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Many of you know that my firm, Hurley Corporation, was recently sold to several BSC companies. My partner and I have worked on this process for several years prior to making the final decision. It took a lot of “ing’s” to arrive at where we are now and to reach a successful conclusion—planning, organizing, consulting, financing, deliberating, agonizing and a little suffering.
As many of our entrepreneurial members reach or have reached the baby boomer stage of their professional careers, I suspect many have not prepared for the exit from their companies. It may seem overwhelming and too difficult to address, but if you start early enough and take small steps, the “process” can be both rewarding and satisfying.
Seek advice from succession planning experts, read up on how to go about exiting your firm regardless of whether you’ve made the decision to pass your business on to other members of your family, your employees or third parties. There are numerous decisions to be made that will impact your “retirement”—financial, personal, legal, management, spouse considerations, health care, taxes and what to do with yourself when you don’t have to go into the office or the job every morning. Talk with other BSCs who have gone through the process to gain a perspective on what’s the best approach for you, your family and your company.
That’s where BSCAI has been extremely helpful to me. The friendships and BSC network I have developed over the years have proved invaluable in getting me ready for my retirement.
On a more immediate need to know, the U.S. and Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Administration enforcement agencies have increased scrutiny of building service contractors for recurring “housekeeping” injuries in the cleaning industry. Get educated on the new and existing compliance requirements to avoid a visit from the “enforcers” and the potential penalties associated with such a visit.
Finally, we have two upcoming programs that deserve your consideration and participation.
BSCAI will hold its first ever Registered Building Service Manager (RBSM) Exam Preparation Course at our headquarters office in Chicago on September 21-23, 2010. The two-day program will include a review of the course materials and competency skills required of a RBSM followed on day three with the RBSM-proctored exam.
Our instructor, Charles (Mickey) Crowe, RBSM, CBSE, has extensive experience in aiding candidates to prepare for the RBSM exam. Mickey has been involved in the custodial field for more than 30 years and is a recognized speaker, consultant and trainer.
And I can’t help but mention BSCAI’s Annual Convention scheduled for November 11-13, 2010 at the Hilton Orlando Hotel in Orlando, Florida. The hotel is directly attached to the Orlando Convention Center, site of the ISSA/INTERCLEAN show. Registration to BSCAI’s Annual Convention entitles members to attend ISSA/INTERCLEAN and their keynote general session speaker, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Watch your mail and e-mail for full details on this jam-packed conference program.
Now, more than ever, do you our members need to plan for your future—either improving and growing your company or securing a successful exit strategy. If I can help, give me a call. Don’t wait until it’s too late!
Till next time…..
J. Michael Horgan
BSCAI 2010 President
Hurley Corporation
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