Perspectives from the CETA Board of Directors
By Diane M. Calabrese / Published August 2018
Editor’s Note: We met the 2018 members of the CETA board of directors in the January issue of Cleaner Times. Members introduced themselves by telling us what motivated them to serve on the board, what they have learned from this service (or what they expect to learn from the service for first-time board members), what they are looking forward to the most in 2018, and (the nugget version) their professional background.
Members told us a bit about their company, their view of the industry, and their philosophy of doing business, as well as what they enjoy most about their work and their free time interests. To meet board members who have been previously profiled, go to
www.cleanertimes.com/magazine/cleaner-times-articles-2/perspectives-ceta-board-directors/
www.cleanertimes.com/magazine/cleaner-times-articles-2/perspectives-ceta-board-directors-2/
Greg Sprunk, President, Superior Cleaning Equipment—CETA Director
“I think the boiler regulations that Marlo Dean is working on, as well of some of the emission standard issues that are happening in California, are going to be things we need to support and get ahead of,” says Greg Sprunk. “With Superior Cleaning Equipment, we are looking to expand to several other locations and constantly striving to improve our efficiency, empowering our management team, continually hiring great people, and building a culture that competes across all industries, not just our own. I think the online versus dealership issues are going to be interesting but nothing that an excellent customer experience, service, and marketing can’t overcome. But we as dealers are getting squeezed on a lot of different fronts.”
Sprunk looks back with satisfaction on many things he has been able to accomplish. “I was the founding President in Phoenix of the Young Entrepreneurs Organization, called YEO, which is now EO,” says Sprunk. “I also received the Larry Linton award from Landa in 2016. We have been a top Water Maze and Landa Dealer, several times the number one dealer, for the past 20 years.”
There are challenges in his current role, says Sprunk. “I’m learning how to go from being a small business owner and being the main rainmaker to really investing in our people and letting them make decisions and working on the business instead of in the business,” he explains. “I think that’s a hard thing for a lot of entrepreneurs and small business owners to do, and I think it’s difficult to do, but I want to make that transition and be successful at it—not only because it’s good for the business and the company, but it’s also good for me. We are putting a lot of time and effort into finding the right people for our business and culture. That’s been very rewarding, and we have a great team here at SCE.”
Balancing the challenges brings rewards. Top among them are “the friends that I have in the industry,” says Sprunk. “Some of my closest friends and people I respect the most are in the industrial cleaning equipment industry. Customers, fellow dealers, and suppliers of ours have become very important to me personally as well as professionally. I enjoy those relationships and I learned a lot from them—and I hope I can return something to them as well.”
Several people have had an influence on Sprunk in his professional life, he explains. “The management team at Landa originally, including Larry Linton, Andy Gale, Paul Linton, Marlo Dean, and Lynn Fisher and others at that time, have been pretty instrumental in giving me a chance and opportunity to get in the industry,” says Sprunk. “They took a chance on a contract cleaner who had a lot of ideas and desire and was very customer-service oriented and opinionated. I hope it’s paid off for them. I think the personal touch and the culture that was originally created at Landa as well as the breadth of product line and marketing that was done was very influential, and it’s a standard I still try and hold to today.”
Sprunk juggles many activities and interests in his free time. “I love hunting, going up to my cabin up north, reading, smoking cigars in my man cave, playing my guitars, learning technology, playing with my grandkids, hanging out with my incredible wife and my kids—and I still do the occasional ski trip,” he says.
Linda Chappell, Administrator, Chappell Supply and Equipment, Inc.—CETA Director
“Our industry is changing, and Chappell Supply wants to be part of the great changes ahead,” says Linda Chappell. “Making sure that our company stays in compliance with all the new regulations affecting our industry seems to be a daily challenge. Those changes alone are why anyone in our industry should be a member and involved in CETA.”
Chappell explains that many people have influenced her in her professional life. “I love hearing Dr. Marlo Dean present to our industry and represent our industry regarding regulations—past, present, and future,” she says. “And, of course, my husband, Roy Chappell, is my hero when it comes to our family and industry.”
Her list of mentors is a long one, though, says Chappell. “There are so many in our industry who have been great mentors that it would be impossible to name them individually.”
Being an active member of CETA is an important part of her professional life, says Chappell. “I feel it is a privilege to hear all the opinions and ideas presented in the CETA board meetings,” she says.
Moreover, CETA benefits not only from the learning and communication it facilitates; it also derives vigor from dedicated staff, says Chappell. “Hats off to the current board, but a very special thanks to Debbie Murray and Tracy Wagoner for keeping the current board on track in our meetings.”
With a focus on CETA and its importance to the industry, Chappell recommends others become more active in the organization. “To any member I would say, ‘Serve and see how you can be rewarded.’”
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