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It is with pride and respect that I submit my nomination for the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business of The Year. In previous years I have not felt compelled to
participate in this process as many of the companies we deal with at General Mills are categorized in the Large Business area. However we have used the nominee's
organization now for quite a few years and if there was ever a small business that was as dedicated, ethical and customer focused as "Top to Bottom" I would have submitted
them years ago.
Owned by Larry and Margaret Shepherd, "Top to Bottom" was started in 1998 as a family operation. With two employees they began their business
as a small office and building cleaning service. In their first year they generated $80,000 in gross sales and made a small profit. It would be safe to say that on a cost per hour
basis their net was most likely below minimum wage. This however is what makes "Top to Bottom" so unique. They are a customer-focused business. The ethics, both personal
and professional, are beyond approach in the industry. The pride they take in every job to assure satisfaction is shared from the "top to the bottom" and any complaints or
concerns are personally followed up and resolved to the customer's satisfaction by the owners.
From a small local office cleaning business "Top to Bottom" now operates
from McAllen, Texas to Memphis, Tennessee and most stated in between. The Shepherd's have grown their business to include their tow daughters, Lisa and Amy, as well as 46
additional employees. New sales should be in excess of $2,000,000 and growing. The Shepherd's are involved with all aspects of industrial and commercial cleaning and building
maintenance. They are members of the Building Service Contractors, the National Organization of Toxic Mold Remediators and are OSHA HAZMAT and HAZMERT certified. Of special
consideration is the certification regarding toxic mold. Air quality and purity became a national obsession with the introduction of Legionnaires Disease in the late 1980's. Today
the wide spread publicity surrounding molds and their impact on air quality has created a niche business for "Top to Bottom" which they will be one of the first in our area to take
advantage of. Clearly this positions them proactively for growth in the area of mold remediation and consultation.
As they have grown "Top to Bottom" has done a
tremendous job of retaining their commitment of competitive cost, outstanding quality and great customer service. This is perhaps one of the most humble group of business
entrepreneurs I have had the pleasure of knowing. Their personal ethics are only exceeded in their work ethic, which they instill positively in all their employees.
It is
with pride and respect for this organization that I submit this nomination. Please ask the reviewing panel to give this business due consideration. It is without a doubt one of
the finest organizations in the Joplin small business community. Would like to thank BKD for continuing to sponsor this award. Please pass along my thanks to the review
committee for their time and effort.
Kevin Wilson, Plant Manager
General Mills Bakeries & Foodservice
We would like to recommend Top to Bottom Cleaning and Maintenance as a
contractor. Over the past five years we have contracted them to do a variety of different cleaning jobs and construction work of all kinds. In all cases we have found them to be
very professional and honest in their dealings. We have been very pleased with their work.
Dixie George, FM Joplin, MO
The Church of Latter-Day Saints
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