A New Direction in an Old Industry
For decades, the janitorial services industry has been defined by predictability, low margins, and limited investment in employees. Executive Standard Sanitation (ESS), led by founder Cody Bowers, is breaking this mold. Through the launch of its “Capture the Dream” initiative, ESS is introducing a progressive model that prioritizes employee growth, transparent client relationships, and operational integrity.
This shift is making waves in a traditionally stagnant industry, where competitors often rely on cost-cutting practices, restrictive contracts, and minimal employee benefits. ESS’s refusal to compromise on employee well-being and client trust is drawing attention, and not all of it positive, from others in the field.
Investing in People as an Industry Statement
For Cody Bowers, who has over 25 years of experience in sanitation, the decision to support employees beyond the workplace is more than just a business choice. It is a statement about the kind of industry janitorial services could become.
“The key to a successful business isn’t just about generating revenue. It’s about investing in people and helping them reach their potential,” said Bowers. “With ‘Capture the Dream,’ we’re not only providing a great service to our clients, but also offering our employees the tools they need to build a better future for themselves and their families.”
By helping employees pursue homeownership, vehicle purchases, and retirement planning, ESS has introduced a model rarely seen in this sector. This shift is placing pressure on competitors who have historically avoided long-term employee investment.
Competency as a Competitive Divider
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how cutting corners in sanitation could devastate businesses. Many companies in the industry relied on diluted chemicals or rushed cleaning methods to reduce costs. ESS, by contrast, invested in high-quality sanitation products and practices to protect clients.
“During the pandemic, I personally witnessed the damage caused by businesses that used diluted or ineffective chemicals,” recalls Bowers. “Some businesses were forced to shut down for weeks because of outbreaks caused by poor sanitation practices. We refused to compromise.”
That refusal has not gone unnoticed. By setting higher standards, ESS is demonstrating that competency in cleaning is non-negotiable, a move that disrupts industry norms and leaves competitors struggling to defend outdated methods.
Transparency That Challenges Industry Tactics
ESS also distinguishes itself by eliminating practices common in janitorial contracts, such as long-term lock-ins, hidden fees, and fine-print gimmicks. Instead, ESS offers a straightforward, results-driven service model that prioritizes accountability.
“ESS is not just another cleaning company,” said Bowers. “We built our business around integrity, honesty, and accountability, and that applies equally to our employees and our clients.”
This transparent approach has resonated with clients but unsettled competitors who rely on more restrictive and opaque practices to maintain revenue streams. By removing the traditional barriers between service providers and clients, ESS has created a new standard that other firms are now being pressured to meet.
Redefining Employee Benefits as an Industry Imperative
The “Capture the Dream” initiative goes beyond the token benefits often seen in the sector. Through partnerships with financial advisors, real estate agents, and dealerships, ESS provides employees with resources that translate into tangible, life-changing outcomes. This forward-thinking approach shifts the narrative of the janitorial worker from being transient and undervalued to being supported and invested in.
“Helping our team achieve their personal goals is just as important as delivering top-tier cleaning services to our clients,” Bowers stated. “A happy, supported employee is one who will do their best work and take pride in what they do.”
In an industry where labor shortages and turnover are common, ESS’s philosophy is forcing a conversation on how employees should be treated.
A Model of Disruption in Janitorial Services
ESS’s progressive practices, employee empowerment, client transparency, and a refusal to compromise on quality, have set the company apart in an industry where change has been slow to come. Competitors are watching closely, some reluctantly, as ESS’s model gains traction and shifts client expectations.
With a rapidly growing client base and a culture built on loyalty and trust, ESS is not only redefining how a janitorial company operates but also how the industry as a whole can evolve.
Best Customer-Focused Janitorial Service in Missouri for 2025
ESS’s commitment to excellence has been recently recognized with the prestigious title of Best Customer-Focused Janitorial Service in Missouri for 2025. This accolade underscores the company’s unwavering dedication to transparency, high-quality service, and building lasting relationships with clients.
In an industry often characterized by convoluted contracts and hidden fees, ESS’s straightforward, no-strings-attached approach has set a new benchmark for customer satisfaction. The company’s focus on creating simple, results-driven service models without the fine print has made it a trusted partner for businesses across Missouri.
Additionally, ESS’s ongoing commitment to employee well-being, particularly through the “Capture the Dream” initiative, has played a pivotal role in fostering a team that is both engaged and motivated, translating directly into high-quality service for clients. This holistic approach to business, caring for both clients and employees, has positioned ESS as an industry leader in customer-focused janitorial services.
Expansion and Industry Change
As ESS prepares to expand its services and further develop “Capture the Dream,” the company is solidifying its role as an agent of change in a sector that has long been resistant to innovation. By tying success to employee well-being and operational integrity, ESS offers a blueprint for what the future of janitorial services could look like, progressive, transparent, and people-focused.
About Executive Standard Sanitation
Executive Standard Sanitation (ESS) is a trusted provider of janitorial services, founded by Cody Bowers. With over 25 years of experience in the cleaning industry, ESS is recognized for its high-quality service and commitment to employee growth. Through initiatives like “Capture the Dream,” the company is challenging outdated industry norms and fostering a culture of transparency, competency, and community investment.
Media Contact
Cody Bowers, Founder
Executive Standard Sanitation
Email: CBowers@execs.com
Website
Facebook