A Life of Service, A Career of Impact: Pete Duncanson’s 40 Years at ServiceMaster® Brands

In 1985, a young Pete Duncanson walked into the ServiceMaster franchise in Oak Park Illinois for his first day on the job, starting in telemarketing and quickly transitioning into carpet cleaning. Just four months later, he purchased the franchise, setting the stage for a career that would span four decades and leave an indelible mark on ServiceMaster Brands.

Today, Pete serves as the Vice President of Training and Technical Support for  ServiceMaster Brands, but his journey has been anything but linear. From franchise owner to General Manager, from IT Director to Regional Operations Manager, Pete has worn many hats. His adaptability and commitment to growth have made him a cornerstone of the company’s evolution.

Pete’s career has been defined by a deep alignment with ServiceMaster’s original core objectives: to honor God, help people develop, pursue excellence, and grow profitably. These principles weren’t just corporate slogans to Pete but rather guiding lights. “It was not just a corporate saying; we all lived those objectives,” he reflects. While the core behaviors and business landscape have naturally evolved over the years, Pete’s unwavering dedication to these foundational values has remained constant. Through every change and challenge, he has consistently demonstrated a steadfast commitment to helping the company and its franchisees thrive. His ability to adapt while staying true to ServiceMaster’s mission has been a hallmark of his impactful career.

Throughout his tenure, Pete has been instrumental in shaping the company’s technical and training programs. He developed the X-SITE suite of programs, led the implementation of advanced odor control systems, and championed structural drying techniques grounded in psychrometry. His expertise has made him a go-to consultant for complex water, mold, and specialty loss situations, even earning the trust of insurance companies for third-party evaluations.

Pete’s influence extends beyond technical prowess. He’s a mentor, a teacher, and a servant leader. He’s trained countless franchise owners, taught OSHA-certified safety courses, and served on national standards committees for the IICRC and served on their board of directors for 12 years (4 as chairman). His certifications, ranging from Master Water Restorer to Certified Mold Remediation Supervisor, are a testament to his dedication to excellence.

But perhaps what stands out most is Pete’s heart. He speaks fondly of Bill Pollard, former Chairman of the Board, whose handwritten notes during Pete’s son’s illness exemplified the company’s culture of care. Pete has carried that same compassion forward, striving to be someone who “was there to help others and had some impact on their life or careers.”

As ServiceMaster Brands has navigated public and private ownership, shifting leadership, and evolving business models, Pete has remained a steady force. “Weathering the storm of changes and yet keeping a focus on our customers and franchises has been the biggest challenge,” he says. And yet, he believes the best is still to come: “I have never been so proud of being part of the company as I am right now.”

Outside of work, Pete is equally dedicated to his family, his church, and his community. He lives in Arlington, TN with his wife and is a proud father of four and 12 grandchildren. He served as a Scoutmaster and Council Training Chairman for the Boy Scouts of America and is on track to become an ordained Lutheran pastor.

As he looks ahead to his 45-year milestone, which is a personal goal for him to hit before retirement, Pete continues to embody the values that have defined his career. His advice to new team members? “The job is today; the career is tomorrow. Don’t come here for a title or prestige, but for how you can contribute to the team, the network, and the overall growth of the company.”

Congratulations, Pete, on 40 extraordinary years. Your legacy is one of service, integrity, and unwavering commitment and ServiceMaster Brands is better because of you.