Articles

Reflections on a Unique Journey

Categories: ISSA 100th Anniversary, ISSA Insights

As I sit down and write my last President’s Message for ISSA Today, which begins to mark the end of my tenure as the president of this association, I can’t help but reflect on what this year has meant to me. The privilege to serve during our association’s significant 100th anniversary is an honor I have enjoyed. I have been impressed by what I’ve learned and experienced—all part of this closing chapter of the first 100 years of ISSA.

I am honored to be the first building service contractor (BSC) to serve as president. This symbolizes our association’s evolution, adaptability, and willingness to embrace diverse perspectives. It speaks to the trust you all placed in me, a representative from a world tied to our association, but traditionally on the other side of the desk. This merging of our roles and industries has been a testament to our progress.

Serving as your president has been one of the highlights of my professional career. When I took on this role, I did so with a sense of purpose, at times understanding and then discovering that maybe I didn’t quite completely understand the weight of the responsibility. All this being said, this has been one of my greatest honors, something that I will forever remember and value.

Just like the companies and organizations you run or work with, success is all about the people. This is a great industry with great people, and ISSA has always been a hub for me over the years. Our association keeps us all connected and informed and provides the support we all need.

Looking ahead, my confidence in the future of our association is strong. Our membership is in excellent hands. With a leadership team that has proven itself time and again, combined with an incredibly talented support staff, the future looks great. We are unique as an association in that many others in various industries struggle to continue, yet we thrive. We identify challenges, embrace them, and determine the best path forward. This resilience and growth are a testament to our association’s inherent strength and the collective efforts of members of ISSA.

The best part of this year has been interacting with so many of you. These interactions have taught me much and have given me more perspective that will drive my future as I continue at the helm of the Vonachen Group, my family business that has stepped up and given me the time away I needed to lead ISSA this year.

Each conversation, every handshake, and every meeting—and now ISSA Show North America 2023—has meant so much to me.

As you read this, I hope to help pave the way for the next chapter of ISSA. I do it with mixed emotions. I’ve enjoyed my time as president, but will also enjoy seeing what is next for ISSA.

Let’s continue to advance clean, drive innovation, and enter the next 100 years with the goal of making the industry a better place each day.

Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving you.

About the Author.

Matt Vonachen is president of ISSA and the CEO of Vonachen Group, a commercial and industrial service provider based in Peoria, Illinois.