As a leading provider of commercial cleaning and building services across the United States, this woman-owned company is committed to innovation, sustainability, and diversity, ensuring workplaces are both pristine and environmentally responsible. It focuses on enhancing health, safety, productivity, and asset preservation, helping businesses create cleaner and more efficient environments.

Harvard® Services Group Inc. is setting the standard in the industry.

A bold rebranding

Founded in 1986 as Harvard Cleaning Services, the company that would evolve into Harvard Services Group has a rich legacy built on a commitment to excellence in building services. However, it wasn’t until 2012, when Nathalie Doobin acquired the company and rebranded it, that the business took its modern form and began its rise as a leader in the commercial cleaning industry.

Before becoming a successful entrepreneur, Nathalie Doobin’s career spanned leadership roles in Fortune 500 companies. Her extensive background in leading high-performing teams and driving innovation provided a strong foundation for her decision to take over Harvard Cleaning Services in 2012. The company was already well-established, having provided cleaning services for more than 25 years, but Doobin saw an opportunity to transform it into something greater.

In a bold move, she rebranded the company to Harvard Services Group and set about infusing it with new vision and values. Drawing from her extensive experience in corporate environments, Doobin crafted a strategy centered on innovation, sustainability, diversity, and a performance-driven approach to service. Under her leadership, the company began to expand its footprint, offering tailored solutions to industries across the United States, including commercial office spaces, corporate campuses, financial institutions, educational facilities, and healthcare environments.

The company’s commitment to excellence allowed it to grow rapidly, attracting large clients while maintaining its personal touch and customer-first mentality. Now, Harvard Services Group is a nationally recognized leader, serving clients across various sectors with a team of over 500 employees.

Today, Harvard Services Group is a 100% women-owned and led enterprise, standing as a powerful example of how dedication, innovation, and a focus on sustainability can drive success in an industry that has historically been male-dominated.

What sets Harvard Services Group apart?

Harvard Services Group also embraces cutting-edge technologies to optimize operations and enhance service delivery. Their proprietary Inverted Pyramid® method, which places employees at the forefront of the organizational structure, ensures that the company remains a top performer. This people-first approach, which is central to the company’s philosophy, fosters a culture of respect, growth, and empowerment. Employees are not just part of the team—they are the backbone of the company.

An advocate for women

One of the core principles that sets Harvard Services Group apart from its competitors is its commitment to sustainability, diversity, and innovation. As a 100% women-owned business certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the company takes pride in empowering women in the workplace and leading the charge for diversity in the cleaning industry.

One of the most rewarding aspects of leading Harvard Services Group for Doobin is her advocacy for women, particularly in an industry that has often lacked female representation. The cleaning industry, like many others, has traditionally been male dominated, but Doobin is dedicated to changing that. Through her leadership, she has not only created a thriving business but also a supportive environment for women who aspire to leadership roles.

As a mentor and active member of organizations like the ISSA Hygieia Network, Doobin’s efforts extend far beyond the walls of Harvard Services Group. She is a staunch advocate for women in business, encouraging female talent to pursue careers in cleaning and facility management—fields where women’s contributions have often been overlooked.

People first

At the heart of Harvard Services Group’s success are several key strategies that have allowed the company to remain at the forefront of the commercial cleaning industry. First and foremost, Doobin’s leadership philosophy centers on people.

Through their proprietary Inverted Pyramid® method, employees are provided with the tools and support they need to excel. This leadership model ensures that workers feel valued and empowered, which, in turn, drives employee retention and service excellence. This method, which places employees at the forefront of the organizational structure, ensures that the company remains a top performer. This people-first approach, which is central to the company’s philosophy, fosters a culture of respect, growth, and empowerment. Employees are not just part of the team—they are the backbone of the company, integral to its success.

While many outside the company may be familiar with its commitment to industry leadership, one area that often goes unnoticed is its focus on employee development and recognition. Harvard Services Group has implemented a range of initiatives designed to celebrate and nurture its employees, including an Employee Spotlight program that highlights individual achievements and contributions. This program not only boosts morale but also reinforces the company’s commitment to fostering a supportive, inclusive work environment.

By providing continuous opportunities for training, mentorship, and advancement, Harvard Services Group ensures that its employees have all the necessary tools to succeed—both personally and professionally. This approach has played a significant role in the company’s low employee turnover rate, which remains significantly lower than the industry average.

Commitment to sustainability

Another cornerstone of the company’s strategy is its focus on sustainability. Harvard Services Group is deeply committed to environmental stewardship. It holds prestigious certifications, including Green Seal GS-42 and ISSA’s Cleaning Industry Management Standard Green Building (CIMS-GB) with Honors, which affirms its leadership in delivering green cleaning solutions and underscores its commitment to environmentally responsible cleaning practices.

Sustainability is a core aspect of the company’s DNA, influencing everything from its cleaning methods and product selection to the delivery of on-site services. As clients increasingly demand eco-friendly solutions, Harvard Services Group stands ready to provide high-performance, green cleaning that supports both environmental and business goals.

Embracing technology

In addition to sustainability, Harvard Services Group embraces cutting-edge technological innovation to optimize operations and enhance service delivery. The company leverages data-driven insights and advanced cleaning technologies to improve service delivery, measure performance, and ensure the highest quality standards. By investing in technology, the company is able to streamline operations, reduce costs, and offer transparency to clients through detailed reporting.

Overcoming challenges and looking ahead

While the company has experienced significant growth, it hasn’t been without its challenges.

As a co-founding council member of the ISSA Hygieia Network, Doobin focuses on mentoring women in the cleaning industry. “One of the key challenges we faced was attracting the right leaders who possessed both the dedication and capacity to invest their time and expertise in developing impactful programs within the Hygieia network,” Doobin said. “Overcoming this obstacle required a strategic approach, which involved identifying and bringing together a group of highly motivated and entrepreneurial women who shared a common vision for driving meaningful change within the industry.”

Doobin is excited about the future of Harvard Services Group. The company is focused on further expanding its sustainability initiatives and integrating more advanced technologies into its service offerings. Additionally, Harvard Services Group plans to continue its advocacy efforts, empowering more women to step into leadership roles.

Advice for the industry

As a leader in the cleaning industry, Doobin has valuable insights to share with other ISSA members and industry professionals. Her advice is simple: “Actively engage with organizations that offer a deep understanding of your industry and provide valuable opportunities to enhance your financial acumen.” By participating in networks like ISSA, members can stay informed about industry trends, gain critical insights, and connect with mentors who can provide guidance and strategic advice.

Doobin also emphasizes the importance of understanding both the operational and financial aspects of running a successful business. “Leverage the network, seek mentorship, and always strive to create a positive impact,” she said.

Setting the standard

Harvard Services Group’s journey from a rebrand in 2012 to its current status as a nationally recognized leader in the cleaning industry is a testament to the power of vision, innovation, and leadership. Through its unwavering commitment to sustainability, diversity, and employee empowerment, the company has set a new standard for excellence in the commercial cleaning industry.

As the company looks to the future, it remains dedicated to delivering exceptional value to its clients, empowering women in business, and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. Harvard Services Group is more than just a cleaning company—it’s a beacon of what’s possible when you put people first, prioritize sustainability, and lead with purpose.

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