Every day, custodians help create clean, safe and welcoming environments for students, employees, visitors and entire communities. While their work often happens behind the scenes, its impact is felt throughout every facility. 

Custodian Appreciation Month is an opportunity to recognize the people who make these spaces possible and celebrate the dedication, care and consistency they bring to their work. At GSF USA, our team members are more than the people responsible for maintaining a building. They are essential members of the facilities they serve and communities that depend on them. This month, GSF USA is shining a spotlight on the people behind the work, sharing their stories and recognizing the difference they make every day.  

The Impact of Custodial Teams 

A clean facility is more than appearances. From maintaining classrooms and common areas to keeping restrooms and high-traffic spaces clean, custodians help create environments where people can learn, work and feel comfortable. 

Maintaining a high standard of cleanliness requires attention to detail, adaptability and a commitment to doing the job right. Custodians respond to cleaning needs daily, address unexpected challenges and work consistently to keep facilities ready for the people who use them.  

At Pennfield Schools, consistent cleaning makes a clear difference. Superintendent Stephanie Lemmer shared her perspective on the results after working with GSF USA,  

“The place looks sparkly. I’ve never seen it so clean. I’m proud when I walk into a building and see the floors shining, the windows clean and all of the supplies stocked in our bathrooms.” 

These experiences highlight the importance of custodial teams and the impact their work has on the people who rely on clean, well-maintained spaces every day.  

Behind Every Clean Facility is a Dedicated Team 

While the results of custodial work are easy to see, the people behind those results deserve just as much recognition. Every well-maintained facility reflects the time, effort and teamwork of the individuals who care for it. 

At GSF USA, creating a positive work environment starts with recognizing the value each team member brings. This means ensuring team members feel supported by their leadership and have opportunities to develop their skills and advance within the company.   

“Since I’ve worked at GSF USA, it’s probably the best management I’ve dealt with. Eli does great things for his people, and I’m proud to be part of the team,” said Brianna Boyer, Service Operator with GSF Michigan. 

That sense of support is closely tied to the culture our team leaders work to build. Eli, who leads the Michigan team, describes how recognizing team members’ value and developing their strengths can make a difference. “I think what shocks people the most is how all this change can happen with the same people that have been here for years. It’s simple. We changed the culture. We showed them how important they are, and we build on their skills.”  

Together, these perspectives demonstrate how investing in people can strengthen a team and create an environment where everyone feels valued.  

The People Behind GSF USA 

Every team member has a different story, whether it involves growing into a new role, developing leadership skills or finding a supportive team. Sharing these experiences offers a closer look at what working at GSF USA means to the people who make its work possible.  

For some team members, that experience includes opportunities to grow and take on new responsibilities. “When I started at GSF, I was a Day Custodian. After a few years, I became a day supervisor, and then I transitioned to the role I have now, which is the Operations Support Coordinator. It’s amazing that they took somebody who is a custodian and saw potential to raise them up the ranks and find the right spot,” said Ashlea Lindquist, Operations Support Coordinator at GSF USA.  

Leadership, training and support are also important parts of building a strong team. Noemi Ostiguin, Area Manager at GSF USA, shares what stands out to her about the company; “I chose GSF because of the leadership, training and support that we receive. I work with people who really care about their employees. It’s amazing.” 

Professional development can also have an impact beyond the individual team member. Through training opportunities, team members can strengthen their own knowledge while helping people they lead grow too. “We learn a lot in the GSF University classes that we take here. It helped not only me, but my teammates under me to grow as well,” said Clinton Roby, Branch Manager at GSF USA.  

From maintaining facilities to supporting teammates and developing the next generation of leaders, each person’s experience differs, but all show the value of investing in the people behind the work.  

Building a Culture of Appreciation 

Custodian Appreciation Month provides a dedicated opportunity to celebrate custodial teams, but appreciation should not be limited to a single month on the calendar. Recognizing team members throughout the year reinforces the value of their contributions and reminds them their work matters. 

Meaningful appreciation can take many forms. Acknowledging a job well done, listening to team member feedback, celebrating milestones and providing opportunities for professional development are all ways organizations can demonstrate that they value their teams. 

At GSF USA, appreciation also means taking the time to connect with team members where the work happens. By making team member recognition an ongoing priority, organizations can help create an environment where custodial professionals feel respected, supported and proud of the work they do. 

Celebrating the People Who Make a Difference 

Clean, well-maintained facilities do not happen on their own. They result from people who show up every day, pay attention to detail and take pride in creating spaces others can depend on. 

This Custodian Appreciation Month, GSF USA celebrates the team members whose dedication keeps facilities running and whose contributions make a difference in the communities they serve. Their stories are a reminder that behind every clean classroom, welcoming workplace and well-maintained building is a team of people committed to doing their part.