OpenWorks Adds Steve Smith to Lead Human Resources Team

HR Professional's Blend of People Skills and Business Acumen Complements Facility Services & Commercial Cleaning Franchise Operator's Growing Workforce

PHOENIX (July 20, 2021) – OpenWorks, a leading national facility services and commercial cleaning franchise operator, has added Steve Smith as its Vice President of Human Resources and Culture. Smith will help OpenWorks’ dynamic leadership team navigate the evolving workforce needs of an organization experiencing exponential growth.

Smith brings more than 20 years of experience leading human resources teams for public and private companies. He has a strong background in business operations, human resources management, organizational design, training and development, lean process implementation, psychology and human behavior. 

With experience in numerous industry sectors, including global manufacturing, oil and gas, engineering, transportation and logistics markets, Smith is well-poised to deliver on the unique needs of OpenWorks’ diverse customer base, which spans facilities including education, financial, healthcare, hospitality, industrial, office and retail.

“Steve’s leadership across numerous essential human resources functions is sure to be an incredible asset to OpenWorks now and well into the future,” said Ryan Waldron, Senior Vice President of Growth at OpenWorks. “His breadth of knowledge and personable work style are well suited for building and improving our workforce and systems in tandem with our overall business growth.” 

OpenWorks, a leader in creating safer workplaces since its founding in 1983, has seen rapid growth in recent years, resulting in an expanding team of professionals dedicated to cleanliness and safety. Over the course of the pandemic, businesses and other public facilities began placing unprecedented priority on advanced cleaning measures.

This in turn spurred accelerated growth for OpenWorks, thanks to its comprehensive and progressive approach, including the use of electrostatic technology and broad-spectrum hard surface disinfectants that are proven effective against viruses like COVID-19. As demand for OpenWorks’ services is flourishing, so is the workforce that now spans more than 20 corporate offices and more than 700 franchise locations from coast to coast. 

“Steve brings a unique blend of people skills and business sense that will be instrumental in ensuring that we’re attracting and retaining top-rate talent as we continue to grow OpenWorks,” Waldron said. 

Prior to moving into the corporate arena, Smith spent 18 years as a commercial fisherman in Alaska and the North Pacific, including 10 years as a top-producing crab and long-line captain. The experiences are the basis of his book, “Lessons from the Sea.”

Smith holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources and Organizational Management from Colorado Christian University and senior-level certifications with the Human Resources Certification Institute (SPHR) and Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM-SCP). 

About OpenWorks:

Founded in 1983, OpenWorks is one of the fastest-growing franchise operators in the United States. Since its inception, the company has been guided by its mission to help businesses and schools improve their impact and results by making their facilities cleaner, safer and healthier. OpenWorks offers consistent commercial cleaning, janitorial and maintenance services – as well as integrated facility services – through reputable local franchisees. Headquartered in Phoenix, the company has more than 20 corporate offices and more than 700 franchise locations across the country. For more information about OpenWorks, visit openworksweb.com.