Sam’s Janitorial is a True Family Legacy

These days it’s rare to find true family businesses going strong, much less one with more than three decades of industry experience. For Sam’s Janitorial LLC, both are true, and the company is excited about all 2024 will bring. Thanks to help from the Thurston EDC and the Washington APEX Accelerator program, they’re not only able to provide top-tier services but also willing to give back to new business owners looking to achieve similar longevity.

We’ve all heard the statistics. The U.S. Small Business Administration says that only 80% of small businesses make it past year one. Half survive the first five years, and only one-third make it to their tenth anniversary. The numbers are similar for family businesses, with barely 30% transitioning to subsequent generations.

But Sam’s Janitorial has beaten those odds…and then some. Owner Christine Porter explains that the family moved to Washington State in 1993 to better their lives. “It was the best decision we ever made!” she says. Her husband, Samuel Lee Porter, was the namesake of the company. She recalls that he “was very talented in the janitorial industry and he worked very hard for our family.”

Porter says that her husband’s experience, passion, and expertise led them to open Sam’s Janitorial in 2010, serving customers around Thurston County. Sam has since passed away, “but we as a company have dedicated our continued hard work in his memory. Today, we always do our best and practice the same core values from opening day.”

Since taking over the company, Porter considers herself grateful, blessed, and honored to be gifted with such a secure, thriving business. “Our mission is to strive to be the best we can,” she explains, “providing the best janitorial services and building long-lasting relationships with our customers. We have been providing janitorial services for over 23 years and have over 30 years’ experience in the field.”

Achieving this level of success required more than just hours of hard work at each job site. At Sam’s Janitorial, they quickly realized the benefits of Thurston EDC and APEX Accelerators guidance. Porter says, “As a business owner I do my best to stay current with revolving changes in the industry; always learning, staying educated, updated on new rules, training, and the chemicals we use to help us grow. I constantly utilize my community resources to be a successful company, APEX being one.”

Porter has used APEX Accelerators for help with current policies, business classes, research, and technical support. “They have so many resources,” she says. “I am very grateful for APEX, and as we advance, if I ever need any assistance, I will definitely seek their help. They have been reliable and supportive, and I am very thankful for this community resource. It has definitely built my confidence.”

Looking ahead, Porter hopes that in 2024, they continue to progress and grow as a company, expanding to their fullest potential. But throughout, she hopes they never lose sight of their core values: great customer service, up-to-date practices, and reliability.

When not working, she spends time with her son Sammy—another legacy namesake to his father—and enjoys swimming, gardening, watching movies, and kickboxing.

If you’re looking for a premier janitorial team for your company, office, or building and have questions about their services, call Porter at 360.972.9544 today. She’s happy to discuss options, availability, and the many small business success strategies learned over the years. Working together, sharing insights, giving back, and networking with others is the apex of success for Sam’s Janitorial, especially within the Thurston EDC family.