At first glance, you might not notice anything unusual about the man in the blue lab coat collecting coffee mugs from desks or quietly straightening up the shared workspace. But if you’ve worked with us long enough, you’ll know that the “janitor” is actually our CEO, Steve Shread.
No, he’s not undercover. He’s not pulling a prank. And he’s certainly not micromanaging. He’s doing it because he believes in something bigger than a title: servant leadership, humility, and a culture of ownership.
Here’s why our CEO occasionally rolls up his sleeves and takes on janitorial duties – and why it matters.
1. To Keep His Ego in Check
Leadership can come with perks – and a pedestal. But our CEO believes that staying grounded is essential for staying connected. Picking up trash, wiping down tables, or washing up after an office lunch reminds him that no task is beneath anyone, especially not the people at the top.
It’s not about optics. It’s about values.
2. To Model Servant Leadership
You’ve probably heard the term “servant leader” thrown around in management books and TED Talks. But around here, it’s more than a buzzword. When your CEO is willing to do what others might avoid, it sets a powerful example. It shows that leadership is about service, not status.
If something needs doing, do it. Titles don’t clean kitchens – people do.
3. To Build a Culture of Ownership
When the CEO takes out the trash, it sends a message: we all own this place. That kind of mindset trickles down. It encourages everyone – whether you’re in design, finance, sales, or support – to treat the workplace like it’s theirs to care for.
You’d be amazed how often this one small act inspires others to step up in unexpected ways.
4. To Stay Observant and Present
Some of the best insights don’t come from strategy meetings – they come from the break room, the hallway, or the corner desk near the printer. By blending in and doing something as simple as refilling paper towels, our CEO gets a real-time pulse on how people are doing, what they need, and how the company really feels.
That’s not spying – it’s staying present and human.
5. To Remind Everyone That No Job Is Too Small
In a growing company, everyone wears multiple hats. Sometimes they’re glamorous, sometimes they’re not. But if the CEO is cleaning the kitchen or sweeping the floor without complaint, it’s hard to justify thinking any task is “beneath you.”
It’s a living example of our belief: how you do the small things is how you do everything.
Final Thoughts
It’s not every day you see a CEO with a mop or a bin bag – but for us, it’s business as usual. It’s not about showmanship, humility theatre, or trying to be “cool.” It’s about building a culture that values respect, responsibility, and real leadership.
Because the best leaders don’t just talk about values – they live them.
Even if that means scrubbing the microwave.
