Customized supervisor training program at 4M Building Solutions gives cleaning team members a path to advancement

20 team members recently earned “Certified Site Supervisor” status from 4M’s education program

The difference between a job and a career often hinges on one thing: the ability to be promoted and take on more responsibility. It’s no different in commercial cleaning, but cleaning staff are rarely given the chance to pursue a career beyond their current role. 4M Building Solutions, however, takes a different approach, offering advancement opportunities through a supervisor training program that gives team members the tools they need to succeed and be promoted.

4M recently honored 20 Team Members who completed the company’s intensive 14-week Lead 360o training, by celebrating with a graduation ceremony and a bonus for each participant. The program required completing industry-recognized training modules from the Building Services Contractors Association International (BSCAI) as well as training on 4M’s internal management programs, HR policies, safety protocols and more. Each Team Member committed to spending up to three hours weekly in addition to their full time schedule to complete online coursework, study for written tests and participate in weekly group meetings with fellow candidates and company leaders. They also had to perform well in a live interview with the management team.

Graduates of the program will be promoted to a leadership role when an opening becomes available at 4M within 20 miles of their current work location. Each will receive a pay increase based on their new role.

While the program has been in place for a number of years, the company revamped it in 2023, increasing the commitment required from both management and Team Members. Since the program’s refresh, 49 individuals have earned the prestigious “Certified Site Supervisor” status at 4M.

“We know that offering the opportunity for a career with advancement, not just a job, is important to recruiting and retaining great people,” said Steve Crain, president and chief operating officer at 4M. “Our Team Members have told us that the training program is appealing to them and has motivated them to stay in their jobs because they feel valued and supported in their desire to advance in the company.”

The commercial cleaning industry typically has a high turnover rate, with many cleaning staff citing the lack of advancement opportunities. But turnover has remained among the lowest in the industry for many years at 4M, which is now one of the nation’s largest commercial cleaning companies with 6,575 team members in 27 states.

The supervisor training program runs twice annually, providing selected 4M Team Members the opportunity for advanced training in the commercial cleaning industry and immediate career opportunities within 4M.

“Our Lead 360 program is a mutual commitment to success, and we’ve found that our graduates are ready and eager to move up and take on supervisory roles and eventually even higher levels such as account manager, district manager and beyond,” Crain said.

Florida employee graduates, moves up to account manager

David Bonilla is one example of a Team Member who just graduated from the program and has already been promoted. Based in Tampa, Florida, Bonilla joined the company 16 years ago and was promoted to Team Lead and then Supervisor. But he wanted to learn more.

“I was motivated to become an account manager but didn’t have the knowledge of how to do it,” Bonilla said. “I wanted to learn the process of management -- everything a manager is supposed to do. Now I have that knowledge, and I’m managing the entire cleaning operation for our client -- a large logistics and delivery company. I’m earning more and can make my own schedule. I really appreciate this opportunity. If you’re motivated, you’ll definitely grow at 4M.”

Crain said that the Lead 360 program is about giving Team Members at 4M an opportunity to develop and improve their work lives. And it comes at a time when the company itself is in a considerable growth mode, having increased its national footprint significantly.

“We need competent individuals to help us lead and manage that growth, and the Lead 360 management training program is helping to meet that need,” Crain said. “We want our managers to come from within 4M, because it’s our intent to give everyone who wants to grow with 4M the opportunity to do so.”

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About 4M Building Solutions:

4M Building Solutions, privately held and founder-operated, is a full-service cleaning, janitorial, housekeeping, and disinfection services company headquartered in St. Louis, Mo. Founded in 1978, it has become one of the nation's largest janitorial service companies, operating in 27 states east of Kansas. Over 6,575 Team Members provide daily environmentally friendly cleaning to 206 million square feet of space in business segments including industrial/manufacturing, logistics/distribution, education, medical healthcare, senior living, and multi-tenant buildings.

Contact:

Todd Vasel, Vice President of Marketing and Communications  
314.566.5516