Cleantec Named Business Partner of the Year by Challenge Workforce Solutions

We are excited to announce that our Ithaca/Southern Tier branch has been awarded the Business Partner of the Year by Challenge Workforce Solutions (Challenge).

“Challenge partners with many other local businesses, including Cornell, Ithaca College, and Wegmans, just to name a few,” said our Area Manager Matt Weber, who has been working with Challenge for more than two years. “For Cleantec to be among these names, some major players in the Ithaca community is truly an honor.”

When asked why he thought Cleantec was selected for this honor, Matt replied: “Our commitment to the community. This partnership shows that Cleantec cares about its community and the people in it.”

Challenge is a non-profit organization committed to creating pathways to employment for anyone who has a barrier. These barriers include a physical, mental, developmental, or intellectual disability as well as individuals with economic barriers.

“Cleantec is in a unique position to serve groups of people being left behind as the economy evolves and technology advances,” said Greg Gerst, CEO of Cleantec. “People being served by organizations like Challenge are prime examples. The cleaning sector is more likely to employ people who are being left behind by other sectors.”

Matt initiated the partnership with Challenge in 2018 because he knew they worked with people who have disabilities. He believed the two organizations could help each other out.

Cleantec was looking for reliable, hardworking employees. Challenge had the resources and opportunities to provide and help people with those qualities.

“During these trying times, these clients have an even tougher time gaining employment,” Matt said. “Cleantec is the first place they turn when seeking employment for their clients, and Cleantec reaps the benefits. We are willing to train these clients to overcome barriers and roadblocks while gaining dedicated workers.”

Pride in a Job Well Done

According to Matt, patience allows Cleantec to create pathways to employment for individuals working with Challenge.

“While some of these people have development barriers or ‘roadblocks’ as I call them, they are very smart, dependable, and have integrity to get the job done,” Matt said. “Janitorial work is not rocket science, but when you care about what you do, which they all do, they do a better job.”

The partnership has proved a welcomed opportunity for both. 

“Ultimately, as a result of this partnership, Challenge has been able to find jobs for more people, and Cleantec has been able to find good employees,” said Evie Karnes, Business Outreach Coordinator of Challenge Workforce Solutions.

As a passionate advocate for Challenge, Matt works with administrators to secure workers who are ready, willing, and able to come to work every day. He also attends job fairs, interviews, and hires Challenges’ clients.

“Challenge clients are offered many roles – Custodial Specialist, Project Specialist, and Day Porters,” Matt said. “With proper evaluation and training, the sky is the limit.”

Hard Working, Dependable Individuals

To Matt, the relationship between Cleantec and Challenge is not only community-based but is personal. His son was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome when he was eight years old. This has helped Matt further develop infinite patience and a caring passion for mentally challenged people.

“People with mental illness are just that, PEOPLE. Some have limitations, but most are hardworking, dependable, and have integrity,” Matt said. “We have hired six clients from Challenge, and I am still in recruitment mode with them on an ongoing basis.”

Cleantec is proud to be a part of our Challenge clients’ journeys, like Tim M., who joined the Cleantec team as an intern in October of 2019. Tim proved to be an outstanding person and employee, earning himself a permanent position as part of the Cleantec family in March of 2020.

“Tim’s awesome – he jumped right in and adapted with the times,” Matt said. “He doesn’t miss a day, is never late, and he always says, ‘have a nice day’ and is known by name to everyone.”

Tim’s success story is just one of many that help Cleantec’s involvement with the community more fulfilling.

“I have several people on my team from Challenge Workforce Solutions. Each one of them has been dedicated workers that can be counted on to show up to work every day and perform their tasks to 100% customer satisfaction,” Matt added.

It is a win-win for both organizations, and Cleantec customers agree.

We received feedback from one client about Jebidiah P. of Challenge, who was doing a “job well done.” Cleantec Supervisor Sebastian Adams added that the client was impressed with how our team provides direction.

“Cleantec invests the time and effort into training people,” Gerst said. “While the upfront training may be higher, we know the effort is worth it because we gain a trained and committed employee while simultaneously experiencing lower turnover.”

Committed to Building Vibrant Communities

Since 1975, Cleantec has been a committed member of the central New York Community, partnering with local businesses and providing employment opportunities to individuals. Our team consists of a wide range of personnel, each with unique skills and qualities that help us deliver the best service to our clients.

As Cleantec continues to grow as a business, so does our involvement with the communities we serve. We are always looking for ways to become further involved and partner with more local organizations.

Cleantec aims to offer helpful information to our clients and friends. We currently serve all of New York, including the Syracuse, Ithaca, Manhattan, Rochester, Utica, and Buffalo regions. We also have operations in Palo Alto, CA; Denver, CO; Muscle Shoals, AL; Tampa, FL; and Sanford, NC. Give our sales professionals a call at (877) 469-0543 for a free consultation and quote regarding janitorial services. Learn how we can help your business achieve your cleaning needs.

Cleantec ensures all staff members are thoroughly vetted, conducting background checks and drug testing. In addition to providing professional cleaning services, we are also a supplier of specialized cleaning products and green chemicals. Please call (877) 469-0543 to place an order.