Case Study:
The ServiceWorks Company, Inc.

Background

Formed in 1996, The ServiceWorks Company is a minority owned Pennsylvania Corporation, providing contracting cleaning services for large offi ce spaces in addition to painting, pressure washing, housekeeping, temporary staffi ng, and public space cleaning to businesses and business districts throughout the Greater Philadelphia region. First year revenue was around $126,000. Last year the company earned $2.3 million in revenue. The growth is attributed to excellent service, a strong commitment to company employees, and dedication to the community.

This small company recently edged out far larger competitors to secure a major contract with the University of Pennsylvania -- a contract won based on the team’s demonstrated performance. Clients include The University of Pennsylvania Health System, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), The University of Pennsylvania, Resources for Human Development, Mercy Hospital of Philadelphia, The Art Institute of Philadelphia, Johnson Controls Inc., and others.

Murex made an initial equity investment of $200,000 in 1999, providing ServiceWorks with the working capital they needed to jumpstart the company. The investment was phased based on the company achieving operational milestones.

As important was the back-offi ce support provided by Murex. "While I worked well with our employees, I knew very little about running a business," said Founder, President and CEO, Tim Styer. "In the early years of the company, Murex provided me with back-offi ce support. They took care of the bookkeeping and accounting. Concurrently, I learned business basics, such as fi nancial reports and margins. Murex also supported us with marketing and sales."

The Company Today

ServiceWorks employs low-income people who are motivated to overcome past barriers to permanent employment and is committed to enhancing the communities it serves through both its services and employment opportunities.

The company provides service to more than 50 commercial establishments annually, services more than one million square feet daily, and employs more than 90 full and part time employees -- more than 85% of whom are African-Americans with a history of substance abuse.

The company is proud of its employees who receive living wages, benefi ts, company profi t-sharing, on-going training, ongoing coaching, transportation when needed, and career path training. In fact, ServiceWork’s management team consists mainly of people who started at the bottom rung of employment. Many, who had past barriers to employment, are now gainfully employed and are major decision makers for the company.

Looking Ahead

The future is bright according to Styer. "Certainly there have been, and will be, challenges. However, we have a growing reputation in the business community, and are more focused on the types of customers with whom we would like to do business and are working to control our growth, focusing on increasing our margins. As a double bottom line company, we have been successful."

"The people at Murex are very knowledgeable about helping companies succeed, particularly double bottom line companies. It is clear that The ServiceWorks Company would not be where it is today without the help of Murex," said Styer.