Jeff Smith was profiled in The Indianapolis Star and the article was also featured on his college’s alumni website, Depauw University.
Jeff Smith’s job is high maintenance, and he likes it that way.
Prior to becoming president and owner of City Wide Maintenance of Indianapolis (part of a national building maintenance management franchise that supports commercial properties), Smith was a sales director in the telecommunications industry. While working toward an MBA from Butler University, he became intrigued with getting involved in a franchise.
“The idea of investing in a proven business model and support system really appealed to me,” he said. “I was especially interested in exploring franchise opportunities in the service industry.”
In 2004, Smith reached out to a franchise broker and, after discussing his goals and skills, was matched with City Wide Maintenance.
“I liked that City Wide Maintenance was looking for franchise partners who had experience in sales, buying and contract negotiation,” he said. “These are skills I developed in my previous career, and I knew I would be fully prepared to develop relationships with clients and suppliers alike.”Under Smith’s direction, City Wide Maintenance was recently honored with a Best of Indianapolis Award for Janitorial Services.
“I am really proud of our team,” said Smith, the subject of IndyStar’s How I Landed My Job feature. “I think this recognition reflects the strides we have made in operations, and how we live by our core values every day.”
Question: What are your main job responsibilities?
Answer: “These days, my main responsibility is being the visionary for the business and our employees. I try to set our goals, develop key initiatives and provide support to all team members. In addition, I assist in looking for the right people to help grow our company. I guide the direction of our hiring efforts and ensure that we are doing our due diligence when searching for talented individuals who fit within our company culture.”
Q: What does a typical workday look like for you?
A: “Generally, my day consists of meetings with clients and vendors. I also spend a great deal of time reading and thinking about the business. I’m regularly on the phone with fellow franchisees discussing best practices.”
Q: What kind of training or education is necessary for a position like yours?
A: “My background in telecom was a good start, but it wasn’t until I obtained my MBA that I felt confident enough to tackle the financial and accounting sides of the business. Learning never stops — I’m always reading about entrepreneurship or leadership.”
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
A: “Living out City Wide’s core values and watching the impact it has on our employees, customers and service providers. It’s great to see how many lives are improved by practicing business the right way.”
Q: What’s the most challenging part of your job?
A: “Developing a work culture that all of my employees can get behind and support.”
Q: What personal traits are key to success in your job?
A: “First, you must be ambitious. It’s important to dream big goals. If they don’t scare you, they’re not big enough. Second, you have to have a passion for customer service, client and employee retention, and all the processes involved in providing it. Third, humility is important because you have to know where you need people with different talents to step in and give you a hand. Finally, you have to define your culture, and attract and retain people who share the same values.”
Q: What advice would you give other people who want to do the kind of work you do?
A: “Set big goals, work hard and commit to ongoing learning.”
Q: What are your professional plans going forward?
A: “I want to grow City Wide Maintenance of Indianapolis into a $35 million to $50 million company over the next 20 years. I want to live out our goal of revolutionizing an industry plagued by mediocrity and simultaneously improve the lives of all stakeholders.”
More about Jeff Smith
Job title: President and owner, City Wide Maintenance of Indianapolis.
Age: 43.
Family: Married with two kids and one more on the way.
Education: B.A. in history from DePauw University, MBA from Butler University.
Previous work experience: MCI and SBC Telecom.
Favorite quote: “Get the right people on the bus and in the right seats.” – Jim Collins
