Star City Six: Jon Paolini

Proudly serving Lincoln, NE since 1990, ServiceMaster Professional Building Maintenance delivers the clean you expect with the service you deserve. The locally owned and operated company specializes in commercial cleaning services and is an innovative leader in green cleaning.  Jon Paolini is the co-owner of ServiceMaster Professional Building Maintenance (www.smpbm.com .

Tell us a little about your business. – ServiceMaster Professional Building Maintenance is a full-service janitorial company that cleans manufacturing, medical, government, financial, and commercial facilities, including restaurants. We also offer carpet, ceiling, and floor cleaning – we’re able to strip, refinish, scrub, recoat, or buff vinyl and VCT flooring as well clean ceramic, porcelain, and other tiled floor types. We take great pride in using green cleaning products that are environmentally friendly.  We also have a sister company, Ceiling Pro, that can handle all of your ceiling and kitchen equipment cleaning needs.

How did you get started in the business? – I started in 1994 as the Human Resource Manager, was promoted to General Manager in 1998, and in 2009 my wife and I purchased the business.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Becoming a business owner was a big scary challenge. Thankfully I had a great mentor in Ed Nix, the previous owner, and the world’s best partner, my wife Angela, who now runs the business.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? – The transition from being owner and president to supporting my wife in her role as president of the business was really important in moving our business forward. Moreover, seeing my favorite person achieve in a role she’s so excited about is as profound as anything I have ever done. It continues to challenge me but it is also very satisfying.

Tell us a little about your family. – I have two sons; Daniel is 21 and Jeremiah (whose voice you might recognize from co-starring in a few radio spots) is 11. My wife Angela and I have been married for 13 years.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – I have to say marrying Angela was the start to the road I am on now and I couldn’t be happier.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I really don’t have a single favorite thing but typically my time off is spent with family.

What are you the most proud of? – I am really proud of the young man Daniel is and the young man Jeremiah is becoming. We all have our struggles in life but they have great character.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – There are two I have really held on to throughout my life: Don’t compare yourself to others and gratitude is the key to happiness.

If you had a theme song, what would it be? – “Louie Louie” by the Kingsmen. I often get the impression people can’t understand what I am saying.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – Hip hop artist is tempting…but my heart says concert cellist.

What is your favorite local restaurant? – Venue is our family favorite and home away from home but Angela and I do date night at The Cellar under The Oven a lot as well.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – By phone at (402) 476-2194, by email at jpaolini@smpbm.com, or visit the ServiceMaster Professional Building Maintenance website at www.smpbm.com.