For 75 years, Betco® Corporation has been a leader in the cleaning industry, growing from a nascent chemical manufacturer to an internationally recognized leading provider of state-of-the-art cleaning solutions and biotechnology. Headquartered in Bowling Green, Ohio, the company continues to drive innovation in the cleaning industry with a commitment to customer service, sustainability, and continuous improvement.

With over 350+ unique solutions for cleaning, disinfecting, coating, floor care, industrial applications, and other assorted specialty cleaning and maintenance products, Betco also offers a complete line of equipment for every cleaning task, from next-generation floor-scrubbing machines to heavy-duty stripping machines.

As Betco marks its 75th milestone anniversary in 2025, CEO and President Brad Betz discussed the company’s journey, how it has navigated industry challenges, the strategies that have helped in a competitive marketplace, its commitment to innovation, and what lies ahead for the future.

Family legacy rooted in innovation

Betco’s story began in 1950, when Carl and Ann Betz, Brad’s grandparents, founded the company in Northwest Ohio. Their goal was simple: to provide high-quality cleaning solutions in an industry that was just beginning to take shape. With this goal in mind, they established Betco Corporation and entered the cleaning and sanitation industry.

“After working for other companies in the cleaning industry,” Brad Betz explained, “my grandfather decided to go out on his own, launching Betco with just two products—an all-purpose cleaner and a toilet bowl cleaner.” Having had experience in the distribution industry, the Betz family realized they could provide customers with higher-quality products and quicker service than distribution suppliers could at the time.

The evolution of Betco

As time rolled on, Betco expanded beyond local distribution, adding distributors nationwide and internationally, broadening its product lines, and acquiring complementary brands. Today, Betco operates from a state-of-the-art, 500,000-square-foot manufacturing and distribution facility in Bowling Green, Ohio, and remains committed to continuous innovation and customer-driven solutions.

As the decades passed, Betco continued to evolve, meeting the changing needs of its customers, yet remaining steadfast in terms of its principles and values. With a cutting-edge manufacturing facility, strategic acquisitions driving growth, and ongoing investment in research and development, Betco has introduced revolutionary products and solutions that redefine industry standards.

Examples include microbial cleaning technologies using microbes fermented by their wholly owned subsidiary, EnviroZyme®. EnviroZyme is a world leader in microbial biotechnology, leveraging the power of naturally sustainable microbial solutions to solve problems for people and the planet effectively. They custom ferment, formulate, blend, and package beneficial bacteria capable of breaking down potentially harmful organic compounds.

Betco also offers extensive training programs like Betco U, combining expertise and education with digital innovation to enable cleaning professionals to augment their skills and adopt best practices.

The Betco difference: What sets it apart?

When asked what makes Betco stand out in a competitive marketplace, Betz emphasized the company’s customer-first mindset, family-driven culture, and commitment to continuous improvement.

“We’re all in for our customers,” he said. “As a family business, we keep things personal—anyone can have a direct relationship with anyone in our company. There’s not as much hierarchy, and we’re fast and flexible when responding to our customers’ needs.”

Internally, Betco fosters a culture of collaboration, respect, and care for others. The company has also embraced continuous improvement, an ethos driving its expansion, product innovation, and operational efficiency.

Strategies for success in a changing industry

How does a company like Betco continue to grow and evolve after seven decades? According to Betz, success comes from long-term strategic thinking, operational efficiency, and a focus on customer needs.

Long-term growth focus. In 2016, Betco consolidated multiple facilities into a single, modern manufacturing plant in Bowling Green, Ohio—a bold move that signaled the company’s commitment to long-term success. “In business, you don’t make those kinds of investments with a short-term mindset,” Betz said. “We’re constantly looking ahead and thinking about how to position Betco for sustained growth.”

A strong market approach. Betco works across multiple sales channels, supporting strategic distributor partnerships, national accounts, and end users. The company’s ability to adapt to shifting industry needs has been crucial in maintaining strong relationships and expanding its reach.

Operational efficiency and innovation. From advanced production capabilities to continuous investments in efficiency, Betco prioritizes operational excellence to deliver high-quality products at scale.

Training and value beyond the product. “Innovation isn’t just about products—it’s also about how we support our customers,” Betz noted. One central focus area for Betco is training and education. “We’ve invested heavily in digital training,” he explained. “Our MyBetco training platform offers interactive e-learning courses, OSHA requirements, and accreditation programs—helping both distributors and cleaning professionals upskill and improve their processes.”

Overcoming challenges: Lessons from the past

No company lasts 75 years without facing significant challenges. Betz reflected on two pivotal moments in Betco’s recent history:

The move to Bowling Green (2016-2018). Consolidating four facilities into one was a significant undertaking, and the transition wasn’t as smooth as anticipated. “We actually moved into the new facility and quickly realized it wasn’t fully operational,” Betz admitted. “We had to run both the old and new plants simultaneously for several months. It was tough, but our team pulled together and figured it out.”

The post-pandemic hangover and supply chain disruptions. While COVID-19 drove demand for sanitizers and disinfectants, the industry faced a massive supply chain crisis, inflation spikes, and inventory management challenges shortly afterward. “The period from 2022 onward was one of the toughest,” Betz said. “We had inflation, supply chain breakdowns, and excess inventory from COVID. We had morning meetings every day to tackle the previous day’s challenges. Our team had to be agile and responsive.”

Advice for business leaders

As a third-generation leader, Betz understands the complexities of running and growing a business. When asked to share some advice, he kept it simple:

Set clear goals: “Define what success looks like.”

Prioritize and focus the team: “You can’t do everything at once. Focus on what really matters.”

Execute relentlessly: “Say what you’re going to do—and then do it.”

A 71-year partnership with ISSA

In its early years, Betco generated a great deal of interest and was able to successfully acquire 45 distributor partners at their first appearance at ISSA Show in 1954.

Having been an ISSA member for 71 years, Betz acknowledged how vital that relationship has been for the company’s growth. “My grandparents used ISSA trade shows as a primary way to meet new customers,” he recalled. “Back in the day, they’d literally write orders on the show floor. ISSA was foundational in building Betco’s early success as well as today.”

A bright future for Betco

From product innovation to business growth, Betco continues to set the standard. What will be next for Betco?

Betz is excited about the future, particularly in sustainability and biotechnology. One of the company’s most significant investment area is biotechnology through Betco’s EnviroZyme brand.

“We’re leading the way in probiotic solutions and seeing applications in everything from agriculture to aquaculture and traditional commercial cleaning,” Betz explained. “This technology is already a major step toward sustainable cleaning, and ongoing research is uncovering further potential, such as leveraging the ability of beneficial microbes to displace harmful bacteria and viruses to maintain cleaner environments.”

As Betco celebrates its 75th anniversary, Betz remains focused on growth, innovation, and ensuring the company thrives for future generations.

“We’ve built a strong foundation, and we’re excited for what’s ahead,” Betz claimed. “From sustainability to cutting-edge cleaning solutions, the future is full of opportunities. We’re here to keep pushing forward, serving our customers, and driving innovation in the industry.”

Betco is truly a proven leader in the cleaning industry and a prime example of innovation, resilience, and success. There’s much more to come!

Sidebars

Carl Betz was a forward-thinking entrepreneur. Along with his wife Ann, they created a legacy.

BONUS VIDEO CONTENT: issa.com/betco