MAXIMUM MAINTENANCE: “If something needs to be cleaned, we can clean it!” Mario Luna (left) and Larry Feldman, owner and former owner, respectively, of Princeton Building Maintenance Co, Inc., are proud of the company’s long history and valued reputation in the commercial cleaning and maintenance industry. “Since 1955, our teams have brought a new level of high quality care to hundreds of structures throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania.”
By Jean Stratton
Seventy years of operating a successful business.
Not many businesses can make that claim today. Few stand the test of time that such longevity requires. Whether challenged by changing customer tastes, technological and online competition, or unforeseen developments, many seem to be here today and gone tomorrow!
So it is all the more remarkable that Princeton Building Maintenance Co. Inc. is still here, thriving, and has a unique story to tell.
Opened in 1955, it started out as a window cleaning company in Princeton. As the years passed, it evolved, and in 1960, it was purchased by Samuel Feldman, who added more services, and it became known as Princeton Building Maintenance. In 1971, the company moved to its current location at 3490 Route 1 North, near Quakerbridge Mall.
In The Family
In 1974, the business remained in the family, when Samuel’s son Larry purchased the company with his partner Kevin J. Kelly.
“Kevin and I expanded the business further,” explains Larry Feldman. “We added more locations, and the client base grew. Our services included basic cleaning, primarily of commercial spaces, such as offices, warehouses, stores, restaurants, churches, and institutions, etc.
“We changed with the area. The population was increasing, and there were more businesses. There has been tremendous growth over the years. Then, when Mario came on board in 1998, we continued to expand, and grew to include our current services and area.”
“When I joined the company, I thought it could be a real opportunity, that I could have a career here,” recalls Mario Luna. His work covered a wide range of responsibilities, including area supervisor and operations manager before he became owner in 2022.
As Feldman points out, “Mario showed ability not only in managing people but also in overseeing the operation of the business.”
In fact, Luna’s is a remarkable story. Arriving in the U.S. from Guatemala in 1989, he could not have known what the future in a new country held for him. As he reflects on that journey, he says, “I feel fortunate to lead the company that has been my home for so long, the company that saw me grow and develop professionally. This is not only a personal achievement, but an opportunity to continue creating value for our customers, employees, and the community.”
“Maximum Care”
The company’s focus is on maintenance and cleaning for a variety of businesses and locations throughout Princeton, Mercer County, and also Middlesex, Monmouth and Bucks Counties.
Princeton Building Maintenance prides itself on a “Maximum Care” strategy “that goes beyond traditional maintenance by offering cleaning, recycling, and waste disposal solutions customized to each facility, no matter the use or square footage.”
In addition, according to satisfied customers, its top-of -the-line vacuum, waxing, and shampooing machines provide fast, thorough cleaning whatever the type of flooring or use.
The company offers a 5-Point Maintenance System, emphasizing cleaning speed, efficiency, and quality service:
- Office Areas: Supervised detail cleaning is performed on a rotating basis in addition to nightly service.
- Lavatories: Clients can select from an array of quarterly specialized services in addition to nightly sanitation.
- Carpeted Surfaces: A full range of scheduled maintenance options is available. Spot cleaning is performed regularly, especially in high-traffic areas.
- Tile Surfaces: Scheduled scrubbing and resealing along with restorative buffing is provided in addition to regular nightly service.
- Windows: Perimeter and partition glass windows are washed according to clients’ special uses and scheduling.
Power Washing
Additional services include daytime porters, construction clean-up, parking lot clean-up, and more. Another important service is power washing exterior walls, patios, and outdoor furniture.
“We can also do painting of exterior and interiors, if requested,” notes Luna, “and we offer handyman-type small repair services, if needed. We have also been known to water plants!”
The company has contracts with many clients whose businesses and facilities range in size. They are typically scheduled for daily cleaning, although some may be weekly, bi-weekly, etc., depending on size and needs.
“One of our specialties is deep-cleaning carpets,” reports Feldman, who adds the business has seen changes over the years as advances in equipment and cleaning techniques have become available. “Our equipment has become more efficient as advances have been made, and our clients can count us for the latest developments.”
Whatever changes have taken place, the focus on quality work and an experienced, capable staff has remained the same, he emphasizes.
“We have a 50 to 70 member cleaning team, and six administrative employees, including area supervisors. We have very high standards, and we do background checks on the cleaning team.”
Close To Perfection
The number of workers to clean a particular facility can include a crew of four or five, depending on the size of the place, he adds. The work schedule is Monday through Friday from 6 to 10 p.m.
“Whatever facility we clean, we want it to be as close to perfection as possible,” stresses Luna. “We do monthly inspections of the work areas, and I accompany the area supervisors on these inspections. Clients will also let us know if there has been any kind of accident in their space, so we can be prepared.
“I enjoy going out with the supervisors on the inspections, and if there is a problem, fixing it. Our clients know we will take care of everything. We also use safe, environmentally-friendly cleaning products.”
Luna is proud to be associated with a company that has such a long history and outstanding reputation, and he hopes to be able to carry on its tradition.
Family Business
“My goal is to continue innovating and improving, maintaining the spirit that has characterized us from the start. As we go forward, we want to introduce our services to benefit new clients and new areas.
“I also look forward to my children becoming part of the business. My wife is already involved, and as my children join us, the company will continue as a family business, as it did with Larry and his father.
“And importantly, the passion and dedication of our employees and customers have been key to our success. I am excited to continue working together to achieve new milestones.”
Although he is now retired, Larry Feldman continues to be involved in Princeton Building Maintenance as a consultant. He strongly supports Mario Luna’s contribution and vision.
“What I have always enjoyed most is the client contact. We have such loyal, longstanding customers, and many have become friends over the years. It’s the trust that has developed. They know they can count on us.
“I have been very proud of the business and our reputation. And now this is continuing because of Mario.”
For further information, call (609) 520-0888. Visit the website at pbmcleans4u.com.