ServiceMaster Company, The

▪ American company

      American holding company specializing in home and commercial services such as lawn care and landscaping, cleaning, plumbing, home security, and home inspection. It is characterized by a philosophy that combines goals of economic success with a mandate for “honouring God in every transaction.”

      The company was founded by former minor league baseball player Marion E. Wade, who opened a mothproofing business in 1929. After recovering from temporary blindness caused by a chemical accident in 1945, Wade was inspired to create a company that viewed “each employee and customer as being made in God's image—worthy of dignity and respect.”

      Incorporated in 1947 as Wade, Wenger and Associates, ServiceMaster adopted its current name in 1967. Wade died in 1973, but his successors expanded the business, reaching $7.7 billion in annual sales by the end of the 20th century. In the 1990s ServiceMaster's chief executive officer (CEO), C. William Pollard, balanced the company's success in business with a Christian approach to management. His book The Soul of the Firm (1996) became a best seller. Yet by 1999 investors were criticizing ServiceMaster for declining profits and unproductive acquisitions. Questions were also raised about the company's board of directors, most of whom were united either by family relationships or through ties with Wheaton College. Late in 2001 the company sold its headquarters and one of its divisions, and a new CEO was hired to revive the company while recognizing its religious roots.

      ServiceMaster has established roughly 5,000 company-owned and franchised outlets in nearly 40 countries, operating under brands such as TruGreen ChemLawn, Terminix, American Home Shield, Rescue Rooter, and American Mechanical Services.

* * *