A business is only as strong as its employees, so taking care of your people should be a top priority. In this Executive Insights profile, Tim Burns, vice president of facilities distribution and corporate accounts for Ecolab, shares advice for building service contractors (BSCs) to create an empowering environment where teams feel engaged and motivated to succeed.

What trends are you seeing develop in the field of contract cleaning?

The landscape of labor is changing. While the need for skilled workers remains high, there's a growing challenge in training and developing a qualified workforce. To address this and drive efficiency, contract cleaning businesses are increasingly turning to digital solutions.

Many BSCs are operating under tighter financial constraints due to rising wages. This creates an environment where effective retention and training programs become crucial for driving efficiency. However, implementing these changes requires a partner with the right resources and a commitment to collaborating with BSCs to deliver efficiency gains.

How would you describe your leadership style?

My leadership style has always been centered on people. I believe in a simple philosophy: When you take care of your people, they will take care of the business. This means creating an environment where your team feels engaged and empowered to do their best work. To achieve this, it's crucial to understand your team members through regular interactions and by actively listening to their needs. Great leaders don't just manage — they remove obstacles and pave the way for associates to succeed. Recognizing achievements, publicly and privately, motivates them to strive for continuous improvement.

Additionally, setting clear expectations and obtaining team agreement is essential. Consistent communication regarding these expectations and objectives ensures everyone is aligned and working toward the same goals.

What is one challenge you’ve experienced in your career, and how did you handle it?

Instead of attempting to take on everything and deliver it all, a wiser approach, as I've learned over the years, is to focus on controlling what I can by setting clear-cut, achievable objectives and pursuing them with passion. This method leads to far greater accomplishments than spreading myself thin and growing frustrated with the process.

Any advice for new BSCs coming into the industry?

Build a culture centered on delivering value through your brand with exceptional people. These people should love the work they do and understand the impact it has on many. When executing, take ownership of your work and strive to leave every facility better than you found it. Ultimately, take pride in your brand and invest in finding the right people who feel a sense of belonging and passion for it.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career?

Treat people with respect at every level, regardless of their position. You never know what someone is going through, and your one interaction could leave a lasting impression. Make sure it's a positive one!

Tim Burns is a 34-year associate of Ecolab, starting his career in Charlotte, North Carolina. During his tenure with Ecolab, Burns has held multiple positions of increasing responsibility. His experiences include corporate account management and regional field sales management. He has led both large and small teams and prides himself in team engagement. In his current role, he manages a team of 34, comprised of RAVP’s corporate account managers and senior account managers in the facility solutions space.