Why Custodians Are Guardians of the Industry

One of the last educational sessions of the ISSA Show North America Virtual Experience gave kudos to custodians for the vital roles they play and offered tips for their continued success.

Kevin Keeler, owner/consultant at Keeler Consulting, who was the speaker at  Guarding the Treasures, started his custodial career when he was a young man working at McDonald’s serving customers. He jumped at the chance to clean the restaurant instead as it paid more and he gained valuable experience in the cleaning industry. He went from cleaning a fast-food establishment to cleaning elementary schools, and then became a trainer for custodians.

As a trainer, Keeler has a magic formula for motivating custodians. Many don’t realize the value they provide but Keeler likes to explain by breaking down the meaning of their titles.

“A custodian is someone who takes care of people, someone who is a guardian,” he said. “The word janitor is taken from Janus, a Roman god who had two faces so he could see the past and the future. He was the keeper of the keys, the guardian of the treasure, and the mascot of cleaning professionals.”

As a trainer, Keeler instructed his students how to answer the question “What do you do for a living?”

“I gave them a new answer and told them this answer will empower them. The answer is ‘I guard the treasures.’ I can see some of you are saying ‘That’s so hokey,’” he added, before listing all the things custodians are guarding:

• They’re guarding the health and safety of people in buildings
• They’re guarding the image of the organization they’re cleaning for
• They’re guarding the building infrastructure by keeping the building in tip-top shape to retain its value
• They’re guarding productivity, as people work better in a clean environment.

Keeler offered session attendees the same tips he offered his students to help them maintain their status as guardians:

• Always maintain a sense of integrity.
• Do it right the first time so you don’t have to go back and fix it later.
• Be respectful to everyone and remember you are no better than anyone else and no less than anyone else.
• Share your knowledge.
• Be clear in your instructions.
• Always complete a job.

“Remember that administrators or customers are not out to get you,” Keeler said. “Keep an open mind. Most people are doing the best they can so set aside judgement.”