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Everyday Heroes, ServiceMaster Clean, ServiceMaster Restore
ServiceMaster® multi-generational everyday heroes: Chris, John & Braden Brown
Meet ServiceMaster® everyday heroes: Chris, John and Braden Brown of ServiceMaster Fredericton. ServiceMaster Fredericton is a multi-generational family business, combining ServiceMaster Clean® and ServiceMaster Restore® franchises. It all began in 1979 when John Brown bought into an existing cleaning company in 1980, which eventually became a ServiceMaster Clean franchise in 1988. Chris Brown, John’s son, joined the family business in 1991 after graduating from college, and then became owner in 2002. Today, three generations of the Brown family run the franchise, with Chris’ son, Braden, actively learning the family trade and participating in restoration jobs. Their commitment to exceptional service and their dedication to their community make them everyday heroes in the industry.
In honor of Father’s Day, Chris Brown shares what it’s like to own and operate a business alongside his father and son, and the legacy he wants to leave behind to his children.
Chris Brown – Father, Son & Owner of ServiceMaster Fredericton
What is it like to build a business with your father and son?
Building a business with my father and son is unique. I find myself instilling the same work ethic in my son as my dad did and even offering my son, Braden, the same advice I remember getting from my father while working alongside of him – since the age of 14 -on the carpet truck in the early days through the 1980’s.
Why did you decide to build a company alongside your father and son?
It was never my first choice. Becoming a police officer was my first choice, but I decided against it after riding alongside a police officer/cruiser for a few weeks trying to determine if this was the right career for me – which I decided it was not. My second choice was to go to school to become a computer programmer and again, I realized it was not for me. Thankfully my dad approached me in my 2nd year of college (1990) to come back and use my marketing skills to build the business. I finally accepted, and here I am here today with no regrets.
How has being a dad given you the skills to run your own business?
Becoming a dad in 2001, when my daughter was born, gave me the skills to build a business with integrity and to never stop fighting for what you believe in. I believe children are your biggest challenge, but with guidance and with a strong partner by your side, they can also be your biggest reward. The more you put into being a great parent the better your children will be – pretty similar to building a business.
What does it mean to you to be a multi-generational business owner?
Being a multi-generational business brings one thing to mind: SUCCESS. It’s not easy to even go 2 generations, let alone 3. When my son started with me in 2022 fresh out of High School – and after spending his last 2 summers learning how to roof – it was really exciting. It’s great when he comes to me at the end of the day with an endless amount of questions that I am happy to answer!
What legacy are you hoping to leave behind for your son, daughter and future generations?
The legacy I’m looking forward to leaving behind is owning a business that involves making the people around you better, helping people when they are at their lowest – particularly after a devastating fire or flood – and becoming involved in the community to make it a better place to live and raise children. Hopefully I can instill this in both of my children for many years to come by following the lead I took from my dad and watching my children/child take it to the next level!
What about ServiceMaster Restore® and ServiceMaster Clean® made it the right company for you and your career?
I didn’t really understand the brands when I started at the age of 14 or what it meant. Being in the business now for over 40 years, there is not another brand I am proud of more than this one. I have developed such great friendships with other owners all over North America and particularly in Atlantic Canada. I will never stop believing in Team Yellow and all the great people I have met and continue to meet. I take great pride knowing that we are one big team, we really enjoy being together in the same room and I know (as told by Home Office) we have the tightest team regionally in all of Canada and beyond!
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