two Buildings Are Truly the Same

One of the biggest operational challenges in multi-site environments is balance.

Everyone wants consistency and rightly so. But consistency doesn’t mean uniformity.

Jeff made it clear:

• There must be a baseline expectation of clean across every site
• But there also must be flexibility for unique facility demands

Some buildings require more frequent attention. Others operate on different traffic patterns. Some demand higher visibility standards due to public interaction.

The organizations that get this right don’t force everything into a rigid box.

They build systems that standardize quality, not just process.

Scalability Is Where Good Partners Become Great
It’s one thing to deliver service on a normal day.

It’s another to respond when everything changes.

The strongest facility partners are built for scale:

• Rapid access to trained labor
• Readiness of equipment and supplies
• Leadership that can make decisions without delay

Because when a gap appears in service, it’s not theoretical, it’s visible immediately.

And in public-facing environments, that visibility matters.

Rethinking What “Clean” Actually Means

One of the simplest and most powerful statements from Jeff was this: “Clean doesn’t have an odor.”

It sounds obvious, but it reframes a common misconception.

Too often, strong chemical scents are associated with cleanliness. In reality, they can be a sign of overcorrection, masking rather than solving problems.

True cleanliness is different. It’s:

• Subtle
• Consistent
• Noticeable in its absence, not its smell

If something feels “off,” people notice, even if they can’t articulate why.

The Outsourcing Question Is Really About Focus

One of the most strategic parts of our discussion centered on outsourcing.

Organizations are asking better questions today:

• What are we not efficient at?
• Where is our internal team stretched too thin?
• What work is distracting us from our core mission?

And that leads to a powerful realization:

The hidden cost of self-performing services is opportunity loss.

If your team is maintaining a building, they’re not advancing your mission, serving your customers, or improving core operations.

Outsourcing isn’t just about cost, it’s about focus.

Download this resource to make decisions on whether outsourcing is the best decision for your team: 

The BSCAI CS25 conference is one of the premier events in the commercial cleaning and facility services industry, bringing together leaders, innovators, and experts to share best practices, explore trends, and celebrate excellence. For MCS, this year’s conference is especially meaningful—not only are we receiving national recognition, but our team is also actively contributing to the education and thought leadership of the industry.

Featured Session: Sync or Sink
Whitney and Christina will lead a featured session titled:
“Sync or Sink: Why Sales and Ops Must Team Up”
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In today’s competitive marketplace, the alignment of sales and operations teams is critical for delivering exceptional customer experiences. This session will explore strategies to:

• Bridge the gap between sales promises and operational execution
• Align goals across departments to improve efficiency
• Create a seamless customer journey from lead acquisition to service delivery

Attendees will leave with actionable insights on how to break down silos, foster collaboration, and drive long-term business success.

Education, Networking, and Industry Leadership
​Beyond their presentation, the MCS team looks forward to:

• Engaging with peers and industry leaders
• Participating in educational sessions to stay ahead of trends and solutions
• Accessing the ISSA Show Floor for the latest innovations in facility services
• Strengthening our network to better serve our clients and communities

Service at the Heart of MCS
Community has always been central to who we are at MCS. From supporting local nonprofits and youth programs to volunteering time and resources, our team is committed to making a positive impact wherever we operate. Receiving this award is a humbling acknowledgment of our efforts and reinforces our mission to give back while serving our clients with excellence.

Giving Back Through Charitable Contribution
In addition to the recognition, the award comes with the opportunity to make a charitable contribution on behalf of the winner. We are proud to direct ours to The Cleveland Foundation, an organization whose work aligns closely with our mission of strengthening communities. Through this partnership, we hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people across Northeast Ohio.

A Moment to Celebrate
Awards like the Arthur C. Barraclough Company Community Service Award are more than just accolades—they are a reflection of the culture, dedication, and passion of our team. Every member of MCS contributes to this spirit of service, from our leadership to our cleaning and operations teams who bring our values to life every day.

Why Central Ohio?

As a natural next step in supporting our clients, we’ve expanded our footprint to Central Ohio. This allows us to serve corporate clients with their additional facilities in the region while simplifying their experience with consolidated services, streamlined billing, and a single point of contact for all their facility needs.

Central Ohio has become a hub for manufacturing, production, headquarters and retail operations. With rapid business growth and new developments in the area, companies are seeking reliable partners who can help them maintain world-class facilities while focusing on what they do best. Our expansion allows us to meet that demand, offering customized programs tailored to each client’s needs.

On a more personal note, Columbus holds a special place for Brent, one of our owners, who lived here for many years and where he met his wife, Hannah. Having created countless memories in this city, he enjoys returning and is excited to bring MCS Building Solutions’ services to the area.

Serving Key Industries
At MCS, we understand that no two industries are the same. That’s why our solutions are designed to support a variety of sectors, including:

• Manufacturing & Production Facilities – From high-traffic industrial floors to specialized cleaning requirements, we help keep operations efficient, safe, and compliant.
• Retail & Customer-Facing Spaces – We deliver detailed cleaning and day porter services to ensure that first impressions are positive and customers feel confident in the environment.
• Corporate & Office Settings – Beyond heavy-use spaces, we support offices with daily cleaning, floor care, and supply management to keep employees focused and productive.

A Legacy of Trust and Excellence
Founded as a family-owned company, MCS has grown into a regional leader by staying true to our values: service, reliability, and community commitment. For over four decades, we’ve supported hundreds of facilities across Northeast Ohio, from healthcare to higher education to large-scale manufacturing. Our expansion into Central Ohio is the next step in building lasting partnerships across the state.

What Clients Can Expect
With this expansion, our Central Ohio clients will benefit from:

• Experienced Teams trained in industry-specific cleaning protocols.
• Dedicated Account Management to ensure consistent communication and accountability.
• Customizable Service Programs built to fit the unique needs of each facility.
• Technology & Innovation that improves efficiency and reporting.

As we approach 2026, the commercial janitorial industry is undergoing a transformation driven by innovation, sustainability, and smarter operations. Contract cleaning providers are no longer just mopping floors and emptying trash, they’re leveraging technology, data, and new tools to enhance service quality, efficiency, and client satisfaction. Here are the top trends that are shaping the future of commercial cleaning, along with insights and data to guide facility managers and cleaning contractors alike.

1. Smart Cleaning with IoT and Sensors 
The integration of IoT (Internet of Things) devices into janitorial operations is redefining how buildings are cleaned. Smart dispensers, occupancy sensors, and connected equipment can now provide real-time data on restroom usage, supply levels, and foot traffic, allowing for demand-based cleaning rather than static schedules.

• Fact: A 2025 survey by ISSA reports that 62% of commercial cleaning companies are investing in IoT-enabled tools to optimize service frequency and reduce waste.
• Impact: One Fortune 500 facility reported a 23% reduction in labor hours per week after shifting to sensor-driven cleaning protocols.

2. Rise of Autonomous Cleaning Equipment
Autonomous floor scrubbers, vacuums, and robotic sweepers are no longer futuristic concepts: They’re here, and they're efficient. These robots can work independently during off-hours, freeing up human crews for high-touch or specialized cleaning.

• Market Growth: The global market for cleaning robots is projected to exceed $8.5 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 17.9% (Statista).
• Popular Models: Tennant’s T7AMR and ICE’s RS26 are gaining traction in large retail and industrial spaces, especially in night-shift operations.

3. Green and Sustainable Cleaning Solutions
Sustainability is no longer optional, clients demand it. The industry is seeing an accelerated move toward plant-based, biodegradable chemicals, refillable packaging, and electrolyzed water systems that clean and disinfect using only tap water, salt, and electricity.

• Stat: According to Cleaning & Maintenance Management, 72% of procurement managers said sustainability practices are a key factor when awarding janitorial contracts in 2025.
• Innovation: On-site generation systems (like PathoSans and GenEon) reduce chemical dependency and packaging waste, cutting chemical supply costs by up to 50%.

4. Data-Driven Quality Assurance & AI Analytics
Janitorial firms are embracing digital QA platforms like OrangeQC, CleanTelligent, and Facility360. These platforms provide real-time visibility into cleaning performance, task completion, and client feedback.

• Trend: By 2026, 80% of large contract cleaning firms will rely on digital platforms for quality audits and workforce accountability (ISSA Business Forecast).
• New Tools: AI-powered predictive maintenance and labor planning tools are helping companies reduce labor cost overruns and prevent service gaps by analyzing past performance and building use patterns.

5. Labor Efficiency & Upskilling Through Technology
With continued labor shortages, especially in janitorial and facility services, companies are investing in tech-enabled training and scheduling platforms to attract and retain workers.

• Stat: 55% of commercial janitorial companies report using mobile apps for training and time tracking in 2025 (BSCAI).
• Emerging Tools: AR-based (Augmented Reality) training systems and multilingual mobile onboarding are increasing retention rates and lowering training costs by up to 40%.

6. Specialty Cleaning is the New Norm
Post-COVID, demand for disinfection, electrostatic spraying, high-frequency touchpoint cleaning, and indoor air quality services has created an opportunity for companies to expand their scope and revenue.

• Market Insight: The global market for antimicrobial coatings alone is projected to hit $20.1 billion by 2026, up from $9.8 billion in 2020 (MarketsandMarkets).
• Contract Expansion: Janitorial contracts that include IAQ monitoring, fogging, or disinfection services are now fetching 15–25% higher margins.

7. On-Demand & App-Based Cleaning Services
While typically associated with residential cleaning, the on-demand model is creeping into commercial spaces. Companies want flexibility, especially for smaller locations or multi-tenant buildings.

• Apps to Watch: Swept, CleanGuru, and Cleancio are helping commercial cleaners provide responsive, digital-first service models.
• Client Expectations: 46% of commercial clients say the ability to request additional services digitally influences vendor selection (CBRE Facilities Survey 2025).

8. DEI and Workforce Transparency
As government and enterprise buyers increasingly prioritize social responsibility, vendors are being asked to disclose diversity, equity, and inclusion metrics, as well as minority- or women-owned business statuses.

• Trend: GSA and state contracts are increasingly favoring businesses with a strong DEI presence.
• What It Means: Contract cleaners showcasing DEI demographics, workforce diversity, and investment in local hiring are winning more RFPs—particularly in public and healthcare sectors.

Why This Matters in Janitorial Work
According to OSHA, an estimated 5.6 million workers in healthcare and related fields, including janitorial staff, are at risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Our work often puts us in environments where we may encounter:

• Trash containing bloodied materials (e.g., bandages, tissues)
• Bathroom accidents or injuries
• Broken glass with visible blood
• Syringes or other improperly disposed sharp objects

Being informed and prepared is critical to protecting yourself, your coworkers, and building occupants.

What To Do If You Encounter a Bloodborne Pathogen Incident
If you come across any blood, bodily fluids, or contaminated sharps during your shift, follow these best practices immediately:

1. Do NOT attempt to clean the area until properly equipped. Never touch or attempt to clean up blood or bodily fluids without appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): gloves, face mask, and eye protection if necessary.
2. Isolate the area. Prevent others from coming into contact with the hazard. If possible, place a caution sign or block the area off temporarily.
3. Contact Your Supervisor Immediately. Notify your Area Manager or Director of Operations right away. They will determine the next steps, including:

• Dispatching a trained BBP response team (if available)
• Notifying the facility
• Arranging for proper clean-up procedures

4. Use a BBP Spill Kit if You're Trained. If you're trained and authorized to handle bloodborne materials, use the BBP spill kit provided by your team. Always follow protocol strictly.
5. Wash up thoroughly. After removing gloves and any other PPE, wash your hands and any potentially exposed skin immediately with soap and warm water.

Reporting Is Critical
After any exposure or incident, you must report it promptly. Even if there’s no visible injury or direct contact, we need to document and respond appropriately to ensure your safety and follow OSHA regulations. Don't assume it’s too minor to report. Exposure risks are not always visible.

How to Stay Safe While Working

• Always wear PPE while cleaning, especially in restrooms, medical areas, or trash handling.
• Use tools (like grabbers or broom/dustpans) instead of hands when removing trash or picking up debris.
• Check bags for sharps or suspicious items before compacting or lifting.
• Never reach blindly into trash bins or behind objects.
• Use proper sharps containers for disposal if available.

What Facility Managers Can Do to Help
We also encourage our facility partners to help keep everyone safe by:

• Providing clearly labeled sharps containers
• Training their staff on proper first aid and cleanup protocols
• Keeping restrooms and medical spaces stocked with supplies to prevent spills or contamination
• Reporting incidents quickly to our team when they occur

Core Cleaning Standards for Data Centers:
These are the industry benchmarks your facility team (and vendors) should know:

• ISO 14644-1: Cleanroom standard for airborne particle counts
• ASHRAE TC9.9 Guidelines: Environment specifications for mission-critical spaces
• IEST RP-CC018: Proper contamination control protocols
• NFPA 75: Standard for the fire protection of electronic computer systems

What to Look for in a Cleaning Provider:

• Use of HEPA-filtered vacuums and anti-static microfiber cloths
• Cleaning under raised floors, not just around them
• Quarterly or bi-annual deep cleans of white space
• Staff trained to avoid cable disruption and ESD risk
• Documentation of services and particle count reports (if required)

Trends in 2025:

• Growing demand for “cleaning technicians” certified for tech environments
• Increased focus on preventive maintenance cleaning during low-load hours
• Integration of IAQ (indoor air quality) sensors and real-time cleanliness monitoring
• Carbon-neutral and dust-minimizing floor coatings for server room environments

Partner With a Provider That Gets It
Cleaning teams in these environments should be trained on how to work in high-value, high-sensitivity spaces with zero disruption. To be able to clean:

• Data centers
• Server and telecom rooms
• Network closets in multi-tenant office buildings
• Cleanrooms and technical manufacturing zones

1. Clean Supports Wellness, Not Just Aesthetics
Recent studies show that 74% of employees believe a clean workspace contributes to their mental well-being, while 61% of tenants say cleanliness influences lease renewals. Facility managers must now view cleaning as part of a broader health and wellness strategy, not just a cosmetic effort.
2025 Best Practices:

• Daily disinfection of high-touch areas (even post-COVID)
• Air quality monitoring paired with surface protocols
• Carpet and floor care that supports allergen control

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2. Clean is Measurable
Gone are the days of “looks good to me.” Today, facility professionals are looking for data-driven cleaning programs that align with KPIs and compliance standards.
At MCS, we deploy:

• Check-ins for accountability
• Digital inspection scores 
• Deficiencies tracked on EHub
• Customized scopes that adjust to seasonal or usage needs

If your cleaning partner isn’t tracking performance with real data, it’s hard to prove value, or identify opportunities for improvement.

3. Clean is Tailored to the Environment
A warehouse floor doesn’t need the same care as a surgery center hallway. Yet, many providers still take a cookie-cutter approach. “Clean enough” in 2025 means customized scopes based on:

• Occupancy levels
• Building use and traffic patterns
• Material types (VCT, epoxy, carpet, no-wax composite)
• Regulatory requirements (OSHA, Joint Commission, GMP, etc.)

MCS starts every partnership with an on-site building survey and consultative walk-through to define what success actually looks like at your facility.

4. Clean is Backed by Well-Trained People
With labor shortages hitting the facility services sector, many companies are outsourcing or subcontracting work, resulting in inconsistent quality and a lack of accountability.
We’ve taken the opposite approach.
At MCS, we deploy direct employees, trained through our in-house certification program. Our techs don’t just clean, they understand safety protocols, client expectations, and how their work impacts your business operations.
In 2025, “clean enough” is only possible when your provider is truly invested in their people.

5. Clean is Proactive, Not Reactive
​Spill response? Urgent odor issue? Special event cleaning?
Facility managers shouldn’t be stuck chasing their cleaning provider. In 2025, the best janitorial partners are acting as extensions of your team, communicating proactively, resolving issues before they escalate, and offering guidance to help you prepare for audits, budget reviews, or seasonal surges.
At MCS, we provide:

• Seasonal floor care planning
• Supply usage tracking and inventory management
• Regular check-ins from dedicated area managers
• Rapid-response backup staffing from our recruiting pool of 165+ techs

The Struggles of In-Sourcing and Vendor Juggling
When you are a commercial operator with multiple buildings to maintain, each with different needs based on square footage, foot traffic, and industry-specific standards. Initially, you may have used a mix of in-house staff for daily upkeep and scattered local cleaning companies for deep cleans or specialty work.

What typically goes wrong when you take that approach:

• Inconsistent Service Quality: With no unified scope of work or training, the quality of cleaning can vary from site to site. Some buildings meet expectations, while others routinely fall short — causing frustration for tenants, customers, and internal teams.
• Staff Burnout & Role Confusion: Employees hired for administrative, operations, or customer service roles are asked to clean bathrooms, empty trash, and sanitize high-touch areas. It isn't long before this approach affects morale, productivity, and even retention.
• Inefficient Vendor Management: The facility team has to juggle scheduling, invoices, supply management, and customer service issues with more than a dozen cleaning companies — each with different standards and communication styles. It becomes a full-time job managing what should be a support function.
• Risk Exposure & Compliance Gaps: Without a single vendor being held accountable across all locations, the organization can be faced with difficulties with insurance tracking, background checks, training records, and safety compliance — especially in regulated industries like manufacturing or finance.

The Proposed Solution: Centralizing with Mark’s Cleaning Service
Recognizing inefficiencies of that type of setup, the company can launch a search for a single vendor who could handle their commercial janitorial needs across all sites — and do it with consistency, professionalism, and transparency. If you choose Mark’s Cleaning Service, a trusted Northeast Ohio provider with more than 40 years of experience in commercial cleaning.

Here’s how things get turned around:

• One Provider, One Standard: Mark’s implements a unified cleaning plan tailored to the unique needs of each facility — ensuring brand and cleanliness standards are met across the board. From office lobbies to production floors, every site received reliable, high-quality service.
• Happier, More Focused Employees: Employees would no longer be responsible for janitorial tasks, allowing them to focus on their actual job responsibilities. That boost in focus and morale translates to improved customer service, operational output, and team satisfaction.
• Streamlined Operations & Communication: Instead of dealing with multiple vendors, the facility team now would have one point of contact, one invoice, and one trusted partner for routine cleaning and specialized cleaning tasks: window cleaning, pressure washing, deep cleans, terminal cleans, floor and carpet care. Mark’s also provides regular updates and inspection reports, making oversight simple and efficient.
• Compliance & Documentation Handled: From safety training to insurance certificates, Mark’s ensured every compliance box was checked. This helped reduce legal exposure and provided peace of mind for leadership.

​When It Does Make Sense to Keep Cleaning In-House
While outsourcing janitorial services offers flexibility, consistency, and cost predictability, there are times when managing cleaning internally is the better option:
1. Highly Specialized or Sensitive Environments

• Facilities like research labs, or high-security government buildings may require staff with security clearance, deep internal training, or strict protocols that are easier to control internally. MCS can offer customized teams with clean room certifications, security clearance options, and SOP compliance for sensitive industries.

2. Unpredictable or Constantly Changing Needs

• If your cleaning needs change hour-to-hour based on production or operations (e.g., manufacturing floors with multiple shift turnovers), in-house staff may offer more flexibility without relying on contractor response time. MCS builds flexible, seasonal scopes and can scale staffing up or down quickly—without the headache of hiring and training.

3. Unionized or Contractual Obligations

• Some organizations (especially municipalities, school districts, or large enterprises) may have union or employee agreements that mandate in-house labor for certain roles. MCS respects union contracts and can provide non-conflicting support services like day porters, post-project cleans, or emergency sanitation.

As the weather warms up and windows open wide, spring becomes the perfect season to refresh your home from top to bottom—starting with the place you spend nearly a third of your life: your mattress. At MCS Building Solutions, we’re making it easier than ever for Medina County residents to sleep clean and breathe easy with a limited-time $190 Spring Cleaning Special on professional mattress and upholstery cleaning. Whether you're tackling allergy season head-on or just looking to freshen up your space, this is one spring cleaning task you don’t want to skip.

Why Mattress Cleaning MattersMost of us spend 7–9 hours a night on our mattresses, yet rarely think to clean them. Over time, mattresses collect:

• Dead skin cells
• Body oils
• Dust mites
• Pet dander
• Odors from sweat and spills

Even the cleanest home can’t stop this natural buildup. A dirty mattress doesn’t just impact your health—it can also shorten the lifespan of your bed.

The True Cost of a MattressThe average good-quality mattress costs anywhere from $800 to $3,000 or more. That’s a big investment in your comfort and sleep. But without regular care, even the best mattress can lose its shape, develop odors, and harbor allergens.
Deep cleaning your mattress every 6–12 months is one of the easiest ways to:

• Extend its life
• Improve sleep quality
• Protect your investment
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Top 5 Benefits of Professional Mattress Cleaning

1. Extend the Lifespan of Your Mattress
   Dirt, moisture, and oils break down the materials in your mattress over time. Cleaning helps preserve the integrity of the fabric and filling.
2. Better Sleep, Fewer Allergies
   Fewer allergens = deeper, healthier sleep. Regular cleaning can help reduce nighttime coughing, sneezing, or congestion.
3. Remove Stains & Odors
   Whether it’s sweat, accidents, or spills, our deep extraction method helps lift out stains and restore freshness.
4. Protect Your Family
   Great for homes with kids, pets, or those with asthma or allergy sensitivities.
5. Save Money Long-Term
   For a fraction of the cost of replacing your mattress or furniture, you can maintain and protect what you already own.