With technological advancements being made every day in the contract and commercial cleaning industry, now is an exciting time for building service contractors (BSCs) who are ready to embrace the innovations that are transforming day-to-day processes. Tim Hewell, vice president of segment sales for Essity Professional Hygiene, shares the trends he’s keeping a pulse on in commercial cleaning and how he finds fullfillment in building relationships and delivering value to customers.

Tell us a bit about yourself, and how you got started in the industry.

l began my career in the facility services industry in 2009 at Essity Professional Hygiene, starting in the financial analytics department. In 2015, I transitioned to a sales role in the greater New York City market, working closely with distribution partners to support BSCs in making informed facility decisions. Currently, I oversee the segment sales team nationally and lead a team focused on supporting BSCs across the country.

What are some trends you see developing in commercial cleaning?

The commercial cleaning industry is evolving rapidly with several key trends shaping its future. Labor costs are rising, prompting businesses to explore automation and digital solutions that boost efficiency and reduce dependency on manual labor. The push for sustainability is stronger than ever, as companies strive to adopt green products and practices that minimize environmental impact. Simultaneously, there's an increasing demand for hygienic solutions across facilities, a trend driven by heightened awareness of health and safety standards.

While many sectors within the industry are experiencing growth, uncertainty around the occupancy of Class A office buildings remains a significant challenge. As hybrid work models persist, this segment faces unique pressures, influencing cleaning requirements and operational planning. Adapting to these trends will be crucial for businesses aiming to stay ahead in the competitive landscape.

What is your favorite part of your role?

The best part of being a sales director in the commercial cleaning industry is undoubtedly the people. Building relationships with our customers and partners, hearing their feedback and seeing firsthand how our solutions make a difference is incredibly rewarding. At Essity, we're passionate about creating products that are not only innovative but also deliver real value. Knowing that our efforts have helped simplify our customers' daily operations and reduced their stress is what drives us forward. It's this collaboration and the positive impact we have on the industry that makes the role so fulfilling.

Any advice for new BSCs coming into the industry?

Welcome to an ever-evolving, dynamic field! One piece of advice? Listen and learn. The BSC industry is continuously transforming and, with the world rapidly advancing into robotics and automation, you're stepping into one of the most exciting times in the sector’s history. Over the next five to 10 years, you'll witness firsthand how these innovations reshape the way we work. Stay curious, embrace change and get ready for a thrilling ride! The future is bright, and it's yours to shape.

How does a BSCAI membership impact your career in the BSC industry?

Being a BSCAI member offers invaluable benefits for anyone in our industry. Through membership, we gain direct access to industry leaders, which opens doors for meaningful networking and career development opportunities. The events BSCAI organizes consistently provide valuable learning experiences, equipping us with insights that help us grow professionally. As a manufacturer, these engagements are crucial—they allow us to better understand the day-to-day needs and priorities of industry leaders, which helps us tailor our solutions to meet the evolving demands of the BSC industry.

Tim Hewell is the vice president of segment sales for Essity Professional Hygiene. He currently resides in Connecticut with his wife, Jennifer, and their two children, Harper and Asher. He has been with Essity for 15 years, starting on the financial side and moving into sales in 2015.